Blog posts in Home & Family.

With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, it’s time to pull out your fall decorations and start talking turkey. From DIY décor to lavish family feasts, we’ve found a few Pinterest perfect ideas to help celebrate the season and give thanks.

Many parents feel that back to school in September is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s also when the lazy days of summer are replaced with earlier bedtimes, scheduled activities and evening homework. Given that there’s always an adjustment period for parents and children, we’ve put together a back to school cheat sheet to help you get organized.

Decorating and furnishing your kids’ bedrooms is a chance to let your inner child shine through. Whether you go for big, bright and bold, soft, light and whimsical or somewhere in between, the décor project shouldn’t break the bank – as let’s face it, kid’s grow up quickly and their personal style and needs can change on a dime. Here are a few of our favourite design ideas that will help you create a magical space for your little darling.

Is your laundry room underwhelming? A poorly lit room where single socks and dryer lint run rampant? Given the many hours we spend washing, sorting, and folding clothes, we feel the laundry room should be a welcoming space. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to show your laundry room some love with a few of these simple tips and tricks:

School is out for summer! With the July long weekend behind us, we are looking forward to the weekends ahead. We’ve got the details of planning an adult party under control, now we need to entertain the kids! It’s their turn to let loose and make the most of their backyards during the summer months. We've broken down the party essentials into three easy steps that are guaranteed to have your neighbourhood kids talking about your shindig all summer long.

Last week we learnt how to throw an Epic Backyard Party so this week we will find out how to prepare some good eats. In order to learn how to BBQ like a boss just in time for Stampede, we need to unleash the secrets from the best grillers in the world. So throw that apron on and get on that backyard grill!

Summer has arrived which means it’s time to plan a party! We've broken down the party essentials into three easy steps that are guaranteed to have your neighbours talking about your shindig all summer long.

Your garage may be the most underutilized space in your home. Sure you park the car in there, and probably store your tools, garden supplies, camping gear and sports equipment. But have you maximized the space? Is it easy to obtain every item? Or do you feel a sense of dread when you have to search for a specific tool, or pull out the Christmas decorations? If this is the case, be sure to check out these tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your garage:

Schools often play a large role in a family’s home buying decision making process. Quality of education and proximity of the school are usually major factors. All of the communities that Excel builds in have highly-rated existing schools nearby, or are building brand new schools within the community. Sunset Ridge in Cochrane, for example, is opening its new K-7 school this fall and Mahogany in southeast Calgary has recently completed a sod-turning ceremony for the new K-6 Catholic school that will open in the fall of 2018.

Calgary has certainly been blessed with a streak of hot summer weather this spring. Rising temperatures have many of us ditching our chores, playing outside and soaking up the sun. While it’s easy to focus on fun, we feel there’s no better time to spruce up your backyard and create a stunning summer oasis to relax and entertain in. Here are a few Pinterest worthy ideas to help get you started.

Are you looking for healthy meals that won’t break the bank? Fresh produce, naturally raised meats, organic dairy and local products are the ideal, but often come at a higher price point. To help you stock your kitchen with healthier choices, we’ve put together a few ideas that will make shopping a little easier and less expensive.

Your home should be comfortable, functional and warm your soul. Each room serves a different purpose and should be designed and decorated accordingly. Bedrooms, for instance, evoke a sense of calm, while your kitchen and great room are a vibrant hub to gather and connect with family and friends. Many of us also have at least one room that serves a dual purpose and the right furniture and décor can make that space sing. Here are a few ideas to help design your ideal multi-use space.