Is Your
Basement Air
Fall-Ready?

As the weather cools, keeping your basement air fresh can be a challenge. Here are some small adjustments that can keep your basement fresh and inviting all season long.

Control moisture

Fall rains can increase basement humidity, leading to mold and mildew. A dehumidifier keeps moisture levels in check, ideally between 30-50%. Check for leaks or cracks that could let water in.

Replace air filters

Dirty air filters can trap dust and allergens,
circulating them throughout your home.
Change your filters regularly to improve
air quality, especially if your basement is heated.

Improve ventilation

If your basement has windows, open them occasionally to air out the space. No windows? Consider installing an exhaust fan or using an air purifier to reduce airborne pollutants.

Add houseplants

Certain indoor plants, like spider plants and peace lilies, naturally filter the air and can improve basement air quality.

Top 10 Black Friday Home Steals

Who says Black Friday is just for tech lovers? If you’re planning to upgrade your home, here are the top 10 items that tend to see the biggest discounts:

  1. Refrigerators: One of the most heavily discounted appliances, with price cuts often reaching 30-40%.
  2. Washing machines and dryers: These laundry room essentials have seen discounts as high as 45% in recent years.
  3. Smart thermostats: Expect savings of around 25%, making it a perfect time to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency.
  4. Dishwashers: Another big-ticket item that typically gets discounted by up to 30% during Black Friday.
  5. Home security systems: Both cameras and complete systems often see price reductions of 20-25%, perfect for boosting security on a budget.
  6. Vacuum cleaners: High-end vacuums, including robot models, often drop by 25-30%, a great deal for keeping your home clean.
  1. Mattresses: Many brands offer discounts of 20-30%, making Black Friday one of the best times to upgrade your sleep setup.
  2. Power tools: Home improvement enthusiasts can snag discounts up to 40% on tools from popular brands.
  3. Sofas and sectionals: Furniture stores offer up to 25% off on large furniture pieces, perfect for a living room refresh.
  4. Smart Lighting Systems: Black Friday deals on smart lights can go up to 20-25%, allowing you to modernize your home’s ambiance for less.

Building a Perfect Stew

A great stew often starts with the same building blocks, no matter what flavour you’re going for. Master these three basic foundations and you can easily adapt them to create a variety of delicious dishes.

The classic mirepoix
The humble mirepoix is a blend of diced onions, carrots, and celery sautéed in oil or butter. This aromatic trio forms the base of hearty beef, chicken, or vegetable stews. To build from here, just add your choice of broth, protein, and herbs like bay leaves or thyme for flavour.
Tomato-based stew
For a more robust flavor, begin with sautéed onions and garlic, then add crushed or diced tomatoes. This base works great for Mediterranean-style stews, as well as classic chili. Once the tomatoes are in, add beans, meats, and vegetables, and season with spices like cumin, paprika, or oregano.
Coconut milk base
Want something creamy and rich? Start with onions, garlic, and ginger, then stir in coconut milk—the perfect base making Thai-inspired stews with chicken or seafood. Layer in veggies like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and leafy greens, and spice it up with curry paste or turmeric.

What People Say About Us

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Over the years, Capital Direct Lending has helped thousands of Canadians just like you to realize their dreams. But don’t take our word for it.

Very positive experience

Very positive experience, from the easy online application to the extremely helpful agent to the professionalism of the lawyer. This has been a very comfortable experience. Thank you

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The equity in your home is something that you've worked hard to build. 'Let your house lend a hand' © Contact a Capital Direct mortgage specialist to discover your options.


November Sudoku

 


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