The Week in Review 270

Rain is gone/ Salt in te water/ Mountains rising

If you enjoy The Week in Review & other articles why not support me with a coffee or two? I work Full-Time on Hiking in Finland to bring you inspiring trip reports, in-depth gear reviews and the latest news from the outdoors. You also could subscribe to the rarer-than-ever Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube for more outdoorsy updates!

News

Join the The Armchair Mountaineer Wild Writing Competition 2017.

Pinpack is a Polish maker of packrafts.

Also I found a few new Japanese Cottage Manufacturers: Mountain Gear Project makes very good looking cuben shelters and accessories, while blooperbackpacks makes packs for runners and backpackers. atelierBluebottle produces stylish accessories and packs, and mmcmgear from South Korea offers shelters and accessories.

The World’s Newest Long Trail is Cuba’s Ruta de la Revolución.

Jackie is hosting a Women’s Adventure Retreat in Ecuador - join her if you can!

Support Pretty Strong: All Your Favorite Climbing Chicks in One Film.

Good read: GPS Accuracy and the Automation Paradox.

Sweet dreams: Why do big brands crave climbers?

Enter the Bergzeit Raffle to win a complete Mammut Eiger Extreme Outfit!

The End of Walking in America.

Paulina became a Backcountry Gourmet with Adventure Dining Guide.

Listen to Enormocast 134 with Graham Zimmerman on both Sides of the Lens.

Shop and save 30-50% past seasons products with Patagonia Web Specials + free shipping over $75!

It’s the final summer sale week at Alpinetrek.co.uk - get your autumn and winter gear now!

Trip Reports

Read the First Down Syndrome Summit of the Grand Teton.

Through the Dolomites. [German]

Florence had a great time in Spain. [French]

Kathrin’s first days on the Bibbulmun Track. [German]

Beautiful views and exciting trails on the Kita-dake 北岳.

Ryan also has some great views and camps on the Ausungate Circuit.

Anna and Chris hike Hiking Grand Gulch in Utah.

Stefanie hikes up to the Große Wiesbachhorn. [German]

Bikepacking Through Czechia.

Red Bull Fox Hunt 2016.

Check out this big Guide to bike packing and touring in Africa.

Erika went more up than down. [German]

Gear Reviews

I like Iñaki’s positive thinking and imagine he was smiling here and there while writing his pre-trip gear shopping article, When plans go wrong, make new ones.

Matthias’ Bikepacking on the EuroBike article is recommended for all friends who ride bikes. [German]

Andrew the Maker’s Many Things Sack Review.

Jens reviews the Páramo Velez Jacket. [German]

Michael reviews the Haglöfs LIM Strive 50.

Drew reviews the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent.

Wondering what are Sarah’s most favourite trail recipes? Wonder no more and read that post!

Raf took a First Look at the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this article to help finance the website. Read the Transparency Disclaimer for more information on affiliate links & blogger transparency.

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3 Great Solutions for Common Window Cleaning Problems

Keeping the windows clean is a chore most homeowners usually neglect. Here you’ll find answers to the most irritating window problems you might already be experiencing.

Image Source: Flickr

When mildew grows on your windows
Remove the window and clean or replace the frame and fix the leaks. If mold has gotten into the window frame, you will have to have the window removed and the frame cleaned or replaced.  Remove all wet insulation or framing and thoroughly dry any framing that’s left in place. Then, seal up the leaks around the window and frame to prevent the problem from reoccurring. Source: Modernize

If your window always streaks after cleaning
Even if you do exactly the right things, you can still end up with a streak or three. In that case, the simplest solution is to finish the job with a quick buff. A chamois or a microfiber cloth is best, although a regular rag will do. Keep it dry, and just buff over the glass when you finish cleaning it. You’ll find those streaks just disappear. As always, keeping up with the job makes it a whole lot easier. The less dirt and grime your windows accumulate, the less time you’ll spend cleaning them — a quick vinegar spritz, newspaper swipe and you’re on your way. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks

If your windows get dirty unusually fast
Change the filter in your heating and cooling system. Modern airtight homes trap more dust, pollen, dander, and other particles inside than ever before. While furnace and air conditioner filters extend the life of your appliances, they also help trap that dirt. Filters should be changed every month or two, or anytime you can’t see through the filter when you hold it up to a light. Cleaning your air conditioning filter regularly is also an inexpensive way to keep your house cooler. Source: RD

Learn more about windows and window treatments by calling us today!

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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4 Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

The amount of money you spend in remodeling should not be put to waste. Make sure you get the best bang for your buck by not making the following mistakes:

Image Source: Flickr

Forgetting about ventilation
Be sure to work efficient fan and exhaust systems into your bathroom plan. “This is key to a successful renovation because if the room is not properly ventilated it creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold,” says Binns. Source: HGTV

Lack of balance
You must be thoughtful in choosing a pleasing combination of tile colors, patterns, and shapes along with your plumbing choices. If you’re timid at all about this process, use bold choices sparingly, go slow, and think balance. When it comes to choosing sinks, toilets, tubs, and faucets, don’t shy away from the more interesting selections, but counteract their intense nature with more-calming pieces. Source: MyDomaine

Skimping on storage
Even if you’ve purged your toiletries and towels in a bid for a streamlined ‘new you’, storage should still be a priority in your bathroom. You’re sure to acquire more lotions and potions over time, particularly if you have a growing family.

A mix of open and closed storage works wonders, as this elegant space demonstrates. You can shut away ugly bathroom necessities and leave pretty toiletries and fluffy, fresh towels on display for all to admire. Source: Houzz

Inadequate lighting
That blemish on your face is actually a toast crumb. The reason you’re confused is that the lighting in your bathroom is so terrible you can’t tell the difference between a chocolate dribble and a freckle. If you think muted lighting will make your yellowing teeth or receding hairline less noticeable (to you anyway), get a grip on yourself.

Poor lighting conditions in a bathroom can be dangerous. Don’t take an unexpected tumble because you prefer candlelight to the harsh light of a fluorescent fixture. Install bathroom-rated lights over your sink and near your tub or shower. It’ll save your guests the inconvenience of having to carry a flashlight around with them. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks

We can help you pick the best fixtures to suit your new bathroom. Call us today!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 4 Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.

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Concert’s Harbourside Waterfront North Vancouver – Plans, Prices, Availability

At a Glance

• stunning North Vancouver waterfront location
• 18-building master planned community
• 700 market residential homes
• retail street
• commercial street
• public plaza
• new park
• LEED Gold certification goal

An Active Waterfront Community
Concert’s plan for Harbourside entails combining 700 condominium homes and 100 rental apartments with over 200,000 square feet of high-quality office, a 100,000-square-foot hotel, and over 40,000 square feet of retail in order to create an active and animated waterfront community with its own distinct sense of place. Harbourside’s location is uniquely in tune with the natural world – it occupies a prime waterfront location with trail connectivity and magnificent views of the ocean and the North Shore mountains. The property also has a dynamic history as part of a working waterfront which remains in operation to this day.

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The creation of animated shopping streets filled with unique boutique retailers, along with dynamic gathering places, will help establish Harbourside as a destination. The integration of recreational areas, including a generous amount of park space and an expansion of the Spirit Trail, will further this goal – especially since an expanded Spirit Trail will provide opportunities for walking, riding, rollerblading and running for kilometres east and west of Harbourside. Harbourside’s uniqueness will be further accentuated with the careful selection of materials throughout the buildings and landscaped public spaces. Materials which connect to the natural world and weather authentically will be combined with elements which evoke an “industrial chic”.

Pricing for Harbourside Waterfront
This development is currently in pre-construction, but we expect strong interest in Harbourside Waterfront. To ensure your opportunity to purchase, we recommend you subscribe to our VIP list above for timely updates.

Floor Plans for Harbourside Waterfront
Serious buyers should contact me to discuss availability and review relevant floor plans when finalized.

Amenities at Harbourside Waterfront
As a master planned, complete community, Harbourside will provide all the day-to-day amenities one would need. Harbourside Drive has been designed as a commercial street with office, retail and live/work spaces on the south side and light industrial uses on the north. Fell Avenue, the primary entrance to Harbourside Waterfront, is intended to be a retail street of shops and cafes with outdoor seating. Fell Plaza will serve as a public gathering place, ceremonial space, performance space, outdoor market place, place for socializing, and a place for play. Harbourside Place is the community’s activity centre. Shops and restaurants on the north side are treated to spectacular views of the working harbour and the Vancouver skyline to the south.

Parking and Storage
Each building will offer ample storage and underground parking.

Maintenance Fees at Harbourside Waterfront
Details to be included with final pricing.

Developer Team for Harbourside Waterfront
Founded in 1989, Concert specializes in developing rental apartments, condominium homes and retirement communities, acquiring and developing commercial, industrial and infrastructure properties and in property management. With operations in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, Concert has completed developments in excess of $2 billion, built 9,000 rental and condominium homes, and developed or acquired more than 10 million square feet of income-producing properties.

Expected Completion for Harbourside Waterfront
Harbourside Waterfront will be developed in four phases over a period of 10-15 years.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in West or North Vancouver?

Check out these great North Shore Presales!

The post Concert’s Harbourside Waterfront North Vancouver – Plans, Prices, Availability appeared first on Mike Stewart.

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August 2017 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Charts & Graphs

August 2017 REBGV Stats Mike Stewart Realtor from Mike Stewart

Condominium sales drive August activity

VANCOUVER, BC – September 5, 2017 – Competition for condominiums and townhomes
pushed Metro Vancouver* home sales above typical levels in August.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in
the region totalled 3,043 in August 2017, a 22.3 per cent increase from the 2,489 sales recorded
in August 2016, and a 2.8 per cent increase compared to July 2017 when 2,960 homes sold.
Last month’s sales were 19.6 per cent above the 10-year August sales average.

“First-time home buyers have led a surge this summer in demand in our condominium and
townhome markets,” Jill Oudil, REBGV president said. “Homes priced between $350,000 and
$750,000 have been subject to intense competition and multiple offers across the region.”

There were 4,245 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the
Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in August 2017. This represents a 1.1
per cent decrease compared to the 4,293 homes listed in August 2016 and a 19.2 per cent
decrease compared to July 2017 when 5,256 homes were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver
is 8,807, a 3.5 per cent increase compared to August 2016 (8,506) and a 4.2 per cent decrease
compared to July 2017 (9,194).

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for August 2017 is 34.6 per cent. By
property type, the ratio is 16.3 per cent for detached homes, 44.8 per cent for townhomes, and
76.3 per cent for condominiums.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below
12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it
surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Conditions in our detached home market are distinct today from the dynamic in our
condominium and townhome markets,” Oudil said. “Detached homes have entered a balanced
market. This means there’s less upward pressure on prices and that buyers have more selection to
choose from and more time to make their decisions.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro
Vancouver is currently $1,029,700. This represents a 9.4 per cent increase over August 2016 and
a one per cent increase compared to July 2017.

Sales of detached properties in August 2017 reached 901, a 26 per cent increase from the 715
detached sales recorded in August 2016. The benchmark price for detached properties is
$1,615,100. This represents a 2.2 per cent increase from August 2016 and a 0.2 per cent increase
compared to July 2017.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,613 in August 2017, a 20.1 per cent increase compared
to the 1,343 sales in August 2016. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $626,800.
This represents a 19.4 per cent increase from August 2016 and a 1.7 per cent increase compared
to July 2017.

Attached property sales in August 2017 totalled 529, a 22.7 per cent increase compared to the
431 sales in August 2016. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $778,300. This represents a
12.8 per cent increase from August 2016 and a 1.9 per cent increase compared to July 2017.
-30-

*Editor’s Note: Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast,
Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody,
Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2016, 39,943 homes changed ownership in
the Board’s area, generating $2.5 billion in economic spin-off activity and an estimated 17,600 jobs. The total dollar
value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $40 billion in 2016.

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Pier West by Bosa in New Westminster

Pier West is a landmark project that will bring vibrant design and refined living to the most significant waterfront property in Metro Vancouver. Located on 750 Quayside Drive, the groundbreaking development includes two residential towers – a 43 and a 53 storey highrise – including the tallest building on Metro Vancouver’s waterfront, plus a variety of services that add to the community.

Pier West will include a 40-space child care facility in the commercial space; two acres of park and public open space, including an extension to Westminster Pier Park, a public plaza and esplanade space; and new pedestrian connections between Westminster Pier Park, Fraser River Discovery Centre and River Market.

 

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Strawberry, Lemon & Elderflower Cake

September crept up on me this year, partially because we had a VERY hot few days in the UK recently so I was blissfully unaware that summer is coming to an end. Uni starts in a few weeks and I’m internally starting to panic about the fact that I only have 1 year left of education. I’m partially excited to finish and start being a *real* person but also, like everyone else, pretty terrified about that too.

This is the cake-form of my denial that summer is ending and that reality will hit soon when I return to Leeds. It features a fresh strawberry buttercream and elderflower cordial – can’t get more summery than THAT. As I find layer cakes endlessly frustrating to make, I decided to go sheet cake style here. They’re very easy to make and decorate so are much better for my level of patience!

Strawberries are definitely something that taste best in season. But as we’re cooking them down into a jam for the frosting here, using slightly crappy strawberries (or frozen ones!) is definitely a good option.

• 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 160 g (10 tbsp) unsalted butter
• zest of 1 lemon (finely grated (you need the juice for the buttercream))
• 3 eggs
• 250 ml (1 cup) plain yogurt
• 120 g (1 cup) plain white flour (all purpose flour)
• 150 g (1 1/4 cup) plain wholemeal flour (wholewheat pastry flour)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp elderflower cordial

Buttercream:

• 100 g (3.5oz) fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped (plus a few for decoration)
• juice of 1 lemon
• 70 g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 100-200 g (1- 1.5 cups) icing sugar (powdered sugar)

1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Grease and line a 20 x 20cm square tin or a 25 x 17 cm rectangular tin.

2. Cream the sugar, butter and lemon zest together in a large mixing bowl until fluffy and soft. Beat in the eggs one at a time – it’s okay if it looks like the mixture is curdling. Stir in the yogurt. Add in both flours, the baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt and fold in gently until just combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 35-40 minutes until it’s golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Dilute the elderflower cordial with 2 tbsp of water in a small bowl and spoon this over the warm cake to soak in. Set aside to cool before frosting.

For the buttercream:

1. Blitz the strawberries and lemon juice together in a blender/food processor or in a jug using a hand blender. Pour the blended mixture into a medium pot and heat over a medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced down to about 80 to 60ml. Let it cool – this is your strawberry ‘jam’.
2. Beat the softened butter together with the cooled strawberry ‘jam’. Gradually mix in the icing sugar, adding up to 300g until you have a spreadable consistency. Spread this over the cooled cake and top with the extra strawberries (I slice them) to decorate.

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