KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES, BROKERAGE Cover photo by Lindsay Meadwell
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
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e may have just seen the best year ever recorded in Canadian real estate. Sales were up 28% over the previous year!
While you may have heard last year that inventory levels were low, that’s really not true. We actually ended up having an abundance of buyers wanting to get into the market and the available inventory was simply not enough to meet this demand. In 2022 this heavy buyer demand is expected to continue. As a result, more listings need to enter the market to balance this surge of activity. This is where you come in. If you are considering making a move, reach out to our team. We have a number of buyers and sellers just waiting for the right property to become available. We have a number of pocket listings, (not yet on MLS), that just might be the perfect fit for you. The visual included here will show you what really happened in our marketplace over the past 5 years. Real estate will continue to be a great investment. Are you ready to buy a vacation property, an investment property in Canada or the US, or are you looking to help your children buy their first homes? Our team provides coverage throughout the Greater Toronto Area and our network of referral agents allow us to access properties all over North America. Call us today to learn how we can work together to find you the perfect property in 2022. Best regards, Theresa Baird - Broker The Realty Group 647-298-0997
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TORONTO REAL ESTATE IN 2022 A look forward at what to expect in 2022
SOLD WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS 1 Hurontario Street, Suite 1704 in Port Credit, Mississauga
BRRR! FOUR SURPRISES WINTER HAS Several things to watch out for in your home this winter
FOR SALE 80 Port Street, Suite 208 in Port Credit, Mississauga
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Is your family ready in case of an emergency?
SNEAK PEEK 1575 Lakeshore Road West in Mississauga
CONTENTS JA N UA RY I SS UE 2022
15 16 18 20 22 26 29
GOVERNMENTAL AID A list of sites to help you in this unusual time
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TORONTO HOME VALUES UP BY 28% But Brantford beats that
LIVING IN THE SUNNY SOUTH Homes and investment properties in Florida
FOR LEASE 4070 Confederation Parkway, Mississauga
TOP TEN 2022 RESOLUTIONS 10 of the top changes we want to make for 2022
THERESA RECOMMENDS 3 healthy recipes to start off the new year
MEET THE TEAM A brief introduction to the TB Realty Group
TORONTO REAL ESTATE IN 2022
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As seen on www.blogto.com/real-estate-Toronto/2022/01/experts-Toronto-real-estate-market-2022
oronto saw record-breaking increases in home prices in 2021 but things are looking a bit different for 2022. Toronto’s real estate market put home purchases way out of reach for millennials over the past 12 months and, unfortunately, most experts are predicting housing prices will continue to grow next year.
Canadian home values are expected to rise strongly again in 2022, however at a slower pace compared to 2021, according to the Royal LePage Market Survey Forecast.
to rise 10 per cent to $1,564,200, while the median price of a condominium is forecast to increase 12 per cent to $763,800 by the end of 2022.
In the GTA, the aggregate (based on a weighted model using median prices and includes all housing types) price of a home in the fourth quarter of 2022 is forecast to increase 11 per cent year-over-year to $1,256,500.
The Ontario real estate market is anticipated to remain steady in 2022, according to the RE/MAX Canadian Housing Market Outlook. Brokers predict that Muskoka will see one of the highest average sale price increases at 20 per cent.
The median price of a single-family detached property is expected
Mississauga will meanwhile see the biggest hike in the GTA at 14
per cent compared to Toronto’s predicted 10 per cent increase. So when should buyers start looking again? Some experts say the market will remain hot early in the year because there simply aren’t enough properties for sale to meet demand, and people will want to take advantage of low mortgage rates. “Supply will be a critical metric to watch heading into the new year – especially knowing that we may see a hotter January and February than usual, as
Some experts say the market will cool in the summer.
Group, told Yahoo Finance Canada. “All the people that really wanted to move because of COVID, by then that will be kind of the last batch.” No one, however, has a crystal ball, and it is hard to say for certain what will happen in 2022.
“By July things will slow down, especially August,” Nasma Ali, founder and Realtor at One
“There are a lot of factors coming into the market in 2022 that we’ve seen, historically, create a
buyers look to lock in a mortgage rate before next year’s anticipated increases,” says CEO of Zoocasa, Lauren Haw, in Zoocasa’s Housing Market Predictions 2022 report.
lot of urgency in buyers to get into the market,” says Haw. “Things like trying to lock in a mortgage rate before rates increase, choosing a home to weather stronger pandemic restrictions from Omicron, or competing in a market with extremely low supply are all factors that are on the table for next year, and could contribute to making a highly competitive real estate landscape with strong price growth.”
SOLD
WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS
1704 - 1 Hurontario Street, Mississauga LUXURY BUILDING IN THE HEART OF PORT CREDIT The seller of this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo on the 17th floor is thrilled with our results. This condo was sold in a few days with multiple offers and a record selling price. The buyer is happy to have a condo with such a fantastic view to rent to the perfect tenant. If you’re thinking about selling your condo and are looking for these amazing results, reach out to our team today. We’ll take great care of you!
Brrr!
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4 Nasty Surprises You May Face Owning a Home in Winter
Written by Janet Siroto on January 11th, 2022. Article and photo seen on www.Realtor.com
hen you buy a home, there is usually a flurry of things you look forward to experiencing in winter. Watching that first snowfall through the living room window. Snuggling up by the crackling fireplace. Building a snowman or watching your kids make snow angels in the yard.
All of that creates wonderful memories. But some of the things that you discover during your first winter of homeownership can bring you crashing back to reality.
never shut down their gaming station. That first bill was a biggie, and it remained high no matter how much we tried to tamp down our electricity use (more on why later).
In my case, when we bought our 1920s suburban New York home, we had some rude awakenings. For example, the previous homeowners (empty nester’s) told us their heating costs were a couple of hundred dollars per month. We moved in with our boys, who left lights on at every level and
Surprise No. 2 arrived with the first major snowstorm. We’d moved from an apartment and didn’t realize that snowplows would scoot all the white stuff into a hedgehigh barrier blocking our driveway, and making it impossible to leave without hours of shoveling. Also, we didn’t have shovels.
Surprise No. 3: the fireplaces. They were beautiful on the outside, but filthy on the inside. Our home inspection had said to get them cleaned, but it didn’t seem urgent. As it turned out, they were caked with creosote - a toxic, flammable residue. Removing it required us to hire a chimney sweep with a huge mechanical brush-grinder. The noise was horrendous and the bill was not small - but at least we were safe. I’m hardly the only homeowner who’s been hit with some scary, expensive, annoying curve-balls
during my first winter owning a house. Heed these stories on what else may be in store - and what you can do to prepare. 1. HIGH HEATING BILLS Don’t make the mistake I made and assume fuel costs will be equal to what the sellers paid. “If the previous owner of your home was a senior resident, your heating bill might be significantly higher than advertised. In some areas, seniors get discounted energy rates,” says Erin Dunlap, a Denver-area real estate agent who specializes in flipping homes and blogs about home improvement at List in Progress. How to prepare: “Call the utility company in advance to see whether past bills were discounted so you know what to expect when winter heating bills arrive,” suggests Dunlap. If your new home’s heating bills are higher than expected, consider investing in a smart thermostat with additional room sensors. “You’ll be able to adjust the zones of your house based on timing and usage, and you can easily adjust the thermostat when you’re away from home,” Dunlap says. “Plus, some energy providers offer rebates for switching to a smart thermostat.” 2. FROZEN PIPES, HOSES, AND OTHER PLUMBING PROBLEMS “Having grown up in Southern California, winter freezes are not something that I ever worried about, so we used to leave our garden hoses hooked up yearround,” says Brittany Hovsepian, owner of The Expert Home Buyers, a real estate solutions and investment firm in North Augusta, SC. “After moving to a colder cli-
mate, we quickly found out that isn’t such a good idea when winter comes. Water can freeze in the hose and then back up all the way through the house, causing major plumbing damage.” How to prepare: Research the typical winter weather in your new neighborhood (you’ll find temperatures and precipitation averages) and then act accordingly. This may mean changing some habits, as well as having items like snow shovels and icemelt products on hand. If you have pipes that could freeze, consider insulating them. And if you have one of those gorgeous long and winding driveways, finding a private plowing service may be a necessity to avoid being snowed in. 3. HVAC MAINTENANCE You may believe that just because you had a home inspection prior to closing on your home, everything is running smoothly in terms of mechanicals. But your house’s heating system needs some TLC. For example, dust can accumulate in ducts and furnace filters need regular changing. All of this affects your home’s efficiency and safety. How to prepare: “If your local HVAC company offers a tuneup of your heating system, pay the money,” advises Jameson Tyler Drew, president of Anubis Properties in Whittier, CA. “The motors and boards of heating units sit unused for months at a time, accumulating dust. This can clog fan intakes and short out controller boards, which can be more than $1,000 to replace.” Plus, by getting an HVAC checkup, “you are eliminating a significant fire hazard,” Drew explains. “If dust and dirt stop a heating fan from moving while
the controller continues to send electricity to the motor, you can at best blow out the motor.” 4. FIREPLACE FLAME-OUTS Apparently, I am not the only new homeowner to be blindsided by fireplace issues, even after a home inspection. Sometimes, a regular home inspection won’t tell you what is really going on with your hearth. “When new homeowners face the first winter in their new home, [one common issue that can arise] is a failed fireplace due to not having it inspected by a dedicated professional,” says Jason Gelios, a Realtor® with Community Choice Realty in Birmingham, MI, and author of “Think Like a Realtor.” How to prepare: While your home inspection might not have made it seem urgent at the time, you can still get a dedicated fireplace inspection after you move. A professional chimney sweep will do what it takes to make everything clean and safe to use during the winter. So schedule service ASAP. You definitely don’t want to miss that first cup of cocoa by the fire in your new home.
FOR SALE
208 - 80 Port Street, Mississauga FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY IN TRENDY PORT CREDIT This stunning 2 bedroom plus den open concept condo with 1,505 sq ft is perfect for the busy or retired professional. You will enjoy the great views from the 330 sq ft terrace off of the living room. The suite includes a large laundry/pantry area (perfect for quick access to all your common household items). There is an extra storage room so no need to go downstairs to the typical storage unit for your other essential items. The second bathroom has a large shower that’s great for guests. This condo has remote/keyless entrance to your own personal suite so you can come and go without needing to fuss with keys. Book your private viewing anytime.
IS YOUR FAMILY PREPARED FOR WINTERTIME EMERGENCIES? Written by Mark Keast on December 21st,. Article and photo seen on www.blog.allstate.ca/wintertime-emergencies-is-your-family-prepared/?cid=em_Trendline_Email_Newsletter_2022January?
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ny number of events could strike that you and your family should protect yourselves against. Heavy snow, blizzards or extreme cold could strand you in the house for days at a time. Pipes could freeze or burst and cause widespread flooding. Many people still remember the 1998 Quebec ice storm, which lasted six days and left millions of people in the dark, many of them for weeks. More than 600,000 people were forced into hotels or shelters, and the disaster cost billions in insurance claims. It was one of the worst natural disasters in Canadian history. Fire is also a big worry during the winter months and as we stay home to help stop the spread of the virus, it’s more important now than ever before to ensure that you and your loved ones are adequately protected.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY IS PARAMOUNT “Emergency management professionals, especially throughout North America, promote the idea that individuals and households need to prepare to be self-sufficient for three full days following a significant incident,” says Perron Goodyear, director of emergency disaster services for The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda territory.
Even having seven to 14 days of supplies is not a bad idea, especially in wintertime. Often there are power outages, or roads become impassable, which can hold up emergency responders. “In the event of a disaster, you may not have time to grab everything you need,” says Kirsten Long, communications co-ordinator for the Canadian Red Cross, which has helpful tips
and resources on its website. You can customize your kit to include everything you think you’ll need in an emergency, but a basic kit should include all the essentials, such as food, water and any medication you need, says Cynthia Ross Tustin, president of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC). In case you need to leave your
home, you should also have an emergency evacuation plan. Survival kit checklist ideas: 1) Non-perishable food with a manual can opener 2) Bottled water (enough to cover for drinking, food preparation and basic hygiene) 3) Medication 4) First-aid kit 5) Battery-operated radio 6) Battery-operated flashlight 7) Extra keys 8) Cash 9) Important documents, such as prescriptions and contact lists 10) Zip-lock bags (to keep items dry) 11) Candles and matches 12) Pet food and supplies, if necessary 13) Baby food and supplies, such as diapers, if necessary Other emergency tips: The items in your emergency kit should be checked and replaced as necessary. You want to have working batteries, for instance. Make sure fueled appliances are working properly and have a minimum of two weeks of fuel stock on hand. Put winter tires on the car, and store extra blankets and a shovel in the trunk. “Emergencies are unpredictable and can occur at any time,” Tustin says. “Proper planning and preparation along with a home emergency kit and home emergency plan greatly increases the chances of surviving any type of emergency.” The COVID-19 pandemic has added a whole other layer to winter emergency preparedness. Goodyear says people now should be adding masks, gloves and sanitizer for all members of the household to their kits.
SNEAK PEEK
1575 Lakeshore Road West, Mississauga THE CRAFTSMAN CONDO The Craftsman is a modern four-storey building located in the village of Clarkson close to shopping, the GO, restaurants, and other retail for your convenience. This lovely one bedroom condo faces the courtyard. The residents in this building benefit from many fabulous amenities including a rooftop deck, meeting room, gym, party room, concierge, visitor parking, and guest suites.
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COVID-19 continues to impact our lives, we are aware of those who may need help. Here’s a list of government programs to help with home ownership and more. • First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit • RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan • HST New Housing Rebate • Land Transfer Tax Rebates • Ontario Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit • Requirements for Government-Backed Mortgage Insurance If you have any questions related to buying, selling or preconstruction do not hesitate to reach out to us. By phone at: 647-298-0997 or By email at: tbaird@tbaird.com
TORONTO HOME VALUES GREW BY OVER 28% IN 2021 - BUT BRANTFORD HAS IT BEAT!
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Written by Corben Grant on January 14th, 2022. Article and photo seen on www.canadianrealestatemagazine.ca
’s no secret that the real estate market has had a record year in Ontario. Most markets across the province have reported high double-digit growth in home prices and show signs of continuing at pace for a good while yet. And though the city of Toronto has attracted a lot of attention for its price growth, the nearby city of Brantford actually has it beat, reporting the highest year-over-year price growth for single-family homes in all of Southern Ontario.
We spoke to Adam DeGroote, a top local realtor from the Brantford area about what has made his city so successful this year, about how it stacks up against others nearby and what investors can look forward to for 2022.
According to the most recent statistics from the Brantford Regional Real Estate Association (BRREA), the benchmark price for singlefamily homes in the region rose to $737,800 in December 2021. This follows a long string of record-breaking months that have seen the price in this segment grow by 40.8% year-over-year.
To put this in perspective, in the GTA, detached homes rose by 30% in the same period while Hamilton saw increases of around 28%. Of the regional boards in Ontario, only the Bancroft Region reported higher yearly growth, though they had significantly fewer sales numbers. Bancroft’s location in the Northeastern Region of the province leaves Brantford as the main winner among the much more densely populated and hot Southern Ontario markets. The story doesn’t end with single-family homes. Though that segment is still king Brantford, spillover demand from priced out buyers and interest
from outside investors is doing great things for the city’s other market segments as well. DeGroote says that with a surge of single-family home values “comes opportunities for the other sectors to flourish as well.” “Multi-residential in our city is red hot too,” said DeGroote. “We have so many investors coming in from out of town looking hard at our multi-units and older properties that can be converted to multi-units or basement suites. A number of first-time buyers go the route of buying duplexes or triplexes and living in one unit while renting the others to make ends meet and get their foot in the market. I strongly believe that we do have properties available that will work for any type of buyer.” In terms of why Brantford had such an exceptional year, DeGroote had much to say. “We are ideally located central to many larger Southern Ontario cities, along the highway 403 corridor and an easy drive to multiple U.S. border crossings. Because of this, many major and global manufacturers and distributors have relocated to the area, and with that comes strong buyer demand to live near work. We are also fortunate to have lots of room to expand outwards and building has been booming in our region with buyer demand skyrocketing and bringing up the average prices.” Along with a desirable location, the relative affordability compared to nearby cities provides a major plus. With so many
working from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to find more space for a better price and still reach the office when needed is hard to pass up. “The reality is that Brantford and the area are still much more affordable than the GTA, Hamilton and KW regions, so buyer’s dollars go much further here,” said DeGroote. “You pay about 30% less in Brantford than the GTA and get a bigger yard on top of it. With a large portion of the workforce now working from home due to COVID, it makes a lot more sense for Buyers to strongly consider moving out of the big city where you can still commute easily when you need to and where you can have a lot more with most of the same amenities around.” However, it isn’t all peachy in Brantford. The quiet town has now been gaining increasing attention from around Ontario and there have been some growing pains that came with such rapid growth. According to DeGroote: “As with anything that grows so quickly, there are certainly challenges that result.” “Most locals are happy with the demand and the growth in their equity, but it does make it much tougher on one sector of the housing market: first-time home buyers. Brantford and the area is becoming tough for first-time homebuyers to afford and compete with other offers. That’s not to say it’s impossible for first-time buyers, but it is increasingly difficult with each passing week.” “We also have the challenge of not being able to build fast
enough to fulfill the demand that we are seeing,” DeGroote added. “We have the land and we have the builders, but material supply and regulatory delays pump the brakes a little on the new construction side of things.” That being said, even with its challenges, the Brantford area shows no signs of stopping just yet. “I think Brantford has only just begun to show up on the map of major Southern Ontario cities,” said DeGroote. “I expect many more big things to come from Brantford and the area for many years to come. We have the land base, the industry, and the buyer demand to support much more expansion in and directly around our city.” BRREA would be inclined to agree, indicating in their most recent report: “Given the current market conditions it should be no surprise to anyone that both average price and the HPI Benchmark Composite price posted another year over year gain in the 40% range. Without a significant uptick in the number of new listings in the near future, the current market conditions look to continue well into the first quarter of 2022.”
Living in the Sunny South Thinking of moving to Florida? Here are several homes that the Realty Group have available. Property Listings Courtesy of Kevan Ratel, Broker, and John R Wood Properties
Investment opportunity in Orlando! This townhome is 5 minutes from the prestigious downtown Lake Nona. Located in the trendy Beacon Park area less than 10 minutes from the Orlando International Airport and major roadways. This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhouse features an open concept kitchen with granite counters and built-in stainless steel appliances as well as a 2 car garage. Community amenities include a playground, community swimming pool, a dog park, and walking trails.
This 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom large corner ground-floor condo in Sanford has a fenced-in patio area and is located off Lake Mary Boulevard. Outstanding location close to Seminole State College, shopping centres, Sun-rail, office parks, and major highways. Community amenities include a clubhouse, community pool, a dog park, and a playground. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Casselbury townhouse with a private entrance and courtyard. The master bedroom also has its own private balcony. The kitchen, bathroom, and floors need to be updated to achieve a higher rent of $2,000/month. Located 4 miles from Fall Sail University, 5 miles from Rollins College, and 9 miles from the University of Central Florida which has over 60,000 student population. Great location close to Casselberry Commons Plaza, Walmart Supercenter, along with other stores and restaurants.
This 3 bedrooms and den coach home lives like a villa with a 2 car garage. Fantastic great room home, wonderful lanai and tranquil setting with no neighbor to one side and only the birds and trees swaying in the breeze. The position of this coach home offers you southwest exposure with perfect sunlight throughout the day. Tile on the diagonal in all living areas and the lanai, crown molding enhances each rooms volume ceiling, granite kitchen countertops, S/S appliances, neutral colors throughout, wood floors in the den and only a few steps to the community pool for complete resort relaxation. Additional guest parking is next to your garage. Easy to entertain in this grand space at the best bundled golf community in southwest Florida. Only 6.8 miles to the white sandy beaches of Bonita Springs and 8.6 miles to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. This premium location is West of 75 and perfectly positioned between Naples and Bonita Beach Road in a pristine residential area. Bike ride to the New Oakes Farms Market.
Skip the wait! Golf membership opportunity! This light and bright Kingfisher great room floor plan in Laurel Meadow boasts soaring ceilings, 4 bedrooms, plus den, 3 full bathrooms and 1 half bathroom. Offered turnkey furnished, no waiting for furniture here and ready to enjoyed! First floor master suite with soaking tub and separate frameless shower, tray ceilings and spacious walk-in closets. Electric hurricane shutters on back covered lanai area, tile throughout main living areas, hardwood floors in den, neutral carpet in bedrooms, plantation shutters, upgraded light fixtures to name a few of the bells and whistles to enjoy. Fantastic granite counter space, S/S appliances, breakfast bar and nook overlooking the pool and lake. Shadow wood at the brooks offers membership options to 54-hole golf courses, tennis, the commons club private beach club on bonita beach, fitness facility and the rookery restaurant. Come live your best with us in shadow wood, and let us share the experience.
FOR LEASE
3310 - 4070 Confederation Parkway, Mississauga FANTASTIC FULLY FURNISHED CONDO Welcome to the grand residences at Parkside Village. This beautiful fully furnished 1 bedroom condo looks east allowing you a spectacular sunrise view. Beautifully renovated unit with new grey laminate floors, a natural stone feature wall, mirror slide closet doors and new blinds. Enjoy the convenience of living in a fully furnished condo with access to amazing amenities such as 24 hour security/concierge, indoor pool, fully equipped exercise room, recreation/party room and bicycle parking. There are many incredible opportunities of living so close to Square One, Sheridan College, the public library, City Hall, the Living Arts Centre, Celebration Square, restaurants and public transit!
2021
By Julia Malacoff. Updated December 23rd,2021. As seen on www.instyle.com/lifestyle/new-years-resolutions-list
has been quite a year, which makes getting a fresh start in 2022 feel super appealing. For some people, that might mean making a New Year’s resolution that helps them get the year started on the right foot. The thing is though, traditional New Year’s resolutions usually fail. Turns out, our brains are just not into making swift, abrupt changes to our habits.
So instead of going for the typical diet, exercise, or financial overhaul-style resolution, why not try something a little different this year? We’ve got a bunch of suggestions for you below, but here’s how to evaluate any potential resolution you come up with, according to Kate Morton, a registered dietitian and founder of Funk It Wellness.
Does this resolution involve taking away things you like? Would you recommend this resolution to your younger sister or best friend? How will this resolution impact you five, 10, or 15 years from now? With that, here’s what experts recommend considering for your 2022 New Year’s resolution.
When creating resolutions, Morton recommends asking yourself questions like:
1. COMMIT TO ONLY DOING EXERCISE YOU ACTUALLY LIKE. In January, gyms are usually packed, and home workout equipment flies off the shelves. But usually, by February, things are back to normal. Something similar happened during the pandemic: “Many people who were isolated at home went out and bought equipment that they never used because it did not fulfill
How do you want to feel? Will this resolution get you closer to that? What energy do you want to create? Will this resolution give you that type of energy? Are you operating from a place of restriction, or abundance?
them or bring them enjoyment,” says Elisha Contner Wilkins, MS, LMFT, CEDS-S, Executive Director of Veritas Collaborative. There are a few reasons this happens. One is ramping up too quickly. But there’s another big factor. “When it comes to exercise (or movement or activity as I prefer to call it), it’s equally important that we find a way to move our bodies that we not only look forward to, but that brings us joy,” Wilkins says. “Many associate movement with going to a gym and sweating versus choosing something that brings a smile to their face.” So this year, consider focusing on whatever type of movement feels fun. 2. HIDE YOUR “SELF” VIEW ON ZOOM. Post-quarantine, plastic sur-
geons observed a spike in requests for their services. That likely has something to do with the fact that we’re all getting intimately familiar with how our faces look on-screen thanks to hours and hours of video calls. There’s nothing wrong with getting cosmetic treatments if you want them. But if seeing your face on a screen eight hours a day has left you feeling self-conscious or hyper-aware of how you look and you feel uncomfortable about it, adjust your video conferencing settings so that you no longer see yourself during video calls. (If you’re not sure how, Google to the rescue!) “This more closely mimics in-person interactions, reduces critical self-focus, and allows you to be more present,” notes Jessica Borelli, an associate professor of Psychological Science at the University of California, Irvine School of Social Ecology. 3. EXAMINE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL Or marijuana. Or whatever else you might use to self-medicate (that’s not prescribed by your doctor). Dry January is a popular New Year’s resolution. This and other methods of examining your relationship with substances can clarify a whole heck of a lot about your life. “One of the best, most eye-opening takeaways from my first Dry January was how I was spending my time and with whom,” explains Hilary Sheinbaum, author of THE DRY CHALLENGE: How to Lose the Booze for Dry January, Sober October, and Any Other Alcohol-Free Month. “If I opted to stay home from a boozy get-together or a night out on
the town, I realized how less frequently I was seeing certain individuals.” Ultimately, it was a great realization for Sheinbaum because it allowed her to figure out more fulfilling ways to occupy her weekends and recreational time, and bond with people who shared interests with her outside of imbibing. Even if you don’t want to commit to a full Dry January, there are a lot of other ways to put this resolution into practice. “I would very much suggest taking the initiative to plan the social calendar for your friend group and come up with ideas that don’t require a bottle of wine or cocktails,” Sheinbaum says. Another option if you’re single and dating: Try going on sober dates. “Personally, I find them to be more creative and interactive,” Sheinbaum says. “Instead of heading to the same bar or ordering your go-to drink time after time, you can bond over a hike, ice skating, bowling, museum tour, or whatever it is that the two of you both enjoy. Ultimately, if the relationship evolves past the first few dates, you’re eventually going to be spending time with this person sober. Why not save time and get to know them without a buzz from the start?” 4. CURATE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS. Make this the year you say goodbye to social media clutter. “I tell my clients to think about their social media feeds as carefully as they would think about the art they hang in their home,” says Robyn Pashby, Ph.D., co-founder of The Healthy Change School. “While we could all use less time on social media, the truth is we are bound to spend a lot of time scrolling.”
So consider giving your feeds a cleansing of sorts. “Purge anything that entices you to shop impulsively, diet or restrict, or anyone whose messages make you feel less-than,” Pashby suggests. “Use it as your own personal affirmation space and watch how much better you feel.” Oh, and this might be the year to stop social media stalking your ex. Just saying’. 5. BE MORE INTENTIONAL ABOUT COOKING, SOURCING, AND/OR EATING YOUR FOOD. “Instead of embarking on a super restrictive diet for 2022, what if you dug a bit deeper this time and focused on changing your relationship to food?” asks Natalie Moore, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Diet culture encourages us to focus on calories, macronutrients, detoxes, and “off-limits” foods, which at best leaves you in a scarcity mindset, and at worst sets you up for a shame spiral as soon as you “cheat” on the diet that was never realistic to begin with, Moore points out. Instead, she recommends focusing on being more mindful about one or all of the following areas: how you cook your food, how you source it, and how you eat it. Importantly, you don’t have to tackle all of these at once. This might sound a little nebulous, but it’s easier to put into practice than it might seem. “First off, sourcing, cooking, and eating your food can engage all five senses as well as a sixth one most people don’t know about, interception, which is your perception of internal body sensations, such as hunger, satiety, or feeling overly full,” Moore explains. Using your senses while grocery shopping could be as simple as choosing your produce
based on what smells, looks, or feels best to you. And you might be more intentional about cooking by really tapping into your senses of smell and taste as you season your food. “Interestingly enough, when you bring an embodied awareness to the sourcing, cooking, and eating, you’re likely to end up eating food that is fresh, fragrant, and nutrient-dense,” Moore says. So you may end up improving your eating habits without a restrictive diet or approach. You may also improve your digestion and how you feel about yourself before, during, and after your meals, according to Moore. “When you source, cook, and eat in a mindful way, you can expect to improve not only your physical health but your mental health, as well. And healthy and happy people usually look great to boot.” 6. TACKLE YOUR EMAIL INBOX No need to get to inbox zero if that’s not your thing. But most people have gone through some foundational shifts since the pandemic began so the person you were at the start of it is more than likely not the person you are now, says Monisha Bhanote, M.D., FCAP, an integrative physician. Her argument: Now is a great time to evaluate what’s serving you and what isn’t, and your email inbox is a great place to start, especially if you have thousands of unread emails. If your email is loaded with advertisements for stores you no longer shop at, newsletters and notifications you don’t read, or follow up emails from webinars, seminars, or courses you’ll never take use that unsubscribe function. “I highly suggest this for your
own mental well-being,” Bhanote says. “The overwhelm of seeing the little mail icon on your phone and the number of unread emails can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Place value on your time, energy, and overall well-being and continue that trend well into the new year.” 7. IMPLEMENT THE “TOPLESS” TEST “Make space for the people you really care about by implementing the ‘topless test’,” suggests Naomi Torres-Mackie, Ph.D., Head of Research at The Mental Health Coalition. What is the topless test, you ask? Only spend time (online or safely in-person) with friends you would take your top off in front of. (If you wouldn’t take your top off in front of anyone, switch up the test to something that makes more sense for you. “For example, it could be people would you feel comfortable talking to with your mouth full of food, calling when you need to cry, or another benchmark that tells you this is someone you trust and feel good around,” Torres-Mackie says.) “This might sound silly but can make a big difference. Right now, a lot of us are fatigued with trying to figure out who we want to spend time with,” Torres -Mackie notes. Instead of getting caught up in who you are “supposed” to catch up with, give yourself permission to say no and make space for those you truly care about. “Deciding when to do that can be hard, so this provides a quick framework to simplify things,” she adds. 8. REARRANGE, DECLUTTER, OR REDECORATE YOUR SPACE. Maybe you don’t feel like doing a bunch of inner work this year.
That’s totally fine - you can also focus on your outer experience. “Our space and environment directly impact how we feel,” says Lenore Kantor, empowerment & leadership coach of Growth Warrior. So take some time to look at your physical space and whether it reflects where you want to be and what you want to achieve now, Kantor recommends. For instance, how does being in your WFH office feel? Is it supporting your productivity and growth? If you want a new relationship and more love, how is your bedroom set up? “Our experiences can often mirror where we are in our lives. If you’re feeling bogged down, now may be a perfect opportunity to declutter and clear out old things that are no longer serving you.” And by the way, this resolution isn’t necessarily about buying new stuff. Sure, you could add some new pieces if that’s what you want to do that - but it’s not required. 9. BUY CLOTHES THAT FIT NOW If your body has changed recently, it can be frustrating to realize that some of your old favorites no longer fit right. Unless there’s serious sentimental value, now could be a great time to shed items that no longer work for your body as it is today, says Peg Sadie, a psychotherapist and resilience coach. Hanging on to constant reminders of unmet goals (or times when your habits were less healthy than they are now, for instance, for those in recovery from eating disorders) can take a toll on your psyche. “Donating them can help silence your inner critic and make space for clothes you actually feel and look great in, making it a winwin,” Sadie adds.
10. START THERAPY We said it last year and we’ll say it again: There couldn’t be a better time to begin therapy if you haven’t
already. “There are always things to talk about, especially as we reflect on the major shifts that have occurred [since the pandemic],” says Sarah Levine-Miles, a licensed clinical social worker who works with Mother Figure. “Taking an hour out of the week to reflect and discuss how you are doing with a professional who can help guide you and shift your perspective is invaluable.”
THERESA RECOMMENDS
Eating Well in the New Year
B
FOOD AND DRINKS
Various recipes as seen on www.eatingwell.com
aked Stuffed Shrimp by Liz Mervosh from November 2019
Stuffed shrimp make a quick and easy appetizer perfect for parties. The trick to great stuffed shrimp? Make sure your shrimp are large enough to hold the filling. We recommend jumbo shrimp, which easily encase the savory filling of scallions, breadcrumbs and bacon with just a hint of spice from cayenne pepper.
INGREDIENTS 16 jumbo raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and tail-on (about 1 pound) ½ cup thinly sliced scallions 6 tablespoons mayonnaise ¼ cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs ¼ cup finely chopped celery ¼ cup finely chopped cooked bacon 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice ¼ teaspoon salt / teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 8
METHOD Step 1 Position a rack in top third of oven; preheat to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Using a paring knife, cut along the outside curve of each shrimp, from bottom of neck to tail, almost all the way through. Arrange the shrimp on the prepared pan, laying them open, cut-sides down, pressing gently to flatten. Step 2 Combine scallions, mayonnaise, celery, panko, bacon, lemon juice, salt and cayenne in a small bowl. Spoon 2 teaspoons of stuffing onto each shrimp. Fold the tail over the filling and press gently. Bake until the shrimp are opaque and the stuffing is warmed through, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
Creamy Fettuccine with Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms
Sliced Brussels sprouts and mushrooms cook quickly and cling to the pasta in our fall version of pasta primavera. Look for pre-sliced mushrooms to cut prep time. Serve with a tossed salad. INGREDIENTS 12 ounces whole-wheat fettuccine 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 4 cups sliced mixed mushrooms, such as cremini, oyster and/or shiitake 4 cups thinly sliced Brussels sprouts 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1/2 cup dry sherry (see Note), or 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 2 cups low-fat milk 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 cup finely shredded Asiago cheese, plus more for garnish
METHOD Step 1 Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, return to the pot and set aside. Step 2 Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms release their liquid, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add sherry (or vinegar), scraping up any brown bits; bring to a boil and cook, stirring, until almost evaporated, 10 seconds (if using vinegar) or about 1 minute (if using sherry). Step 3 Whisk milk and flour in a bowl; add to the skillet with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the sauce bubbles and thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in Asiago until melted. Add the sauce to the pasta; gently toss. Serve with more cheese, if desired.
TIPS - We prefer dry sherry, sold with other fortified wines in your wine or liquor store, instead of higher-sodium “cooking” sherry. Cranberry - Prosecco Cocktail
A splash of cranberry juice in sparkling wine and a garnish of cranberries and rosemary sprigs makes an exceptionally party-ready cocktail that’s easy to make, too.
INGREDIENTS METHOD Step 1 Stir prosecco, cranberry juice and orange liqueur together in a pitcher. Pour into champagne flutes and garnish with cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
1 chilled 750-ml bottle Prosecco 1 cup chilled cranberry juice (no-sugar-added but sweetened with fruit juice) 2 ounces orange liqueur Fresh cranberries for garnish Rosemary sprigs for garnish
MEET THE TEAM Theresa Baird - Broker Theresa is an award winning professional real estate agent. She has been in the industry for over 20 years, and prides herself on being able to communicate with her clients. Theresa’s aim is to make every client feel like they are the only client – even though she is typically working with 10 or more at a time. Theresa loves meeting new people and getting to know them, which makes her job perfect for her! Theresa enjoys the diversity of her business. She is able to provide clients with excellent service due to her extensive knowledge and experience in the Real Estate market. Theresa is committed to delivering what her clients need. She is a Master Certified Negotiation Expert and works hard to put the most amount of money in her client’s pockets. Theresa will work with you from beginning to end, ensuring that your closing is as stress-free as possible.
Lindsay Meadwell Real Estate Agent Since receiving her license, Lindsay has utilized her knowledge of the industry, along with her hard-working attitude and passion for providing excellent customer service to help several families meet their real estate goals. Lindsay believes in the importance of developing strong client relationships that will last a lifetime.
Samantha McGrath Real Estate Agent Samantha has worked in the Real Estate world for the past 6 years. She began at our Keller Williams Brokerage on-boarding new agents and teaching them our systems and technology. She has acquired her Real Estate license and is now working with the TB Realty Group. She enjoys working with both sellers and buyers.
Carolina Mauti Administrative Assistant After years of working as a successful real estate agent, Carolina is the TB Realty Groups administrative assistant.
Julia Baird-Oryschak Real Estate Agent Julia has worked and trained across the globe and brings her go-to-market strategies, campaigns and domestic expansion skills to the TB Realty Group. After completing her BSc and BBA she has joined the TB Realty Group where she brings her great customer skills and resourcefulness into play.
Dereck Addie Graphics/Photography Dereck has been working in the graphic design field for over 20 years and enjoys the challenges of working with the TB Realty Group.
From all of us to All of you!
