Irene Kelleher's blog

(NC) If you’re looking to elevate your mixing game this season, strawberries are a simple but impactful ingredient. Naturally sweet and vibrant, they add flavour, visual appeal and nutritional benefit. For instance, according to Health Canada, just one cup of strawberries provides approximately 95 per cent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, along with essential fibre, potassium and folate. 

Whether muddled, blended or infused, California strawberries bring a bright twist to beverages that feel both indulgent and nourishing. Here are some recipes to try: 

Basil Strawberry...

(NC) If you’re looking to de-stress, reclaiming your personal space can be a great way to reset your routine and make a fresh start. It’s also a good opportunity to clear out clutter. Even small changes can reduce your stress and help spaces feel easier to live and work in. Here are some ways to get started:

At home

• Start small by decluttering one area at a time, focusing on surfaces you see every day like counters, tables and couches.
• Gather items you rarely use into a box and revisit it after a few months to decide what to keep, donate or sell.
• Reduce paper clutter by switching to...

(NC) Looking for a go-to dish for spring and summer entertaining? This salad is fresh, vibrant and bursting with flavour. Juicy strawberries take centre stage, paired with crisp greens, creamy avocado and a simple tangy dressing. 

Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Cook time: 10 minutes 

Servings: 4 

Ingredients: 

For the chicken: 

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast 
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil 
• 1tsp (5 ml) paprika 
• 2tsp (10 ml) dried oregano 
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon 
• Salt and pepper 
• For the balsamic vinaigrette: 
• ¼cup (60 ml) extra...

(NC) For many Canadians, gardening is a treasured pastime. It’s a great opportunity to get outside in the sun, get your hands dirty and create something that you can watch grow and thrive. But did you know that some of your yard activities can actually help protect your home?

Here are some tips for gardening that can keep your home safer from extreme weather events, including flooding and wildfires, from the prevention team at Intact Insurance:

Choose your plants to resist fire. Low-growing shrubs are a fire-resistant choice, especially when planted spread apart so that flames can’t jump...

(NC) Moving to a new home is an exciting time, and there’s a lot to process. Between closing documents, packing and unpacking, it’s easy to lose track of some administrative details. You can save yourself some potential headaches by taking these items into consideration:

Update online services and subscriptions. A lot of these use your home address, so get ahead of the move by updating them to your new address. This will help you avoid disruptions and having to scramble to get everything where it needs to be on top of having to settle in.

Make a record of valuable items. In case anything...

(NC) As a renter, you may sometimes feel a bit powerless over what you can and can’t do in the place you call home. While you’ll want to check with your landlord before you paint or make any significant alterations to the property, there are some simple things you can do to make sure it’s a safer place for you to live in.

Shoes off

Many Canadians are surprised to see the actors on U.S.-based television shows and movies walking around indoors (and in bedrooms) with their shoes on, and for good reason--the soles of your shoes can pick up dirt and other unmentionables that you don’t want to...

(NC) Many Canadians won’t wait for winter to wind down to tackle a major cleaning. It can give a real feeling of a fresh start and a sense of ownership and pride in your space. Whenever you get around to deep cleaning your home, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Read and follow safety instructions

Many cleaning products--even some labelled eco-friendly or organic--contain ingredients that can harm your health if not used properly. Always read the label before using a new cleaning product to be aware of the hazards and understand the precautions you should take during use. Never...

(EN) Whether you own or rent, the safety of your home is paramount. One of the challenges is that not all risks to your property are obvious. Some factors may escape your notice, and others, like radon, are invisible. If you haven't yet tested the radon levels in your home, here's why you should:

How does radon get into your home?

Radon is a gas produced by the decay of uranium in the soil. The air pressure inside a home is usually lower than the surrounding ground pressure, which draws air and other gases, including radon, inward. All homes in Canada contain radon, but concentrations vary...

(NC) As temperatures plunge below zero, homeowners face a seasonal challenge: protecting their homes from the harsh effects of winter. With the cold snap comes a surge in furnace and natural gas fireplace use as families work to keep living spaces warm and comfortable.

As the temperature drops this season, now is the perfect opportunity to look for ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Maintain the effectiveness of your fireplace. Your fireplace can keep you and your family warm this winter. However, remember to keep the damper closed to prevent heat from escaping through...