Courtesy of Maureen Reed

Cell: 416.895.4883 Office: 416-391-3232 MaureenReedRealtor@gmail.com www.maureenreed.ca

2026 | ISSUE 9

RETHINKING THE OPEN FLOOR PLAN

Open-concept homes are popular but shifting family needs, increased work-from-home and more families living together mean modern households often need more separation. Open layouts offer benefits like larger rooms, more natural light and easier conversation while cooking or relaxing. Households are also seeking clearer boundaries between work, school, relaxation and everyday chores. The challenge is that a single large room does not always translate into a single useful one. A laptop on the dining table, a television in the living room and a busy kitchen can quickly compete for attention. The best floor plan is not necessarily the trendiest one, but one that fits how you actually live. For many households it could simply be enough openness, keeping a home feeling spacious with enough separation to make each area work together. Half walls or glass doors, rugs and furniture like bookcases or tables can serve as visual boundaries. The aim isn’t necessarily to build more walls but to make the space easier to define. Before permanent changes try temporary dividers or different furniture arrangements for a while. Observe how people move, where noise collects and which areas feel crowded or exposed. This trial can show whether a change improves daily life and helps avoid costly mistakes.

CLASSIC SOUTHERN Cornbread

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups flour • 1 cup cornmeal • 1 cup sugar • 1½ tbsp baking powder • 1 tsp salt

• ½ cup melted butter • ½ cup oil • 1 ¼ cups milk • 3 large eggs for the wet mixture • Honey and extra butter for serving, optional

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. 2. Whisk the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt together in a large bowl. 3. Mix the melted butter, oil, milk and eggs together in a separate medium bowl. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is combined. 5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean or with only a few crumbs.

THE MOST AWKWARD THING IS THE DECISION TO ACT; THE REST IS MERELY TENACITY.”

AMELIA EARHART

A fall window check is a simple task that can make a home more comfortable before the first cold snap. Inspect windows and doors early, look for worn seals and address concerns before winter weather makes them harder to fix. A few minutes of checking can help homeowners understand how their home responds to colder temperatures and decide whether it needs further attention. On a cool day, run your hand along the edges of windows and doors. If you feel moving air, inspect the weatherstripping and seals for signs of wear. A draft does not automatically mean the window needs replacing. The problem could be a worn seal, a gap around the frame or another part of the wall. Checking the likely source first can help avoid assuming that a major replacement is necessary. For any unclear or more serious issues calling a professional may be necessary. STOP FALL DRAFTS EARLY

COFFEE SHOP WORD SEARCH

BARISTA CAPPUCINO CHEESECAKE

COOKIES CROISSANT ESPRESSO

LATTE MILKSHAKE MOCHA

MUFFIN SYRUP

SOLUTION

WHY WE KEEP A JUNK DRAWER

Almost every home has one: a random drawer filled with batteries, tape, keys, scissors and mystery hardware. A junk drawer is not a sign of poor organization sometimes it is simply a practical home for small items that do not have a better place. The problem starts when the drawer becomes a catch-all for everything, to the point that you can’t find the things you need. Reset it when it gets too full. Paperwork, broken items, dried-out pens and old batteries can quickly crowd out the things you actually need. Start by emptying the drawer, wiping it clean and sorting the contents into groups. Throw away broken or unusable items, move things that belong elsewhere and consider small trays or dividers for tools, office supplies and other odds and ends. Pay special attention to anything that can leak, expire, break or become unsafe over time.

TRY FISHING THIS FALL Fishing can be a simple way to spend time outdoors. Starting with a small amount of suitable gear can make the hobby less expensive and less intimidating. It also gives you a chance to learn what type of fishing you actually enjoy before buying specialized equipment. A basic spinning rod-and-reel setup can be enough for many beginner fishing trips. Add a small tackle kit with hooks and bobbers, then build your gear as you learn what you enjoy. Before heading out, check the fishing licence and local rules, as requirements vary by area and species. Regulations may include licences, seasons, catch limits, bait and species you can keep. Local government resources, fishing organizations and sporting goods stores can help you learn what rules apply locally. If you are nervous about going alone, a guided fishing trip can be an easy way to learn. Watching how someone else handles a rod, casts, checks a hook and reads the water can make the first few trips feel much easier.

The best gift you can give is a referral to your friends and family.

Cell: 416.895.4883 Office: 416-391-3232 MaureenReedRealtor@gmail.com www.maureenreed.ca

B121-1396 Don Mills Rd, North York, Ontario M3B 0A7

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