Courtesy of Leah Duvall

LeahDuvall.com

Compliments of

780.270.4153 Real Estate Agent, REALTOR ® , ABR ® , SRS, SRES ® LEAH DUVALL

312 Saddleback Rd Edmonton, AB T6J4R7

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.

Au Gratin SPAGHETTI SQUASH

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.

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.

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

Hi Friends,

Edmonton Statistics

It’s November, and somehow we’ve reached the last newsletter of the year already. Time has clearly been sprinting again, and I, for one, would like it to slow down! As promised, at the end of October I put the names of everyone who entered the little sunflower competition into a hat (full disclosure: it was a gift bag, not a hat). Ashley, Matt, and Eleanor were the lucky winners!

AVERAGE PRICES

$559,585 detached UP 1.2% year-to-year

When I dropped off their gift card, Eleanor was having none of my photography nonsense. As a fellow camera-avoidant human, I fully respected her boundary. Exercising her right to privacy just before turning three? Iconic! (She did show me her penguin book, and I got a goodbye wave from her, which was a win for me.)

$202,733 apt./ condo UP 5.3% year-to-year

Thank you to everyone who entered. I hope you enjoyed growing your flowers, and I’m already excited to see what you manage next year. I’m still deciding what seeds to send out in spring. I absolutely loved stuffing wildflower seeds into pots this year, and the nasturtiums attracting hummingbirds to the yard was a first for me! If you have suggestions, please send them. The seeds need to do well in containers as well as garden beds, which narrows things down a bit, but I’m open!

$297,051 row/ townhouse DOWN 3.5% year-to-year

I also got some brilliant news at the end of October. My sister Sarah had her first ultrasound since starting chemotherapy, and her cancer is shrinking. We are completely over the moon with relief. As many of you know, the first chemo doesn’t always do the job, so this is absolutely the best result we could have hoped for. She is completely bald now, but her eyebrows and eyelashes are hanging in there, and she’s rocking headscarves like she’s Carmen Miranda (my older crowd will get that one). Even 10 weeks into treatment, she still has to be told to sit down, rest, and stop “just quickly doing” things, like decorating. Classic Sarah!

40 DAYS ON MARKET

By the time you’re reading this, I should be either on my way to England or already there. I cannot wait to squeeze my family. Video chats are wonderful, but nothing beats an in-person hug. This trip, I’ll get to support Sarah during treatment, and I’ll also be visiting my little sister Miriam for a very special moment: her husband’s homecoming. Richard is a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy and has been deployed all year, so my sister, nieces, and nephew are counting down the minutes to his return. We’ll be heading to watch the ships come in and the sailors return to their families. It’s going to be emotional, so wish me luck keeping it together. For anything real estate-related while I’m away, my colleague Rachel (and the rest of the team, if needed) will take fabulous care of you. Her contact details will be included in my out-of-office response, so you’ll be in safe hands. I hope this year has been kind to you and that you and yours are doing well. As we head into winter and the holiday season, I hope your home is cosy, your bellies are full, and you are healthy and happy. Thank you for being part of my real estate world and for allowing me to be part of yours. — Leah xoxo

62.3% SALES TO NEW LISTING RATIO

Statistics reflect market activity in October 2025. Source: REALTORS ® Association of Edmonton Market values stated are of the average of Edmonton and surrounding region. Individual home market values will vary and are affected by factors such as location, size, interior and exterior condition. Please call to get an up-to-date evaluation of your home.

780.270.4153 Real Estate Agent, REALTOR ® , ABR ® , SRS, SRES ®

leah@leahduvall.com

leahduvall.com

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