When it comes to getting your home ready for winter, I would say my top tip would be to be sure that your wood-burning appliances (ie woodstoves, fireplaces and pellet stoves) are clean and ready to go.

The chimneys and flue pipes for these should be cleaned and inspected prior to use, as well as the burning units themselves. A buildup of soot and creosote is a fire hazard and is the main cause of chimney fires.

If you have a propane fireplace, you're in the clear—but remember to get your tank filled before the cold hits. ​

Autumn is an incredibly busy time for getting your yard ready for the winter. If you're looking to have a lush lawn and beautiful flower beds come springtime, now is the time to put in the work around the yard. 

If you have time to do only one thing in your yard, I would recommend removing all of the fallen leaves off your lawn. Piles of dead leaves left on your lawn all winter can smother your grass and cause snow mould on your lawn. ​

If you're keen on keeping your leaves to provide shelter for bugs and food for birds through the winter, consider using a leaf blower to move your piles of leaves into garden beds. Just make sure you clear them out come early spring. 

If you're still not sure where to get started when it comes time to get your home ready for the winter, comment below or set up a free consultation.  

As the fall brings in crisper weather and the leaves start changing, many Nova Scotians are planning their autumn travel to find the best places to enjoy the colours of the season. 

This week, I caught up with Kayla Short, award-winning lifestyle blogger and Instagrammer behind Short Presents. 

​Can I say anywhere in NS? I don’t think you can make a bad choice!!

End to end, Nova Scotia is amazing in the Fall! Definitely can't make a wrong decision when it comes to touring around the province this time of year. With so much nature around us, I would say our province really does come alive in the autumn. If you’re going to twist my arm (lol) some of my faves would be:

1) Cape Breton - I might be slightly biased, because I grew up there, but there’s something pretty spectacular about the crisp fall air coupled with the truly stunning colours of the leaves that’s really worth seeing in person! And those rolling hills?? I mean, what’s not to love? If you happen to do the Cabot Trail be sure to check out the new Gandella at Cape Smokey!  

2) Annapolis Valley - Apple picking, haunted houses, corn mazes, and wineries? It’s a must!

3) Sensea Spa in Chester - arguably amazing any time of the year, but definitely a must if you're looking for some much-needed R&R. Be sure to book early as spaces fill up quickly, but don’t be afraid to check back to the site, as people do cancel! Might I also suggest dining at the Rope Loft while you're in the area? Fun fact, did you know the Rope Loft is the oldest building still in commercial use in Nova Scotia?? Pretty cool right. Food is also pretty great!

4) Halifax - there is always something going on in the city! Our culinary scene here is pretty great and I love that most Halifax restaurants change their menus seasonally, so it’s fun to stop in to see what’s new!!

5) Windsor - known for producing some of the world’s largest, world record-setting pumpkins? I’d say it’s worth a visit in the fall! Do yourself a favour and take the old highways to get there to experience some of the best fall colours!

​Oh my goodness I wouldn’t even know where to begin! I love them all.

I would say start making a bucket list—I have a whole section of my blog dedicated to my travels to get you started!—and every time it’s a nice day, or you feel like getting out and about, tick a few more items off your list.

Be sure to mix it up, visit lots of restaurants, cafes, markets and take time to do lots of activities while they're available. I definitely try to support local as much as I can all year, but some places do close up for the winter so it’s great to get out and support them while you can!!

​So many places!! We tend to visit family on the long weekends in the fall, so you’ll always find us in Cape Breton!

​However, I JUST did an amazing stay at the brand new, La Have Cabin which you should definitely put on your bucket list. Located on the water’s edge, it was seriously the most relaxing place!! It feels like you’re sleeping on the ocean, and listening to the waves of the ocean is so unbelievably calming. The wood-fired hot tub is a nice touch on cool fall evenings too!

Definitely check out my Instagram for more details @shortpresents. You never know where I’ll be headed next!