Smart Home
Fixes to Tackle
Before Fall
Budget Blowout

Late summer is the perfect time to tackle small home maintenance projects that can pay off in a big way come winter. A few simple tasks now can help reduce your heating bills, prevent costly repairs, and keep your home cozy when the temperature drops.

1. Seal up the gaps
Drafty doors and windows let warm air escape and cold air in, wasting energy and increasing your heating costs. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps around window frames, door edges, and even baseboards.

2. Clean your gutters
Falling leaves may not be here just yet, but summer storms and debris can clog your gutters early. Cleaning them out now helps prevent water damage to your roof and foundation when rain and snow arrive.

3. Schedule furnace maintenance
Calling in a technician for a tune-up in August means you’ll avoid the fall rush. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently and lasts longer, (saving you money both short- and long-term.

4. Check your insulation
Pop into your attic or crawl space and take a look. If insulation has shifted or thinned out, it may be time to top it up. Good insulation keeps warm air in and heating bills down.

5. Install a programmable thermostat
If you haven’t already, this small upgrade can make a big difference. Lower the heat while you sleep or when you’re out of the house—without ever having to think about it.

6. Reverse your ceiling fans
Most fans have a small switch to reverse blade direction. Set them to run clockwise in the cooler months to push warm air down and distribute heat more evenly throughout your home. It’s a small trick that can help your furnace work less and your home feel warmer.

Skip the Crowds:
Underrated Canadian
Lakes and Coasts to Visit

We all know the classics: Lake Louise, Tofino, Cavendish Beach. But in peak summer, they’re often packed. The good news? Canada is full of lesser-known lakes and coastlines that offer just as much beauty, with a lot more breathing room. Here are a few iconic spots—and their quieter cousins worth discovering:

Instead of: Lake Louise, AB
Try: Emerald Lake, BC
Still in the Rockies, this stunning lake has turquoise water and fewer crowds. Paddle, hike, or just relax with mountain views—without the tour buses.

Instead of: Tofino, BC
Try: Ucluelet, BC
Just down the road, “Ukee” offers the same wild Pacific charm, epic sunsets, and storm-watching —minus the surf-town frenzy.

Instead of: Cavendish Beach, PEI
Try: Basin Head Provincial Park, PEI
Home to the famous “singing sands,” this beach has warm water and white sand, but a more laid-back vibe than its literary neighbour.

Instead of: Muskoka, ON
Try: Lake Temagami, ON
Further north and rich with canoe routes and wilderness charm, Temagami gives you the cottage feel without the crowds or the price tag.

Instead of: Peggy’s Cove, NS
Try: Blue Rocks, NS
This hidden gem near Lunenburg is just as scenic—with colourful fishing shacks, ocean views, and way fewer tourists.

Instead of: Lake Winnipeg, MB
Try: Clear Lake, MB
Tucked in Riding Mountain National Park, Clear Lake is known for its crystal water, charming small-town feel, and hiking trails—without the party vibe and algae warnings that can sometimes plague bigger lakes.

Don’t Toss It—Pickle It!

Have a fridge full of vegetables that won’t last the week? Before they go to waste, try quick pickling—a fast and easy way to preserve summer produce and cut down on food waste. Here are two basic, quick pickle recipes:

Classic Quick Pickle Brine
1 cup vinegar (white, apple cider, or rice vinegar)
1 cup water
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp sugar (optional)

Bring to a simmer, stir until dissolved, and pour over prepared vegetables in a clean jar. Let cool, then refrigerate. Ready to eat in 24-48 hours. Want a little flair? Just add 2 garlic cloves and ½ teaspoon chili flakes to the brine above. Tangy and just the right amount of heat!

And, here are the best veggies to pickle in August—all in season and prone to spoiling quickly, especially after a trip to the farmers’ market or when your garden overproduces:

Cucumbers Green beans Zucchini
Carrots Radishes Cauliflower
Peppers Red onions  

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