April’s leading off with a bit of everything, including what felt like a third winter to start the month, but we’re finally turning the corner and leaning into warmer days ahead.

We kicked things off celebrating a big milestone at the end of March: Blake turned 40 this year! I planned a full surprise birthday party with a millennial era frat theme, and it honestly could not have come together better. Huge thank you to his parents for graciously opening up their home for the night. Everyone showed up in their best Y2K vintage looks, and we went all in on the details with CDs, band posters, and the best custom sugar cookies by Sweet Home Bakers. It was one of those nights that felt effortless, nostalgic, and just really fun.

To keep the celebrations going, I also took Blake to a pottery throwing experience at Play with Clay. We’ll see how our bowls turn out, but I can confidently say it is way harder than it looks. Centering the clay on the wheel is no joke, and definitely the most challenging part. A new appreciation for anyone who makes it look easy.

Easter weekend was all about family. We kept up the tradition with fish and chips at Blake’s parents, enjoyed an Easter egg hunt on what ended up being one of the warmest and nicest Fridays we’ve had in a while, and wrapped it all up with a relaxed Sunday brunch with my mom and Blake’s parents. Simple, full, and exactly what you want a long weekend to feel like.

Now we’re looking ahead. The yard is calling for a full cleanup after the winter, and Blake is gearing up to start building a shed in the backyard as soon as the weather decides to stay warm for good. It feels like the start of a really productive and fresh season, and I’m ready for it.

March seemed to arrive overnight this year. After a long winter, spring came in hot and fast, and with it buyers and sellers appear to have woken up alongside the sun and warmer temperatures. The phones started ringing, showings picked up, and listing preparation shifted into high gear almost immediately. The market has moved swiftly into spring mode, which also explains why my February newsletter never quite made it out the door!

Before the pace ramped up, Blake and I managed to sneak away for a week in Playa Mujeres with my cousins. It was a much-needed reset filled with sunshine, good food, and the kind of conversations that only seem to happen when you’re away from everyday routines. We returned just before the unfortunate events that unfolded in Puerto Vallarta. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people who had to endure the chaos and destruction in such a beautiful place, and I’m relieved to see that the situation has begun turning a positive corner as the community rebuilds.

Back at home, winter gave us one final highlight. Our brokerage was treated to a ski day followed by dinner at Craigleith Ski Club and the Alphorn. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful ski days I can remember... a perfect bluebird day with temperatures hovering around 3°C and sunshine all afternoon. Sharing the slopes with colleagues made it even more memorable, and it was a great reminder of how lucky we are to live and work in a place where these moments are possible.

In between enjoying the last of winter and gearing up for spring, I’ve also been busy preparing a very special listing that just hit the market this month for some cherished clients. It’s always an honour to help people navigate these important transitions, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you. You can explore the listing at the link below. I can’t wait for you to see it!

As we move further into spring, the energy in the market is building quickly. If you’re curious about what that means for your home, your neighbourhood, or your plans for the year ahead, I’m always happy to chat.

It’s been a very productive month on both the work and home fronts. I attended the Royal LePage Tri-City kickoff, where I had the chance to meet CEO Phil Soper and hear his thoughtful (and encouraging) outlook on the year ahead. I also spent a full day at Real Estate Development Day in Kitchener Waterloo, connecting with local agents and brokers and digging into practical ways to strengthen and grow our businesses. Between conferences, learning, and client work, it’s been a busy but motivating start to the season.

At home, a TikTok-inspired idea turned into a full kitchen project: Blake is building a custom dining banquette so we can host more dinners, while I handled the IKEA cabinet inserts for extra storage (practical and satisfying). We finished it with wainscoting, trim, and a soft eucalyptus paint colour because aesthetics matter, leaving just the tabletop to go before we’re ready to host.

We also spent a weekend making pizza completely from scratch with our nephews, including homemade mozzarella (a science experiment that paid off) and sauce from tomatoes we grew and froze last summer.

To round out the month, I squeezed in a much-needed self-care night at Vettä Nordic Spa and escaped the cold with Blake for a week in Playa Mujeres, soaking up sunshine with family before jumping back into winter and work mode.

December was a full and meaningful month for us. Blake and I celebrated our first Christmas together, spending time with both of our families and soaking in the kind of moments that make the season special. We even braved an ice storm on Boxing Day to head to Mitchell to visit Blake’s friends, which was absolutely worth it for incredible brisket and cinnamon rolls. It felt like a true Canadian holiday experience and a great way to close out the year surrounded by good people.

Santa was also very generous this year. I’m now the proud owner of a new Dyson cordless vacuum with laser technology that actually shows you where the dust is hiding. I never thought I’d say this, but vacuuming has turned into a bit of a game. With two dogs in the house, being able to hunt down every last dust bunny is strangely satisfying and very effective.

I’ve also made some positive changes to my routine this month. I started going to the gym with my sister in law, and having a workout buddy has made a huge difference. We’ve been trying pilates and yoga classes together, and it feels good to build consistency and focus on health as we head into the new year.

Looking ahead, we’re leaning into winter and making the most of it. With plenty of snow in my old stomping ground of Simcoe County, we’re planning some time on the slopes at Mount St Louis. Closer to home, the skating trail at Riverdale Park in Guelph has been a hit, especially with our nephews who are eager to work on their skating skills. Winter can feel long, but we’re choosing to enjoy it and stay active while we can.