• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
• Change the air-conditioner filter     
• Clean window and door screens
• Polish wood furniture and dust light fixtures
• Refinish the deck 
• Power-wash windows and siding
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank

• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
• Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration
• Inspect chimney for damage
• Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals
• Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads
• Have air-conditioning system serviced
• Drain or flush the water heater
• Fertilize your lawn

You're A VIP... and you're in my VIP Club.

Instead of traditional advertising, every month I am giving away something fun to my VIPS (past, present, and future clients or partners); you're one of them! There's no catch - I'm spending my advertising dollars on you.

Our April VIP Giveaway is this gorgeous gift basket of goodies from Penelope Grace Designs Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS to our March Winner Janelle Mercier! Thank you to everyone who entered the draw. We enjoyed reading your comments. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages as we will be sharing some of your comments in the next month.

To be entered to win April's VIP Club Giveaway, share with us your favorite Easter memory. Entries must be received by Monday, April 18th. 

Old Electronics: We all have them... an old computer, laptop, cell phone, etc. But wait... many of these devices may still contain personal information. Make sure any device like this is completely wiped before discarding.

Handwritten Notes: Remember the feeling of stumbling upon an old handwritten card or note? It can really tug on the heartstrings. If decluttering, consider keeping these moments as fond memories. Store them in a box with a lid to protect them from sunlight and dust.

Books: Finished reading your books? Don't pack them up for garbage day just yet. Books are a great accessory in home decor. They add color to shelves and built-in units and can add style to a boring coffee table. If that doesn't work for you, check with your local library if they are accepting donations.

Photographs: In this digital age, gone are the days when we'd have physical prints of our photographs. Nothing beats rifling through such photographs by hand. Think twice before tossing out such treasured memories.

Heirloom Furniture: Grandma's wingback chair certainly brings back lots of memories, but it may not go with your current living arrangement whether by style or size. Before tossing it out, considering asking other family members if it's wanted, or try giving it a makeover. If all else fails, it can always be resold if in good condition or donated.

Old T-Shirts: Those old t-shirts may have seen their best days long ago, but don't toss them out. They make fantastic cleaning rags for odd jobs. If the job isn't too messy it can be cleaned and re-used. Sure beats using paper towels for such tasks.

INGREDIENTS

185g unsalted butter , cut into small chunks, plus extra for greasing

185g best dark chocolate , broken into pieces

3 large eggs

275g golden caster sugar

85g plain flour

40g cocoa powder

5 fondant filled eggs (we used Cadbury's creme eggs)

150g mini eggs (we used a mixture of Cadbury's and Smarties mini eggs)

To decorate: You will also need a few fluffy chenille Easter chick to decorate (optional)

 

INSTRUCTIONS

Put the butter and the chocolate in a medium-sized heatproof bowl and set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until melted. Alternatively, cover the bowl loosely with cling film and microwave at 30 sec intervals until melted. Leave the melted chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature.

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease a 20cm square tin with butter and line with 2 long strips of folded baking paper or foil – one running top to bottom, the other left to right then line the base with a piece of baking paper. The strips will help you lift it out later.

Break the eggs into a large bowl and tip in the caster sugar. With an electric mixer on maximum speed, whisk the eggs and sugar for around 5-8 mins or until they look thick and creamy and have doubled in size.

Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the egg mixture, then gently fold together.

Sieve the flour and cocoa into the wet ingredients then continue to fold the mixture gently with a spatula just until everything is fully combined, try not to over-mix.

Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and carefully level the mixture with the spatula. Put in the middle of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the fondant filled eggs in half and set aside then place the mini eggs into a pestle and mortar. Crush a few of the mini eggs but leave some whole. After 20 mins take the brownie out of the oven and press in the fondant eggs, cut side up. Scatter over half of the mini eggs too then put it back in the oven for a further 5 mins.

Once baked, top with the remaining mini eggs, leave to cool completely then place in the fridge for about 1hr to firm up. Lift it out of the tin using the strips of baking paper and cut into squares to serve. Decorate with little Easter chicks if you like.