Courtesy of Jack Marsala November 2024

344 O’Connor Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1W1 Hallmark Realty Group Brokerage. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated “in Ottawa”

Jack Marsala Real Estate Broker 563-1155 24 hour paging thru office 613-762-1739 Jack Marsala Real Estate Broker

Metro-City Realty Ltd.,

Brokerage 344 O’Connor Street Ottawa, ON K2P 1W1 Helping Families Find Homes Since 1973 “Helping Families Find Homes Since 1973”

2025 | ISSUE 11

FLOORING TRENDS TO STAY ON TOP OF

With 2026 right around the corner, many industry experts are eager to list upcoming home decor trends. When it comes to flooring, some trends stand the test of time whereas others don’t necessarily age well, so think long-term before diving into one of these hot flooring options. Wide plank flooring has been popular for the last few years and decorators see 2026 following the trend. Wooden floors in light tones and natural finishes are the most popular and the wide planks make spaces feel more modern, elegant and larger. Herringbone plank flooring is another more stable, yet somewhat trendy option if you like the look of wood but want something a little more unique. The interlocking V-shaped planks create a modern, luxurious look. When you’re looking for flooring that will make your space feel warm and cozy, look no further than wall-to-wall carpet. Low pile finishes in earthy tones layered with area rugs create a functional and stylish look that designers are using in bedrooms and living spaces alike. The best part about layering is that the area rug can be changed out as your decor tastes change.

Jack Marsala 613-762-1739 jack@remaxottawa.com www.jackmarsala.com

FALL MAINTENANCE TASK Cleaning the inside of your refrigerator is likely a routine task. What about cleaning the coils on the back of the fridge? Experts say you should thoroughly clean those at least once a year; ideally twice or even quarterly if you own pets that shed. Clean coils will help the appliance run more efficiently which will extend its life and could reduce your energy bill. While you’re cleaning the coils, take the time to clean the floor and walls surrounding your fridge as well. Any debris, dust and dirt that accumulates there can eventually work its way into the fridge coils making your cleaning task more difficult. Refer to your user’s manual for proper cleaning protocol and where to locate your particular model’s coils.

Jack Marsala 563-1155

COOL GADGET GIFT IDEAS Finding the perfect gift for the person who has everything can be stressful. Thankfully, there are so many cool gadgets available for relatively reasonable prices, so you could look into one of these for that special someone. • Mini security camera : look for a magnetic or easily mounted, small camera for those in your life with pets. The camera can be used throughout the day to keep an eye on what they’re doing. • PhotoStick : for those on your list that love taking photos but can never seem to find where they’re saved, this device will help them organize and protect their precious moments across multiple devices. • Heated vest or jacket : staying warm in the fall and winter is now even easier with the touch of a button in a specially made vest or jacket. Depending on the brand you find, simply charge the item before heading out and enjoy up to eight hours of added warmth. • Smart bird feeder : For bird lovers, a smart bird feeder will provide hours of entertainment as they detect and record bird (or squirrel) activity.

Privacy Disclosure: We respect your privacy. The sponsor indicated on the front panel provides a complimentary subscription of this publication to you, a valued client. If at any time or for any reason you do not want to receive this publication, please contact the sponsor using any of the contact info on the front panel, and your personal information will be removed from the mailing list immediately. Without response to this cancellation offer, we assume your implied consent and permission to continue provision. Disclaimer: This publication is distributed for the purpose of information only. It is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract by a real estate firm or under contract with another Broker, nor is it intended to cause or induce breach of any existing agreement. Distributed By: DMS Marketing Inc. The trademarks REALTOR ® , REALTORS ® and the REALTOR ® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA . Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved Note: Printed on recyclable material & HOME FAMILY D I G E S T Thinking Of Buying Or Selling Real Estate? Call Today!

WORD WHEEL This transportation themed word wheel is made up from a 9-letter transportation themed word. Discover that word, then make as many words as you can from the letters in the wheel. Each word must include the letter B . To try forest bathing, head to a grove of trees where you can slowly walk through nature, without any electronics distracting you. Listen to the sounds around you like birds, animals, wind, rain or leaves underfoot. Observe the scenery, noticing light filtering through branches, leaves falling or signs of wildlife. Pause occasionally to touch a tree, leaves or even a stone on the path. While you’re stopped, notice the earthy scent of soil, any floral fragrances, fresh pine or just the crispness of an autumn or winter day. Tasting nature isn’t suggested, unless you’re an experienced forager, but instead allow yourself to savour the freshness of the air or sip tea or water as you go. Forest bathing, an ancient Japanese practice, allows you to mindfully connect with nature to improve your mental and physical health. It’s more than a walk in the woods; it involves an immersive experience that engages all of your senses. Physically, walking benefits your body and breathing in the fresh forest air helps oxygenate your blood. Mentally, purposeful time in nature can reduce stress and improve your mood. FOREST BATHING: A MINDFUL WAY TO CONNECT WITH NATURE

Tech Jokes

Why was the cell phone scared to go to the dentist? He didn’t want him to remove his blue tooth.

Why was the Roomba late for class? It overswept.

What did the baby laptop call her father? Data.

What’s the difference between a TV and a magazine? Ever try to swat a fly with a TV?

Why did the escalator going up never want to touch the other escalator? The other escalator was always coming down with something.

Answer: SUBMARINE

Au Gratin SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Jack Marsala 613-762-1739 jack@remaxottawa.com www.jackmarsala.com

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 spaghetti squash, halved and seeded

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder • salt and black pepper to taste • ¾ cup fat-free sour cream • 1 cup shredded light Cheddar cheese • cooking spray

• 3 tablespoons light margarine • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place spaghetti squash in a covered dish and add ¼ inch of water. Microwave for 10 to 12 minutes. Scrape insides of squash with a fork and transfer to a small bowl. 2. Heat margarine in a medium skillet over medium heat while spaghetti squash is cooking and cook onion, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt and pepper until the onion is browned, 5 to 10 minutes. 3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 4. Mix spaghetti squash, onion mixture, sour cream and half of the Cheddar cheese together. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn on broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes and broil until gratin is golden brown on top.

Jack Marsala 563-1155

SPRING PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE’S INNOCENCE. SUMMER PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE’S EXUBERANCE. AUTUMN PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE’S REVERENCE. WINTER PASSES AND ONE REMEMBERS ONE’S PERSEVERANCE”

YOKO ONO

MUSHROOM COFFEE: TREND OR HEALTH BOOST? If you’ve noticed “mushroom coffee” on store shelves or social media, you’re not alone. This growing trend blends traditional coffee with powdered extracts from mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga, reishi and cordyceps — all known for their potential health benefits.

Despite the name, mushroom coffee doesn’t taste like soup. The flavour remains coffee-forward, just slightly earthier and less bitter. Many people turn to it for its lower caffeine content and the belief that it offers a smoother, steadier energy boost compared to regular coffee. Supporters say certain mushrooms may help with focus, immunity and stress management, though scientific research is still catching up. What’s clear is that mushrooms are nutrient-rich and can be a healthy addition to most diets. You can find mushroom coffee as instant packets, ground blends or coffee pods at health food stores and major retailers across Canada. It brews just like regular coffee — simply adjust the strength to your taste. While it might not replace your morning cup entirely, mushroom coffee is an interesting way to shake up your daily routine and see if you notice a difference in how you feel.