For parents:

• Do not use masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction), non-toxic make-up kit instead.
• Make or buy costumes in light-coloured material.
• Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can better see your child.
• Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes.
• Dress your child for the weather. Add layers if needed.
• Put your child’s name, address and phone number on his costume.
• Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends.
• Keep in mind that gum and hard candy can pose a choking risk for young children.
• Remove make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

If your child is going out without an adult:

• Make sure your child is in a group of at least 3 people.
• Give them a flashlight. A cell phone is also a good idea if you have one.
• Discuss in advance the route they should follow. Ask them to call you if they plan to go on a street that isn’t on the route.
• Set a curfew (and make sure they have a watch with them).
• Tell your children not to eat anything until they get home.

For children and youth:

• Carry a white bag or pillowcase for your candy, and add some reflective tape.
• Dress for the weather. Cold weather or water absorbent materials in the rain can be very uncomfortable.
• Bring a cell phone, in case you need to make an emergency phone call.
• Always travel in groups. Be sure there are at least 3 of you at all times.
• Let your parents know where you’re going to be at all times.
• Don’t visit houses that are not well lit. Never go inside a stranger’s house.
• Use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
• Don’t criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way up one side of the street, and then start on the other.
• If you have any allergies, tell the person who is giving out the treats.
• Don’t eat any of your treats before you get home. Once home, ask your parents to look through your treats with you to make sure everything is okay.

For homeowners:

• Turn on outdoor lights, and replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Remove items from your yard or porch that might trip a child.
• Sweep wet leaves from your steps and driveway.
• Use alternative to candles in your pumpkins, such as a flashlight or a battery-operated candle.
• Remember that some children have food allergies. Consider giving treats other than candy, such as stickers, erasers or a yo-yo.

Alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating

• Local community centres sometimes offer Halloween night activities.
• Local shopping centres often have trick-or-treat nights for young children in a more controlled environment.
• Plan a Halloween night at home with themed games and movies. Invite friends.

Do you want to make your home more efficient and better looking without breaking the bank? Check out this article from Amazing Oasis with simple changes that can make a world of difference in your home!

1. Add outlets to drawers to keep clutter off of the table top.

2. Add a half-table to your bathroom for extra storage space.

3. Build a free library for your neighbors.

4. Put heat-sensitive tile in your shower… just because.

5. Make the space your fake drawers take up functional.

6. Fake drawers are also a great spot for extra outlets.

7. Add a shelf to a long hallway for extra storage space.

8. Save space with collapsable drying racks.

9. Install dutch doors so you can watch your kids/pets without baby gates.

10. Add a sun tunnel to rooms you wish had more natural sunlight.

11. Buy a toilet seat where everyone can have their own tab.

12. If your garage is adjacent to your kitchen, add a little door to make unloading groceries easier.

13. Use stainless steel contact paper to make your appliances look more expensive.

14. Decorate the foundation of your home to make it pretty and functional.

15. Use recessed outlets so you can put your furniture against the wall.

16. Install your outlets underneath your cabinets so you don’t ruin your backsplash.

17. Replace your current shower head with this unique one.

18. Use slide-out drawers in the home for spices and pantry items.

19. Open a small tunnel to connect two rooms.

20. Instead of bunk beds, install classy murphy beds for your kids.

21. Add a small cabinet to extra space in the kitchen for cleaning supply storage.

22. Replace your old house numbers with modern fonts.

23. Put a sign on your bathroom so guests know where it is.

24. Add a simple window seat to the landing of your staircase.

25. Make your porch lights fancy with a chandelier.

26. Hide away appliances behind sliding doors.

27. Use kitchen drawers as cutting boards you can hide.

28. Use a slide-away step in your bathroom instead of a stepstool.

29. Stools on hinges save room in the kitchen.

30. Build drawers in the wasted space between studs in the wall.

[Original Post: http://www.amazingoasis.org/2014/03/here-are-30-relatively-simple-things.html]

Are you ready to put Don’s 35 years of business and sales experience to work for you? Simply click on the appropriate red button below:

Royal LePage Premier Real Estate in St. Albert, Alberta, recently hosted more than 100 golfers at their 2nd Annual Charity Golf Classic, raising $16,000 for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. All of the proceeds were directed to the Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF) Society, which provides services to clients experiencing family violence.

Enjoying the Royal LePage Premier tournament, from left: Louanne Dalgleish (St. Albert Gazette), Royal LePage Premier Real Estate broker/owner Shirley Williams, Kristin Pierce, Casey Kinsella, Royal LePage Premier Real Estate agent Don Cholak, Dana Dewer and Gillian Graham

Struggling to find peace and rest at home? Maybe it’s time to do a little organizing and de-cluttering. Laura Gaskill shares 10 tips to help create a more peaceful home!

1. Clear surfaces daily. Clutter is visual distraction. Every time your eyes land on a stack of papers, a tangle of jewelry or a pile of laundry, some small part of your mind is at work thinking about dealing with said items. If you want a calmer experience at home, a good way to begin is by making it routine to clear all the surfaces in your house daily. When your eye can skim across clean, clear surfaces throughout your home, it also becomes easier to stay focused on the present moment.

Are you ready to put Don’s 35 years of business and sales experience to work for you? Simply click on the appropriate red button below:

Congratulations! Top Producers for May 2014!

Hip Hip HOORAY!  Way to go Team!
Congratulations to our top 4 producers for the month of May!!!! 1. Mike Kinsella 2. Sonia MacKenzie 3. Don Cholak 4. Jeff Roth

Keep up the great work!