There's something about August that calls for simple recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you're hosting friends on the patio or enjoying a quiet evening with a good book, these crostini come together in minutes and feel just a little bit special.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 ball (8 oz) burrata cheese

• 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced

• 2–3 tbsp hot honey

• Fresh basil leaves

• Flaky sea salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

4. Tear the burrata into pieces and spread onto each crostini.

5. Top with a few slices of fresh peach.

6. Drizzle generously with hot honey.

7. Finish with torn basil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve immediately while the crostini are still warm.

SELLERS | Around the Kitchen Island

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for vacations and for real estate.

Every year, I hear the same question:

"What happens if we get an offer while we're away?"

The good news is that selling your home while you're on vacation is not only possible, it's often easier than people expect. In fact, some sellers actually prefer being away during the busiest part of the process.

Prepare Before You Pack

A little planning goes a long way.

Before you leave, we'll make sure your home is ready for showings, discuss how you'd like offers handled, and make a plan for staying in touch while you're away.

We'll also talk about things like:

• Your preferred communication method

• Time zone differences

• How quickly you'd like to review offers

• Any decisions you'd like to make ahead of time

When everyone knows the plan, there's very little that can't be handled remotely.

Showings Don't Stop Just Because You're Gone

In many ways, being away can actually make showings easier.

You don't have to rush home to tidy up after work, load the kids into the car, or find somewhere to spend an hour while buyers walk through.

Your home stays ready for showings, and buyers can view it with fewer scheduling obstacles.

Less disruption for you often means more flexibility for buyers.

Technology Makes the Rest Easy

Today's real estate process is designed to work wherever you are.

Offers, amendments, disclosures, and other documents can all be reviewed and signed electronically. Whether you're at a lake in British Columbia or on a beach halfway around the world, we can keep everything moving without interrupting your vacation.

A Few Simple Security Tips

Before you leave, it's worth taking a few extra steps to give yourself peace of mind.

• Pause mail and package deliveries, or ask a neighbour to collect them (depending how long your vacationing for)

• Put interior lights on timers.

• Avoid announcing your travel dates on social media.

• Leave a spare key with someone you trust in case something unexpected comes up.

• Let your Realtor know how to reach you in an emergency.

These small details help your home stay looking lived in while you're away.

Why Some Sellers Actually Prefer It

It might sound surprising, but many of my clients tell me they enjoyed the process more because they weren't living through every showing notification. Instead of wondering how each showing went or feeling tempted to straighten another pillow before the next one, they were able to relax and enjoy their vacation while I handled things back home.

Sometimes a little distance makes the process feel a lot less stressful.

Enjoy Your Vacation. I'll Handle the Rest.

Selling your home doesn't have to mean putting your summer plans on hold. With a little preparation, clear communication, and the right strategy, your sale can continue smoothly while you're away making memories.

Around the Kitchen Island: Life doesn't stop because your home is on the market. My goal is to make sure your real estate plans fit around your life, not the other way around.

BUYERS | Around the Kitchen Island

Summer is vacation season. Suitcases are packed, calendars are full, and many Calgary families are heading to the mountains, the lake, or hopping on a plane.

Then it happens… the perfect house pops up.

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is, "We'll just wait until we're home to start looking again." Unfortunately, in Calgary's market, waiting a week can sometimes mean missing the home altogether.

The good news? Buying a home while you're away is much easier than it used to be.

Virtual Tours That Go Beyond the Photos

Professional photos tell part of the story, but they don't tell you how a home feels.

When my clients are out of town, I'll walk through the property with them over video, pointing out everything I'd mention if they were standing beside me. The little details. The layout. The neighbourhood. Even the things that don't show up in the listing photos.

It's the closest thing to being there yourself.

Showings That Work Around Your Schedule

Whether you're on a beach in Mexico or camping in the Rockies, communication doesn't stop.

We can coordinate showings around your travel schedule, discuss properties when it's convenient, and make sure you have the information you need to decide whether a home is worth pursuing.

Paperwork Has Gone Digital

Gone are the days of needing to rush home to sign documents.

Offers, amendments, disclosures, and most paperwork can all be completed electronically, allowing you to move forward wherever you are.

Trust Matters Even More

Buying a home remotely requires a little more trust than buying one in person.

That's why having a Realtor who understands what matters to you—and who will be honest about both the pros and the cons, is so important. Sometimes my role is to encourage clients to move quickly. Other times, it's to tell them to enjoy the rest of their vacation because this simply isn't the right house.

Both conversations are equally valuable.

Don't Put Life on Hold

Summer memories are important., so is finding the right home. The two don't have to compete.

If the right property comes along while you're away, you don't have to choose between enjoying your vacation and making a confident real estate decision. With the right plan and the right guidance, you really can do both.

Around the Kitchen Island: The best vacations leave you feeling refreshed. The best home purchases leave you feeling confident. My goal is to make sure you can have both.

There are certain smells that instantly take you back to a place.

For me, it's fresh basil, vine-ripened tomatoes, and lemons.

Ever since our trip to Italy last year, that combination has reminded me of wandering through little markets, stopping at cafés, and realizing that some of the best meals we had were also the simplest. Fresh ingredients, good olive oil, and food meant to be shared.

Now that my own basil and tomato plants are finally producing, I find myself thinking about that trip every time I step onto the deck to pick a handful of herbs or a few ripe tomatoes from my planter box.

This recipe is inspired by exactly that. It's simple, fresh, and one of my favourite appetizers to put out when friends stop by on a warm summer evening.

Whipped Feta Dip with Garden Tomatoes & Basil

Ingredients

For the whipped feta

• 200 g block feta cheese

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Fresh cracked pepper

For the topping

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Handful of fresh basil, torn

• Hot honey, for drizzling

• Flaky sea salt

• Fresh cracked pepper

For serving

• Crostini

• Warm pita

• Crackers

• Fresh vegetables

Directions

1. Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes, until soft and lightly blistered.

2. While the tomatoes cook, blend the feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

3. Spread the whipped feta onto a shallow serving plate.

4. Spoon the warm roasted tomatoes over top.

5. Finish with torn basil, a drizzle of hot honey, flaky sea salt, and fresh cracked pepper.

6. Serve immediately with crostini, pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Few words cause as much concern during a home inspection as Poly-B plumbing.

I've seen buyers immediately assume a home is "bad," and I've seen sellers worry their home has suddenly lost all of its value. The truth usually falls somewhere in the middle.

Like many things in real estate, it's important to understand the facts before jumping to conclusions.

What is Poly-B?

Poly-B, short for polybutylene, is a grey plastic plumbing pipe that was commonly installed in Canadian homes from the late 1970s through much of the 1980s and into the 1990s. At the time, it was considered an affordable, flexible alternative to copper and was installed in hundreds of thousands of homes across Canada, including many right here in Calgary.

If your home was built during that period, there's a reasonable chance it contains Poly-B plumbing.

So why does everyone talk about it?

Over time, some Poly-B systems have developed leaks or failures. Research suggests that age, water chemistry, installation practices, and the fittings used all play a role. Not every Poly-B system fails, but enough have experienced issues that it has become something buyers, inspectors and insurance companies pay close attention to.

That doesn't mean every home with Poly-B is destined for problems.

In fact, many Calgary homeowners have lived in homes with Poly-B for decades without ever experiencing a leak. Others choose to replace it proactively during renovations or before selling simply for peace of mind.

The biggest challenge today is often insurance.

For many homeowners, insurance has become a bigger concern than the plumbing itself.

Some insurers may charge higher premiums, require additional documentation, or ask that the plumbing be replaced before offering or renewing coverage. Others continue to insure homes with Poly-B, particularly if there have been no previous issues. Policies vary significantly between insurance companies, which is why it's always worth checking before buying a home.

Should you avoid buying a home with Poly-B?

Not necessarily.

A home should always be evaluated as a whole. Its location, condition, maintenance history, price, and overall value all matter. Poly-B is simply one factor in that equation.

If a home has Poly-B, I recommend:

• Having a professional home inspection.

• Confirming insurance options before removing conditions.

• Obtaining a replacement estimate so you understand the potential future cost.

• Factoring that information into your buying decision if appropriate.

For many buyers, it's a manageable consideration rather than a deal breaker.

My advice

One of the things I remind clients is that every generation of homes has something buyers ask questions about.

Older homes may have aluminum wiring or asbestos-containing materials. Newer homes may have different concerns altogether. Poly-B simply happens to be one of the common discussion points for homes built during a particular era.

Real estate isn't about finding the perfect house. It's about understanding the home you're buying, knowing what to expect, and making informed decisions with your eyes wide open.

Knowledge is almost always less intimidating than uncertainty, and that's exactly why conversations like this matter.

HOME | Around the Kitchen Island

There’s something about summer in Calgary that makes us want to spend as much time outside as possible. The long evenings, warm sunshine, and (mostly) beautiful weather mean our backyards become an extension of our homes.

When people imagine the perfect backyard, they often think it needs a complete renovation. But the truth is, the best outdoor spaces aren't always the biggest or the most expensive. They're the ones that actually get used.

Here are a few of my favourite outdoor spaces that Calgary families seem to enjoy most every summer.

A Patio Made for Morning Coffee

Whether it's a front porch with a couple of Adirondack chairs or a small patio tucked into the backyard, having a quiet place to enjoy your morning coffee can become part of your daily routine. Sometimes it's the simplest spaces that get used the most.

A Deck That Brings Everyone Together

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the deck becomes its summer version.

It's where dinners stretch a little longer, neighbours stop by unexpectedly, and kids wander in and out between backyard games. You don't need an elaborate outdoor kitchen—a comfortable seating area and a place to gather is often all it takes.

Fire Tables That Keep the Night Going

One of my favourite additions to any backyard is a fire table.

They're clean, easy to use, and instantly make people want to stay outside just a little longer. Whether you're catching up with friends or roasting marshmallows with the kids, they create one of those spaces everyone naturally gravitates toward.

Pergolas That Add Comfort (and Character)

A pergola does more than make a backyard look beautiful.

It creates shade during the hottest part of the day, defines an outdoor room, and gives you the perfect place to hang string lights or climbing plants. It turns a patio into a destination.

A Reading Corner That's Just for You

Not every outdoor space needs to entertain a crowd.

A comfortable chair, a side table, a good book, and a few flowers can become your favourite place to escape for twenty minutes after work. Sometimes that's all you need.

Outdoor Dining That Feels Like Summer

There's something special about eating outside.

It doesn't matter whether it's burgers on a Tuesday night or a family barbecue on the weekend. Sharing a meal outdoors somehow slows life down and makes ordinary evenings feel like little celebrations.

It's Less About the Backyard… and More About the Memories

The outdoor spaces we remember most aren't usually the ones with the biggest budgets. They're the ones where birthdays were celebrated, late-night conversations happened, kids played until the streetlights came on, and summer simply felt a little slower.

That's what makes a house feel like home.

Around the Kitchen Island: Whether you're dreaming about creating your own backyard retreat or you're already enjoying one this summer, remember that the best spaces are the ones that fit the way you live—not the latest trend.

Every summer, my raspberry bushes seem to have a mind of their own. One minute they're producing a handful of berries, and the next they're overflowing onto the pathway, practically begging to be picked before the birds discover them.

Harvesting them has become part of my summer routine. It's one of those simple little moments that reminds me to slow down, spend a few minutes outside, and enjoy what's growing right in my own backyard.

If you're finding yourself with more raspberries than you know what to do with, this has become one of my favourite ways to use them. It's light, refreshing, and just as delicious with or without alcohol, making it perfect for backyard dinners, book club nights, or simply sitting on the deck after a long day.

Ingredients

• ½ cup fresh raspberries

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

• Juice of ½ a lime

• A handful of fresh mint leaves

• Ice

• 2 oz vodka or gin

• Sparkling water or club soda

• Extra raspberries and mint for garnish

Directions

Add the raspberries, lime juice, honey, and a few mint leaves to a glass and gently muddle until the berries release their juices.

Fill the glass with ice, pour in the vodka or gin, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with extra raspberries, fresh mint, and a lime wedge.

Make It a Mocktail!

Simply skip the alcohol and replace it with a splash of lemonade or a little extra sparkling water. You'll still get all the fresh raspberry flavour with a drink that's just as refreshing on a hot afternoon.

Whether you're picking berries from your own garden or grabbing a basket from the farmers' market, this is one of those simple summer recipes that feels a little bit special without taking more than a few minutes to make.

Sometimes the best part of summer isn't the big vacations or packed schedules. It's wandering into the backyard with a bowl in hand, picking raspberries before the bushes completely take over, and ending the day with a cold drink on the patio. Those are the moments I find myself looking forward to every year.

Every house has that one room. The room everyone is supposed to gather in.

The beautifully decorated living room. The cozy family room. The perfectly styled patio you've spent all week getting ready for guests, and yet, somehow, every single time, everyone ends up in the kitchen.

I've stopped being surprised by it.

People lean against the counters., someone opens a bottle of wine, another person starts helping with dinner, whether they were asked to or not. Before long, there's a crowd gathered around the island, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. Vacation plans. Books they've loved. Kids and grandkids. The latest neighbourhood news. A recipe someone swears you need to try.

The kitchen has a way of making people feel comfortable. It's where conversations happen naturally. Nobody worries about saying the right thing. Nobody is trying to impress anyone. It's just people being together.

As much as I love a beautiful home, I've come to realize that what makes a home special isn't the paint colour, the countertops, or the furniture. It's the life that happens inside it, the laughter that carries from one room to another. The dinners that run long because nobody wants to leave and friends who stay for "just one more drink." It’s the family conversations that somehow solve the world's problems around an island after dessert.

Maybe that's why I've always loved kitchen islands. They're not really about cooking, are they?! They're about connection. In a world that often feels rushed and busy, I think there's something special about having a place where people naturally gather.

So here's to kitchens that are a little crowded, conversations that last longer than expected, and homes that make people want to stay.

After all, the best parties rarely end where they started… they end in the kitchen.

Erika

8 Things You’ll Only Notice During a Summer Showing

BUYERS | Around the Kitchen Island 

Every season has its advantages when you're buying a home, but summer offers something many buyers don't always think about.

While spring is often considered the busiest time in real estate, summer gives you the opportunity to see a home in a completely different light, literally. The longer days, warmer weather and active neighbourhoods can reveal things that simply aren't visible during a snowy February showing.

If you're house hunting this summer, don't just focus on the layout and finishes. Take advantage of what the season has to offer.

2. Picture Yourself in the Backyard

Summer lets you experience outdoor spaces the way they're meant to be enjoyed.

Is there room for kids to play? A garden? A firepit? Does the deck feel private? Can you picture yourself enjoying your morning coffee or hosting friends on a warm evening?

Sometimes buyers fall in love with the backyard just as much as the house.

6. Listen as Much as You Look

Summer is a great time to simply pause for a minute.

Open a patio door or stand in the backyard and listen. Can you hear traffic? Is there a nearby playground? Do you notice train noise, busy roads or barking dogs?

These aren't necessarily deal-breakers, but they're details you'll appreciate knowing before you write an offer.

8. Think About Next Summer

It's easy to picture where your furniture will go. It's even better to picture where life will happen.

Can you imagine a backyard barbecue with friends? Watching the kids play outside? Reading a book on the deck after work? Growing tomatoes in the garden?

Sometimes those little moments are what turn a house into a home.

Buying a home is about more than square footage and finishes. It's about finding a place that fits the way you want to live.

If you're still in the early stages of your search, take some time to explore Calgary homes for sale on my website. You can create a free account, save your favourite properties, set up custom searches and receive new listings that match exactly what you're looking for—all in one place.

Whether you're planning to buy this summer or simply starting to explore what's available, taking the time to notice these details now can help you make a more confident decision when the right home comes along.

If you've spent any time with me lately, you've probably heard me talk about English gardens.

What started as a few plants here and there has quickly turned into a bit of an obsession. Every time I open Pinterest, visit a garden centre, or walk through an established neighbourhood, I'm looking for ideas and imagining what my own garden could become.

What I love most about an English garden is the balance it strikes between structure and softness. At first glance, they can look almost wild, with flowers spilling over pathways and plants weaving together as though they've simply found their own place to grow. But underneath that relaxed appearance is thoughtful design. Every pathway, shrub, and perennial has a purpose, even if it doesn't immediately reveal itself.

To me, that's what makes them so beautiful. They don't feel overly planned or perfectly manicured. Instead, they feel as though they've evolved over time, growing a little fuller and more beautiful with each passing season.

I also love the elements that seem to get better with age. Weathered stone planters, aged garden gates, rusty trellises, and antique bird baths all develop character as the years pass. Unlike so many things that are replaced the moment they show wear, these pieces become part of the garden's story. The fading paint, the patina, and the imperfections are exactly what make them appealing.

It's never just about the plants, either.

Some of my favourite English gardens include the little details that invite you to slow down and stay awhile. String lights draped through trees, bird feeders attracting visitors throughout the day, climbing vines winding their way over an archway, and quiet corners that feel tucked away from the rest of the world all add to the feeling that the garden is meant to be experienced, not simply admired.

Lately, I've been searching for the perfect spot to place a bench in my own garden. Not because I need another place to sit, but because every English garden seems to have that one destination, a place that encourages you to pause for a few minutes with your morning coffee, a good book, or to watch the kids play with the soccer ball in the yard.

Maybe that's what I love most about these gardens. They aren't created overnight, and they're never truly finished. They change with the seasons, grow a little differently every year, and continually evolve into something more interesting than what was originally planned.

Much like a home, the beauty isn't found in perfection. It's found in the layers, the memories, and the life that unfolds there over time.

Erika

HOME | Around the Kitchen Island (4)

After another long Calgary winter, there’s something special about that first evening spent outside.

The BBQ is finally uncovered. The patio furniture comes out of storage. The evenings stretch a little longer. Suddenly, the backyard becomes the place everyone wants to be.

Tomorrow is Canada Day, and in true Calgary fashion, the forecast is looking… hopeful with a side of “maybe keep an eye on the sky.” Mostly cloudy, around 20 degrees, and a possible afternoon thunderstorm.

So basically, summer.

It’s still the perfect excuse to spend a little time getting your outdoor space ready. Not because it has to be perfect, but because it’s about to become your favourite “room” of the house for the next few months.

For me, the best outdoor spaces aren’t the fanciest ones. They’re the ones that make you lose track of time.

The Ultimate Summer Backyard Checklist

☐ Comfortable seating that invites people to stay awhile
Pretty is nice. Comfortable is better. If people can settle in, they will.

☐ Twinkle lights overhead
Nothing makes a backyard feel more magical than twinkle lights once the sun goes down.

☐ An amazing deck with incredible plants
A great deck becomes even better with lush planters, colourful flowers, herbs by the BBQ, and greenery that makes the whole space feel alive.

☐ A BBQ that’s ready to go
Because summer dinners should be easy, casual, and ideally eaten outside.

☐ Backyard games for everyone
Cornhole, ladder golf, bocce, giant Jenga, or whatever gets people laughing and off their phones.

☐ A cozy backup plan for Calgary weather
Blankets, a covered spot, an umbrella, or somewhere to run if the clouds decide to be dramatic.

☐ A backyard movie setup
A projector, a screen, lawn chairs, blankets, popcorn, and friends gathered under the stars. One of the best summer traditions.

☐ Lighting, warmth, and somewhere to linger after dark
Lanterns, candles, a fire table, or extra blankets can stretch the evening a little longer.

☐ Good people and nowhere else to be
The most important part. The furniture, flowers, and lights are just the backdrop.

It’s Not About Perfection

You don’t need brand-new furniture or a magazine-worthy backyard.

A few fresh cushions. Healthy plants. Twinkle lights overhead. A clean BBQ. A good outdoor rug. Maybe a basket of blankets by the door for those cooler Calgary evenings.

The goal isn’t to impress people.

It’s to create a space where your family lingers after dinner, neighbours stop by unexpectedly, kids make memories, and summer somehow feels just a little longer.

Tomorrow, people all over Calgary will be celebrating Canada Day in parks, at festivals, around campfires, and in backyards just like yours. And whether the sun shines all day or the clouds roll in for a classic Calgary surprise, summer is officially here.

We wait all year for these few precious months.

We might as well make every evening outside count.

See you around the kitchen island (… or maybe the backyard fire table…)

Erika