LIZ MARTIN

If you bought a house in 2023 and were a first time buyer - don’t forget to check with your accountant or tax preparer to see if you qualify for the federal credit.

From Canada.ca

Line 31270 – Home buyers’ amount:

You can claim up to $10,000 for the purchase of a qualifying home in 2023 if you meet both of the following conditions:

You (or your spouse or common-law partner) acquired a qualifying home

You did not live in another home (inside or outside Canada) that you (or your spouse or common-law partner) owned in the year of acquisition or in any of the four preceding years (first-time home buyer) unless you are a person with a disability)

It’s worth checking out as it could mean up to $1500 in credit.

Qualifying homes include :
Single family including semi-detached and townhouses
Mobile homes
Condominium units
Co-op may qualify (you have to be the share owner not tenant).

Checkout: Canada.ca website for more info and again - be sure to check with your acct and/or tax preparer.

#taxtime #firsttimehomebuyer #taxcredit #homebuyertaxcredit #canada #federaltax

March is always a bustling month in our household, with March Break events and of course  Irish Dance performances and celebrations around St. Patrick’s Day.

This year, however, is particularly excitig as we prepare to head off to  The CLRG World Irish Dance Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, taking place from March 24th to March 31st. My daughter, will be dancing in the solo competition for the first time. It's the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, not only on her part but also thanks to the unwavering support and guidance from the incredible coaches at Rising Tide Dance Studio.

Watch for Rising Tide’s live television appearances on March 12th 10:30am on CTV News, and also March 14th 9am on Global News. 

As we gear up for our trip, I invite you to join in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day by participating in the various events happening throughout March in Halifax, Dartmouth and throughout Nova Scotia. 

March 3, 2024:

1. Celebrate Irish Heritage Month by Beading an Irish Flag: Sunday, March 3, 10:00 PM-12:00 AM, The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse, 5136 Prince Street, Halifax, NS. Fundraising for the Halifax St. Patrick's Day Parade.

March 5, 2024:

2. Travelling Royal Irish Tours and Celebrity Cruises – Nova Scotia: Tuesday, March 5, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Delta Hotels by Marriott Dartmouth, 240 Brownlow Avenue Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X6. Hosted by Target Tours.

March 6, 2024:

3. Irish Heritage Movie: The Quiet Girl: Wednesday, March 6, 1:30-3:15PM, Woodlawn Public Library, 31 Eisener Boulevard, Dartmouth NS B2W 0J1. PG-13 | 2023 | 1hr 35min.

March 7, 2024:

4. Celebrate Irish Heritage Month: Irish Flag Raising with Mayor Savage and Ambassador McKee. March 7, 2024 - 12:00 noon, Parade Square, Flag Pole.

March 9, 2024:

5. Saint Patrick’s Church Tour and Talk sponsored by The Charitable Irish: March 9 – 2:00 pm, 2263 Brunswick Street, Halifax. Join Blair Beed at Saint Patrick’s Church to learn its history.

March 10, 2024:

6. Spectacular Halifax St. Patrick's Day Parade: Sunday, March 10, 2024, along Lower Water Street. Join in the festivities and showcase your creativity!

March 15, 2024:

7. Charitable Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dinner: Friday, March 15, 2024, Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, 6:00 pm. Experience Irish music and cuisine in a unique setting.

8. Songs in the Stacks: Irish Music with Dusty Keleher: Friday, March 15, 10:30-11:30 AM, Alderney Gate Public Library.

March 16, 2024:

9. St. Patrick’s Day Eve with Callehan!: Saturday March 16 – 8:00-11:00PM, Old Orchard Inn & Spa, 153 Greenwich RD S, Wolfville Ridge, NS.

10. St. Paddy’s Day Eve: Saturday, March 16, 8:00 – 11:00 PM, Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS.

11. Saint Patrick’s Day Acadian Style!: Saturday March 16, 10:30PM, 14 Sydney St, Digby, NS.

12. St. Patrick’s Day with Spyder: Saturday, March 16, 9:00 PM-1:00 AM, Cranton Cross Road Community Centre, 206 Cranton Crossing Rd, Margaree Centre, NS.

March 17, 2024:

13. Dusty Keleher @ Finbar’s Irish Pub: Sunday March 17 – 9:30 AM, Finbar’s Irish Pub, 1595 Bedford Hwy, Bedford NS.

14. St. Patrick’s Day Drag Brunch: Sunday, March 17 – 12:00-3:00 PM, Freeman’s Little New York, 1726 Grafton St, Halifax, NS.

15. Adria Jackson Harp – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Sunday, March 17, 2:00 - 4:00 AM, The Sanctuary Arts Centre, 100 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth NS.

16. Durty Nelly’s St. Patrick’s DAY celebrations (as posted on their FB page):

    - 7 am~8am Breakfast club

    - 8am~11am Brunch

    - 10am~1pm Shannon Quinn Irish Ceilidh

    - 1:30~4:30 The East Enders

    - 5pm~8pm Dodge Levatte

    - 8:30~10:30 Colin Burke Duo

    - 11pm~1:30am Jordan Leblanc & Brooklyn Blackmore

17. The Old Triangle Irish Pub: Scheudle for 7am opening (I’ve heard the line up starts early)

    Live Music schedule

    7am SheNova

    10.30-1.30 Dave MacIssac & Troy McGillvary

    2-5 Rowdy Dow

    5.30-8.30 The Plugs

    9-Close Mark Hippern Trio

    Seanchai Schedule

    12-1.30 Evans & Doherty

    2-3 Dave & Troy

    3.30-6.30 George Street Band

    7-Close Renwick Station

March 28, 2024:

Maurice Aucoin: Thursday, March 28 – 8:00 PM, Celtic Corner Public House, 69 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS.

**As always, please double check the events before you head out for any schedule changes, cancellations etc. 

And, it goes without saying, enjoy your drink responsibly, arrange your transportation before you go, or wear your walking shoes! 

Top Indoor Activities to Beat the Winter Blues in Nova Scotia

As winter blankets Nova Scotia with snow and chilly temperatures, it's the perfect time to explore indoor activities that will warm your heart and lift your spirits. While the winter blues may tempt you to hibernate indoors, there are plenty of exciting ways to stay active and entertained without braving the cold. Here are some top indoor activities to beat the winter blues in Nova Scotia:

1. Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery: Nova Scotia is rich in culture and history, and what better way to immerse yourself than by exploring a local museum or art gallery? Check out Nova Scotia Museums for a full list of what is open in winter and their hours. Unfortunately, the Nova Scotia Art Gallery is temporarily closed this winter for maintenance. Check back for spring re-opening on their website. The Dalhousie Art Gallery is another option. 

2. Try Indoor Rock Climbing: Embrace your adventurous side and head to an indoor rock climbing gym. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned climber, indoor rock climbing is a fun and challenging activity that will get your heart pumping and your adrenaline flowing. Local climbing facilities include East Peak Climbing, Seven Bays Bouldering Halifax & Bayers Lake, The Dalhousie Gym, and Formation Halifax Outback Climbing Club (FHOCC)

3. Attend a Cooking Class: Warm up from the inside out by attending a cooking class. Learn new recipes, techniques, and culinary skills while enjoying delicious food in a fun and interactive environment. A favourite spot  just outside of the city is The Flying Apron Inn & Cookery, where you can take a class & stay overnight! 

4. Relax at a Spa or Wellness Center: Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and self-care at a spa or wellness center. Indulge in a massage, facial, or other rejuvenating treatments to melt away stress and tension, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed. We have many local options right in the city and just outside as well. While I haven’t been to Nature Folk, many clients and friends have been and love the atmosphere and ease of access. Just outside Halifax, near Peggy’s Cove is Oceanstone’s Hydrothermal Spa. I received a gift certificate for Christmas for this and can’t wait to use it! I’ve heard wonderful reviews and the location is spectacular. 

5. Take a Dance or Fitness Class: Beat the winter blues and stay active by taking a dance or fitness class. Whether you prefer salsa dancing, yoga, or high-intensity interval training, there are plenty of classes available to suit your interests and fitness level.  Check out Happy Soul Dance Studio for their unique offerings and also, check out Halifax Cape Breton Dances for alternating all ages and over 19 dances. 

6. Explore Indoor Markets and Craft Fairs: Support local artisans and vendors by exploring indoor markets and craft fairs. Browse unique handmade goods, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind gifts while escaping the winter chill. I am seeing more vintage and antique style markets making a come back. Check out the Curio Collective, and The Funky Flea.

7. Host a Game Night: Gather your friends and family for a cozy game night at home. Break out classic board games, card games, or host a friendly game of trivia to enjoy quality time together indoors.

8. Attend a Live Performance or Show: Experience the magic of live theater, music, or comedy by attending a performance or show. Check out local theaters including Neptune, concert venues including The Rebecca Cohn, the outstanding Symphony Nova Scotia as well comedy club Yuk Yuk’s for upcoming events and performances. A wonderful option for the family is Durty Nelly’s on Sunday’s from 3-6 where you can experience a live Irish session (and maybe some dancing) while enjoying an afternoon appetizer or catching a game. And of course, there is The Carleton, and several other local pubs & bars that offer live music for over 19’s. 

9. Try Ax Throwing: And last, but not least, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention ax throwing! We recently had an office social at Halimac, which was a lot of fun! Indoor ax throwing is thrilling and unconventional activity that's sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Don't let the winter blues get you down—embrace the season and explore these top indoor activities to stay active, entertained, and inspired in Nova Scotia. Whether you're seeking culture, adventure, relaxation, or connection, there's something for everyone to enjoy indoors during the winter months.