I wanted to write to you today about something that has been on my mind for a while - the importance of patience with ourselves and others. I believe this is something that we all struggle with at some point.

When we're dealing with our own shortcomings or the imperfections of others, it can be all too easy to become frustrated or even angry. But in those moments, it's important to take a step back and remind ourselves that nobody is perfect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and we're all doing the best we can with what we've been given.

I think this is especially true when it comes to family. Our loved ones are the people who know us best, and who we often expect the most from. But they're also the people who are most likely to push our buttons and challenge us in ways that nobody else can.

In those moments, it's important to remember that we're all on the same team. We may not always see eye to eye, but we all want what's best for each other. And sometimes, that means picking our battles and letting things go.

Of course, this is easier said than done. It takes practice and patience to be able to let go of our frustrations and focus on the bigger picture. When we can learn to be patient with ourselves and others, we create a more peaceful and harmonious environment for everyone.

So, as we move forward, it’s important to remember that we're all doing the best we can, and that sometimes, the most important battles are the ones we choose not to fight.

Sincerely,

Gino Pezzani

RE/MAX Heights Realty

July 1, Canada Day (CAN): Canadian's everywhere celebrate Canada Day, for becoming one country through the Constitution Act on July 1, 1867.

July 4, Independence Day (US): A federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in the United States.

July 9, Nunavut Day: A day is annually celebrated commemorates passing of two Nunavut acts. 

July 14, Bastille Day: A national holiday in France that commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, a pivotal event in the French Revolution.

July 17, World Emoji Day: A day dedicated to the use of emojis, celebrating their role in digital communication, and their impact on pop culture.

July 20, Moon Landing Anniversary: Anniversary of the first human landing on the moon by the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969.

Canadian prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 3.4 per cent on a year-over-year basis in May, down from 4.4 per cent in March. The decline was mostly driven by lower gasoline prices from this time last year (-18.3 per cent). Month over month, CPI rose 0.4 per cent, in large part due to higher mortgage interest and traveler accommodation costs. Shelter costs were up 4.7 per cent year over year, driven by much higher mortgage interest costs (up 29.9 per cent from last year) along with higher rents (up 5.7 per cent from May 2022). The homeowner's replacement cost, which tracks home prices, was down 0.1 per cent year over year. Grocery prices were up 9 per cent year over year, down from 9.1 per cent last month. In BC, consumer prices rose 3.4 per cent year-over-year.

After unexpectedly hot inflation in April, the CPI cooled in May, with year-over-year prices rising at the slowest rate since June 2021. Much lower gasoline prices compared to the same time last year are doing much of this work, but recovering supply chains also contributed, with furniture and household appliances both on average cheaper than the same time last year. The Bank of Canada's measures of core inflation, which strip out volatile components, are trending downwards and are now mostly below 4 per cent year-over-year. Despite this progress, other components of the CPI remain stubbornly high, particularly food and shelter costs. Excluding energy prices, the CPI was up 4.6 per cent from last year, a rate that is still well beyond the Bank's target. In the context of solid GDP growth, a robust labour market, and a rebounding housing market, financial markets expect that the Bank will raise its benchmark interest rate by another 25 basis points to 5 per cent at its next meeting on July 12th. 

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-inflation-may-2023

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

This dish is perfect for summer and is great for a quick and easy dinner or as an appetizer for a summer barbecue. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

1  pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2  tbsp  fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to make a marinade.

Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the shrimp to marinate.

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.

Thread the marinated shrimp onto the wooden skewers.

Grill the shrimp skewers for two to three minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque.

Serve the grilled shrimp skewers hot. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. This summer dish will impress your guests. Enjoy!

Eventually, it happens to almost everyone: standing on the sidelines at a party with a beverage or appetizer in your hand, with no idea of what to say or do.

But party anxiety isn't a life sentence. Try these tips and you might find that you like parties after all.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You are not obligated to be the life of the party or earn the undying affection of every party guest. It's only a party!

Start with people you know. A conversation with some familiar faces can loosen you up and make it easier to chat with new people later.

Pick the perfect arrival time for you. Are you more comfortable with a smaller crowd, or do you prefer sliding into an existing conversation while the party is in full swing? If arriving a couple of minutes early or late (within reason) lets you have a better time, then don't agonize about it—just do it!

Create strategies to meet and talk with new people. You might ask your host to introduce you, or just stick out your hand and do it yourself. Have a funny story or interesting facts in your back pocket as conversation starters.

Don't be afraid to join groups of new people. It's a party, after all. You can listen to the conversation, participate with easy questions and statements, and let it build from there. You could also put it all out there with a simple, "I don't think we've met before. What are your names?" It's easy to do and instantly initiates a conversation that includes everyone.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals.

It also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and immune system function and preventing  chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.

Vitamin E-rich foods include almonds and hazelnuts; seeds, such as sunflower and pumpkin; spinach; avocado; and vegetable oils, such as wheat germ, sunflower and safflower.

To view the June 2023 Mortgage Rate Forecast PDF, click here.

Highlights:

1. Stubborn inflation has rates rising again

2. How much longer can the economy shake off the impact of high interest rates?

3. The Bank of Canada is back on the move

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

You've probably heard of rare earth elements because they pop up often in news headlines and political discussions. And when you hear that the elements are rare, you expect them to be, well, rare. But it turns out that rare earth elements aren't rare at all.

In fact, you could take a shovel to your yard and probably dig up many of the elements used in electronic devices as catalysts, meaning they are useful in various chemical reactions. Without rare earth elements, there are no smartphones and computers.

Although rare earth elements are more abundant in some places, they're easy to find. However, they typically make up only a small amount of the local soil composition.

Generally, to get a significant amount of rare earth elements, you must excavate huge quantities of Earth from vast open pits and process the soil to the rare metals. Refining rare earth elements can inflict serious damage on the environment and generate a lot of waste.

China has created enormous processing centers and is willing to bear the risks associated with digging up and refining rare earth elements. In 2022, China produced the most of any country, with 210,000 metric tons (MT); the United States and Australia produced 43,000 MT and 18,000 MT, respectively.

Canadianhousing starts fell 23 per cent to 202,494 units in May at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR). Starts were down 28 per cent from the same month last year. Single-detached housing starts rose 3 per cent to 55,967 units, while multi-family and others fell 29 per cent to 146,528 (SAAR).

In British Columbia, starts fell by 33 per cent in May to 40,536 units SAAR in all areas of the province. In areas in the province with 10,000 or more residents, single-detached starts rose 7 per cent m/m to 6,207 units while multi-family starts fell 39 per cent to 32,010 units. Starts in the province were 3 per cent below the levels from May 2022. Starts were down by 22k in Vancouver, while rising by 0.6k in Victoria, 0.6k in Kelowna, and 1.7k in Abbotsford. The 6-month moving average trend fell 2.6 per cent to 49.9k in BC in November. 

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-housing-starts-may-2023

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.