Courtesy of Laura Green

MAPLE DIJON CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tsp each: salt, paprika, thyme and garlic powder

• 4 large chicken breasts • 4 cups carrots, peeled and sliced into coins

• ¼ cup maple syrup • ¼ cup dijon mustard • 2 Tbsp cooking oil • 2 Tbsp parsley

• 6 shallots, sliced • 1 red onion, diced • 12 oz broccoli

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Line a sheet pan with parchment and spray with olive oil. 3. Arrange chicken and vegetables on the pan, spray with olive oil. 4. Mix salt, paprika, garlic and thyme. Sprinkle evenly over everything.

5. Mix maple syrup, Dijon and oil. Pour over chicken and veggies, coating both sides. Roast for 30-45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and the carrots are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley. *Try this recipe with different vegetables like potatoes, asparagus, green beans or cauliflower.

PRACTICAL SOUNDPROOFING TIPS

Living in urban and suburban areas, noise is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Sound travels easily through small gaps, hard surfaces and shared walls, making even everyday activity come through the walls as unwanted noise. The good news is there are plenty of practical, homeowner-friendly ways to reduce noise and create a calmer, quieter home. Start with simple fixes that deliver immediate results. Seal gaps around doors, windows and walls using caulk or

weatherstripping to block sound entry points. Add soft materials like rugs, curtains, artwork and tapestries along shared walls to absorb sound instead of reflecting it. Placing furniture against the wall, such as bookshelves, cabinets, couches and similar items, can absorb sound. Acoustic panels are another easy upgrade that can reduce echo and improve how sound behaves inside your space. You can also use white or pink noise, like a fan or sound machine, to mask background sounds and make them less noticeable. For longer-term solutions, consider more substantial upgrades and renovations. Double-glazed windows and solid-core exterior doors help reduce sound from transmitting from outside. Ensuring enough insulation inside walls and crawl spaces can absorb airborne noise. While total silence is not realistic, combining different improvements can noticeably reduce noise for you and your family.

SPRING DECK PREP

As the weather warms, outdoor living spaces come back into focus and decks remain a major selling feature in Canadian homes. But nothing undermines a great deck faster than a loose or unstable railing. During showings, buyers notice safety as much as style and a wobbly railing can quickly raise concerns about maintenance and risk.In Canada, railing safety focuses on fall protection, structural integrity and accessibility, with requirements set by provincial codes and enforced locally. Before listing or enjoying your deck, review bylaws and ensure compliance. Start with a simple safety check. Walk around and hold all railings, testing posts and fasteners for movement. Check that openings between balusters or cables are narrow enough to keep children safe. Ensure railing height meets current code and confirm all elevated areas have proper railings. Inspecting and reinforcing your railings improves safety and builds buyer confidence.