This cake is a light and fruity treat that incorporates whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt and natural sweeteners.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup mixed berries (your choice)

Topping:

• 1/4 cup mixed berries

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined well.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the mixed berries, reserving a handful for the topping.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved berries over the top. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the topping, combine the remaining berries and honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat for a few minutes until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly.

Drizzle the berry sauce over the cooled cake and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

Vancouver, B.C. – June, 2023 – Commercial real estate sales and dollar volumes had a slow start to 2023, with year-over-year declines across all property types.

There were 273 commercial real estate sales in the Lower Mainland in Q1 2023, a 58.1 per cent decrease from 651 sales in Q1 2022, according to data from Commercial Edge, a commercial real estate system operated by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).

The total dollar value of commercial real estate sales in the Lower Mainland was $1.483 billion in Q1 2023, a 64.8 per cent decrease from $4.213 billion in Q1 2022.

“Not to sound like a broken record, but it’s hard to ignore the cooling impact higher borrowing costs have had on transactions in the real estate market overall, and the commercial market remains no exception,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s Director of Economics and Data Analytics, said. “With a 0.25 per cent hike to the Bank of Canada’s policy rate in June, and the possibility of another 0.25 per cent hike in July, relief doesn’t appear to be on the near-term horizon. That said, the silver lining is that inflation is heading in the right direction and is finally nearing the Bank of Canada’s target range of one to three per cent, suggesting that the need for any dramatic increases to the policy rate from here on is unlikely.”

Q1 2023 activity by category

Land: There were 86 commercial land sales in Q1 2023, which is a 60.7 per cent decrease from the 219 land sales in Q1 2022. The dollar value of land sales was $896 million in Q1 2023, a 62 per cent decrease from $2.356 billion in Q1 2022.

Office and Retail: There were 113 office and retail sales in the Lower Mainland in Q1 2023, which is down 53.7 per cent from the 244 sales in Q1 2022. The dollar value of office and retail sales was $172 million in Q1 2023, a 78.8 per cent decrease from $811 million in Q1 2022.

Industrial: There were 63 industrial land sales in the Lower Mainland in Q1 2023, which is a 58.6 per cent decrease from the 152 sales in Q1 2022. The dollar value of industrial sales was $322 million in Q1 2023, a 50.7 per cent decrease from $653 million in Q1 2022.

Multi-Family: There were 11 multi-family land sales in the Lower Mainland in Q1 2023, which is down 69.4 per cent from 36 sales in Q1 2022. The dollar value of multi-family sales was $93 million in Q1 2023, a 76.3 per cent decrease from $392 million in Q1 2022.

Download the Q1 2023 Commercial Stats Package.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Canadian employment rose by 0.3 per cent to 20.17 million in June. The Canadian unemployment rate rose to 5.4 per cent after rising to 5.2 per cent in May. Total hours worked were up 2 per cent year over year, while average hourly wages were up 4.2 per cent from June of last year.

Employment in BC was little changed in June, falling 0.1 per cent to 2.778 million, while falling by 0.3 per cent in Metro Vancouver to 1.570 million. The unemployment rate jumped to 5.6 per cent in BC, up from 5 per cent in May, while rising to 5.7 per cent in Metro Vancouver. 
Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-employment-june-2023

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

Breathwork is known to promote relaxation and reduce activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which can help you sleep better. Here is an easy breath exercise that might help promote restful sleep:

1. Lie in a comfortable position, close your eyes and breathe in deeply through your nose.

2. Hold for a count of three, and then slowly exhale through your mouth to release tension.

3. Continue with deep breathing by inhaling for four counts, holding for four and exhaling for six.

4. Focus on the sensation of each breath and let go of any distractions.

5. Practice this exercise for 10 minutes to allow your body and mind to relax.

Here are some common ingredients in skin care products and what they mean.

Salicylic acid: This exfoliates the outer layer of skin and unclogs pores.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic and lactic acids): These compounds remove dead skin cells, moisturize the skin and minimize acne scars, discoloration and fine lines.

Retinoids: These are forms of vitamin A that boost collagen production and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They can be obtained in prescription or nonprescription strength.

Vitamin C: Available in various formulations, vitamin C helps heal blemishes, even out skin tone and give the skin a healthy glow.

Canadian real GDP was flat from the prior month in April, following a 0.1 per cent increase in March. Goods-producing sectors of the economy grew 0.1 per cent while services-producing sectors were flat. Construction activity rose 0.4 per cent as lower residential construction activity was offset by other subsectors, including engineering construction (+1.1 per cent). The real estate and rental leasing sector expanded 0.5 per cent in April as home sales rebounded. Canadian real GDP is now roughly 3.7 per cent above its pre-pandemic, February 2020 level. Preliminary estimates suggest that output in the Canadian economy expanded 0.4 percent in May.

April's GDP read extends a trend of weak but positive growth since February. The strike of federal workers caused public sector GDP to decline 0.3 per cent in April and contributed to a solid rebound in May, estimated preliminarily at 0.4 per cent. Despite low growth, the economy remains relatively resilient given the headwinds of rising interest rates. Furthermore, given the widespread expectation of an imminent recession for at least the prior two quarters, that growth has been positive in all months of 2023 so far is an unexpectedly cheerful development. But monetary policy works with a long lag, and further slowing of GDP and labour markets are widely expected in the second half of the year. The Bank of Canada's goal is to guide inflation back down to 2 per cent without causing a prolonged contraction in GDP. So far, they have had considerable success, but the Bank will be watching closely to maintain this balance into the fall. 

Link: https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-real-gdp-growth-april-2023

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

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.