Every January we talk about how we can thank our loyal friends, clients and supporters that follow us, read our stuff, refer us, and root for us in general in between our business experiences together.

This year for our subscribers we are going to add an extra personal touch to our quarterly newsletter with a $200 giveaway each edition.

Entering is easy… watch for the “Question of the Quarter” in this issue, reply to this newsletter with your answer and that’s it! We will draw at the end of the month giving everyone time to read through the awesomeness we’ve put together for you.

Good luck!! 🤞

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.

We hope you love it as much as we do and share it with your friends and family! But if it isn’t your thing no hard feelings, just click unsubscribe at the bottom and you can come back anytime by subscribing through our website HERE.

We adore feedback and questions so please drop us a line if there is ever anything we can do to help! We are always here for you :)

Hello everyone, we hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends and are bundled up as you make your way back into the swing of things now that winter is actually here ❄️

We were so happy to have Grace home from school for a whole 3 weeks after a fun and successful first semester at Wheeling! She is back now and settling into her pre-season training in preparation for the start of her season mid-February, with a trip to kick off the year playing in Tennessee in March. We will be following her to watch some games and soak up some sun ☀️

Sophie has been having an adventurous winter in Sweden with a busy Christmas season including performing in a traditional holiday musical, a move to her second host family, some skiing and skating on the pond behind her new house, as well as an upcoming trip many hours north to (hopefully) see the Northern Lights. 🇸🇪

While not on an exotic adventure, Maddie and Audrey are getting settled back into school after a relaxing break with yummy treats and days spent in jammies hanging out. Maddie is looking forward to a new semester in February that will include her favourite subject, art, and Audrey is nervous but excited to try some skating with her classmates. We are NOT big winter people so we are guilty of not teaching them how to skate 😬

We are happy to be counting down the months until we are all back together under one roof for the summer, and grateful for the life we are all experiencing that gives us such wonderful memories and stories to share ❤️

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

~ Melissa

• We're thrilled to announce the 5th anniversary of Mummery & Real Estate Brokerage, and we're taking a moment to reflect on this incredible journey. Our blog is now live with a special post capturing the essence of the last five years — the challenges, triumphs, and the amazing community that has been by our side. Join us in reminiscing about the milestones that brought us here and stay tuned for exciting updates as we continue to grow together! Thank you for being part of our success story!

• In December of 2023 the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) introduced an information guide with the intention of helping consumers better understand the process of working with a REALTOR®. It’s a little lengthy but if you go through it step by step it (mostly) really just makes sense. The purpose is to make sure that Buyers and Sellers are aware of how they are being represented and by who, what the obligations are for both the client and us, what to look for in a contract, and the dangers/pitfalls are of being self represented. One of the positive changes to our legislation is the option in Multiple Representation (representing 2 parties in a transaction) to pursue Designated Representation which allows for more guidance for Buyers and Sellers. Sound a bit confusing? You can read more HERE on the RECO site or even better, give us a call and we can go through it with you. It will become the first step in working together when you’re ready so we can get it right out of the way!

• If you are thinking of making a move, you can explore a fantastic variety of properties in Norfolk County that we have listed here. These homes are conveniently located near schools, parks, and shops, making Norfolk County the perfect place to call home! Get in touch today to schedule a viewing!

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. 

Exciting news for Port Dover foodies! Sakura Sushi has blossomed in our town, bringing their renowned flavors back to our community. While their popularity has them buzzing with activity, a bit of patience will surely be rewarded with the exceptional culinary experience they're known for. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Sakura Sushi to Main Street Port Dover!

As we bid adieu to the familiar face of Dori Lynne Shrubb behind the Cottage North Soapworks counter, we also welcome a new chapter with open hearts. The torch has been passed to Stephanie Hagen Misner, a fellow community member. The walls of this cherished establishment may have witnessed changes, but the spirit of camaraderie and connection remains steadfast. Welcome to Main Street, Port Dover Stephanie! We are confident that you will ensure that the heartbeat of this treasured business resonates joyfully through the years to come.

At our Brokerage Christmas dinner gift exchange, Keith was the lucky recipient of a Bonsai Tree Starter Kit…and he is loving it! If you too want to unleash your inner gardener and bring a burst of greenery into the heart of winter, right in your home check out the link to purchase yours here

I made sure to catch the Golden Globes and was disappointed when I realized I hadn't watched many of the films nominated or mentioned. So begins my journey to watch as many as I can before the Academy Awards air…I like to be in the know ;) So far I have watched Saltburn (dark and not for the faint of heart), May December (intriguing albeit pretty boring), and Society of the Snow (heartbreaking and sad but oh so well done)

If you're looking for your next good read, of the 82 books I (Abby) read in 2023, here are my Top Five: 1. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, 2. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, 3. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, 4. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, and 5. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. You can support a local bookstore Beach Reads Bookshop or Firefly & Fox Books to buy a copy or request to borrow from our amazing local library!

We just have to share the scoop about Open Doors in Simcoe – an absolute gem of a program! Here's the real deal – Open Doors believes everyone in our community deserves to be seen, respected, and soaking up as many meaningful experiences as they can get their hands on. They're all about making sure our special-needs pals are right in the mix of our community, in a safe and downright enjoyable way. Now that's what I call community magic! Be sure and check them out :)

Bring the whole family to the Lighthouse Theatre on January 20th as Lucas Wilson dazzles you with The Magic of Hope in support of Tumaini Children’s Foundation. There is a 2pm show and a 7:30pm show!

COME FOR THE PANTIES - STAY FOR THE PARTY!! Suzie’s Bombshell Boutique is hosting Be My Vintage Valentine. Join them Saturday, Feb 10th for a full day of Vintage Valentine's fun in Port Dover!

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! If you have something you want us to add, reach out anytime.

Ok *Giveaway lovers - here’s your “Question of the Quarter”…

What is your favourite comfort food for these chilly winter days and nights? 🥣

*The Winner will be selected in a random draw from all entries, and will be able to choose a $200 gift card to the local business of their choice that was highlighted in our newsletter.