Welcome back to our monthly “how you doin’?” If you’re finding it in your inbox it’s because at some point you’ve trusted us with your email address. Our plan is to make it worth your while to have a read through because we know that most of you, like us, are feeling email fatigue.

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“I can’t wait for the day after Valentine’s Day because that’s when all the candy is 50% off and I need that positivity in my life"” ~ unknown

Soooo we totally missed our planned January newsletter. Not at all Abby’s fault - she tried hard to get me to get my act together but with a delayed start back to school and a busy real estate start to the year… it’s now February!

Maddie is excited to have received word that her indoor training sessions for softball start up next week and Audrey has been cast as Mrs. Gloop in the Willy Wonka Jr Musical with the Young Theatre Players (YTP)! Sophie is hard at work with her voice Teacher, Shauna, and preparing for her competition pieces in the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival happening soon. Last but not least, we are preparing for March Break in Vero Beach Florida and Grace’s “Spring Training” with her 17U softball team. Looking forward to our first “warm weather” trip in a couple of years :) Might even go to Cape Canaveral!

We are excited to be moving toward longer days and brighter times ahead both as a business, and as a family. This year is looking to be similar real estate wise, with a Seller driven market that tends to make things difficult for Buyers, but can be an opportunity for the right Sellers.

As things continue to change and events start popping up in real life, we’ll share them with you on our website in our event calendar. If you have something you want us to add, reach out anytime.

We’ll see you next month but in the meantime remember that we’re here for you if you need us!

~ Melissa

• With the state of the market, many people are asking about putting an accessory dwelling either in their basement or on their second floor. Some are even considering building an entirely separate unit like a Tiny Home or Garden Suite in their backyard. We aren’t experts on the subject but you can start your research here for an ADU in your house, or here on the Norfolk County site where you can follow many links to things like Building Codes for separate units and/or Tiny Homes. Be sure to seek professional advice every step along the way!

• Even though Valentine’s Day is over, we thought it would be worth sharing this list of heart-shaped houseplants to keep the love growing all year round!

• Thinking about a romantic getaway to Europe? Be sure to consider some of these famously romantic movie locations. I must admit, “Notting Hill” is one of my absolute favourites <3

Here is where you will find our gold star list for the month. People and pets we love; books and quotes that touch and inspire us; television shows and movies we can’t stop watching; songs we won’t stop humming; clothing and accessories we own and covet; and all the other stuff we love and think maybe you just might love too. 

We are still feeling pretty excited about the Mummery & Co. Cart Coins that we created and hope to get one into as many of your hands as possible. It’s pretty great not scrambling for a quarter when I go for groceries at No Frills. It was a no-brainer that it should be the vehicle for a bit of a fundraiser for our local food bank. If you don't have one yet and want one, please pop in to our office at 23 Harbour St. in Port Dover and pick one up! We are here for your M-F, 10am-4pm (Send us a message if those hours don’t work for you and we will arrange a time to meet you!)

Did you watch the Super Bowl this past weekend? I’ll admit I am more interested in the snack buffet that accompanies the viewing parties. Whether you’re into football or food, this article was fun to read and learn 56 Super Bowl Fun Facts.

Netflix just released the third season of Ricky Gervais’ After Life and I’m not going to lie to you: I strongly recommend you watch with a box of tissues. This series was a favourite of mine with a combination of dark humour and heart warming friendships. I laughed, I cried, and I am certain you will too.

One of my favourite cookbooks is Fraiche Food and the best comfort food recipe are the cheddar garlic biscuits. These are so easy and quick to whip up and are the perfect addition to a big bowl of soup. Perfect for a wintery day!

One of my first reads of 2022 was James Clear’s Atomic Habits. This was such a good one to kick off the year for me…the start of a new year always brings me such hope that I can strive to be a better person on all fronts. Tiny changes, remarkable results; this book has me feeling inspired. Check it out and build some good habits with me!

My 15 year old son recently discovered the DoorDash app and that it is now available in Norfolk County. This does not bode well for me trying to teach healthy eating habits whilst battling his undying love for all things McDonalds. However, I will admit it is an awfully convenient service. Perhaps a little too convenient?

If you’re looking for something to do this Family Day , visit BOTH Port Dover Harbour Museum & Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum on Monday February 21st for Family Passport Day! You will be entered to win a Museum Box of your choice! These Museum Boxes are full of great Museum goodies from our Gift Shops! What a great opportunity to see what's NEW at your local museums!

For families with little ones, Splash'N Boots, the 2019 Juno Award Winner for Children's Album of the Year, will be performing live on stage at The Aud on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13, 2022!

We always do our best to scour all the local channels available to us to fill our our Events calendar to present you with a well-rounded list of options each month. Check it out and see if there is something there for you!