(NC) A new year is often a time to rethink everyday habits, including how much waste we produce at home. Without realizing it, household waste can add up quickly. Making a few small, intentional changes can help reduce what ends up in the garbage while making daily routines more efficient. Here are three easy ways to cut down on waste at home.

Cook smarter, not harder. Having to throw out expired ingredients feels especially wasteful, since you didn’t even get to enjoy them. Managing your stock and meal planning are the keys to minimizing food waste, but can be difficult to keep up with in...

(NC) Winter in Canada brings its share of beauty, as well as challenges. For many Canadians, shovelling snow is part of the routine, but it can also be tough on the body. For seniors, staying safe during snow season means working smarter, not harder. Here are some simple safety tips:

Clear snow early and often. It helps prevent buildup and icy layers, reducing strain and lowering the risk of slips or falls.

Warm up before heading out into the cold. Clearing snow is hard work—help your body prepare for it with a quick warm-up before you get started.

Use the right tool for the job. Choosing...

(NC) Winter weather can bring everything from icy drafts to unexpected power outages, but winter safety is a family affair. With a few simple steps, you can keep your home warm and your loved ones protected.

1. Start with education. Teach everyone in the home what natural gas smells like (similar to rotten eggs) and what to do if they detect it. Everyone should know to leave the house immediately and call the gas utility from a safe location.
2. Focus on efficiency. Keep heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and toys to ensure warm air circulates properly. Blocked vents can cause uneven...

(NC) Did you know that, according to Natural Resources Canada, 64 per cent of the average home’s energy goes into space heating? That statistic is hardly surprising with the winters we get here, but cooling is also a rising concern, with energy use from air conditioning (AC) during hot summers.

Here are a few tips for a smarter, more efficient home:

Take a fresh look at your insulation. Your AC and furnace work hard to adjust the temperature of the air throughout your home. Don’t let all that work—and energy—go to waste. Without proper insulation, the air in your home will equalize to the...

(NC) The holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year, but it can also be one of the busiest—especially if you’re hosting friends and family. From food prep to decor, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and overlook the simple steps that can make your gatherings both enjoyable and safe.

Here are some tips from Belairdirect to help you host with confidence this holiday season:

1. Plan ahead. Creating a detailed checklist covering everything from grocery shopping to cleaning will help you stay organized and reduce last-minute stress.
2. Keep walkways clear. Shovel and salt...

(NC) Roughly 1.2 million Canadian mortgages are up for renewal in 2025, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

85 per cent of these mortgages were opened when the Bank of Canada's key lending rate was at or below one per cent.

As many Canadians prepare to renew in a higher-rate environment, a recent survey found that more than a quarter of respondents don't have a strong understanding of how to make their mortgage more affordable.

Here are some questions to think about if your mortgage is up for renewal this year:

Should I choose fixed or variable?

A closer look...

3 easy ways to cut down on waste at home

(NC) The amount of home waste we can produce if we’re not careful is astonishing. Start cutting down yours with these simple tips:

Cook smarter, not harder. Having to throw out expired ingredients feels especially wasteful, since you didn’t even get to enjoy them. Managing your stock and meal planning are the keys to minimizing food waste, but can be difficult to keep up with in a busy schedule. Smart kitchen appliances, like Samsung’s Bespoke AI options, can help you with that. A smart fridge can scan the items inside to keep track of what you...

(NC) Everyone has their idea of a dream home. For some of us, that might mean having to look for a place in a new community or part of the country. But what if you can have the dream right where you are? Take your living space to the next level with these upgrades:

1. Put in some hanging chairs. This is one quick upgrade for your living area that takes hanging out to a whole new level. The trick with these chairs is to pick the right spot and leave enough space between them so that if a few folks are using them, nobody feels crowded. They can really transform your space and give any room a...

(NC) Home organization is an uphill battle—it’s tough coming up with a system that works for your space and family members, and even tougher to stick to it once you’ve set it up. But here are a few simple tricks to turn the tide in your favour:

Set up your family’s mission control centre. Half the battle in staying organized is keeping information all in one place. Pick a central location in your home to serve as a hub for any communication—your calendar, meal plans, mail, documents that need attention. By keeping everything together, you’re cutting down on the clutter, and also making it...

(NC) Are you considering making some changes at home? Whether you’re looking to swap out that old fridge or your renovation plans are a little bit bigger, this is a chance for you to make your home work better for you, as well as updating its look. Give your home a makeover that also makes your day easier to manage with these home upgrades:

Make the smart home leap. When it comes to saving time around the house and making your day more efficient, it’s hard to do better than upgrading to a smart home system. It means that your appliances can get to know you and your routine, doing their...