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Baked Ziti

  Here’s a delicious baked ziti recipe you can try at home — cheesy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners. Key Highlights Prep & Cook Time: About 35 minutes total Servings: 8 generous portions Calories: ~403 per serving Difficulty: Easy — great for beginners Ingredients ½ pound ziti pasta 16 ounces ricotta cheese 3 cups mozzarella cheese (divided) 3 cups spaghetti sauce ½ cup Parmesan cheese Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Boil ziti according to package directions, drain, and place in a large bowl. Mix all ricotta and half the mozzarella with the pasta. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread half the sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer the ziti mixture over the sauce. Pour remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and top with the rest of the mozzarella. Bake for 20–30 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Serving Tips Pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Add...
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Can You Write Off Home Renovations in Canada?


When it comes to home renovations in Canada, the tax landscape can be a bit narrow for existing homeowners. However, there are still some key considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Principal Residence Exemption: This is the big one. When you sell your primary home, the principal residence exemption allows you to avoid capital gains tax. But beware! As of January 1, 2023, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tightened the rules. Housing units sold after less than a year of ownership are now excluded, with certain exceptions like death and disability. So, watch out for those anti-flipping rules!

  2. Profit Shielding: Unlike the United States, Canada doesn’t cap the amount of profit shielded from taxes. Existing homeowners rely on their homes as a store of value for retirement, and any significant shift in tax policy would be a political nightmare.

  3. First Home Savings Account (FHSA): If you’re a future buyer, the FHSA is your friend. It’s like a slam dunk for first-time homebuyers. Contributions are tax-free on the way in (similar to an RRSP) and tax-free on the way out (like a TFSA). You can contribute up to $8,000 annually, up to $40,000 over a lifetime. Just remember, unused contribution room doesn’t carry forward indefinitely.

  4. Renovation Benefits: Unfortunately, for current homeowners thinking about renovating, the federal tax benefit buffet is pretty sparse. But don’t lose hope—there are other avenues to explore, such as provincial home renovation tax credits and specific programs.

In summary, while the tax breaks for home renovations may not be as generous as we’d like, strategic planning and understanding the rules can still make a difference. Whether you’re sprucing up your kitchen or adding that dream deck, keep these factors in mind as you navigate the world of home improvements.

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