DECEMBER 11 2008:

During the holidays finding good tradesmen seems less urgent than finding christmas lights, address books, and treats. But don't worry - if you do need reliable repair, renovation, or other help Ask Around is always here. Our holiday hours are 24/7; same as the rest of the year, and our members have shared hundreds of recommendations.

Ask Around Members Click Through Personal Recommendations
to Find the Best Ottawa contractors and Businesses.
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WELCOME NEW ASK AROUND MEMBERS

With so many new members at Ask Around Ottawa a quick tour is in order:
You already know about the regular www.askaround.ca site where members share recommendations on local tradesmen, contractors and other businesses. There is a also a news and tips site here where I post articles and other stuff. These newsletters keep you up-to-date on recommendations and new features.

This month I've added a guide to recommending a business at Ask Around, the story of Joe the Plumber in Ottawa and more. There are so many new recommendations I don't have room for all the links. Browse the whole list here .

A PARENT'S GUIDE TO GICK

Everyone else can skip this, but if your holiday season is likely to include Silly Putty, toffee, gummy labels or other sticky situations you should read more here.

Copy and paste this link into your browser if you cannot click directly from this email.
http://askaround.typepad.com/news_tips_and_more/2008/12/a-mothers-guide-to-gick.html

CHRISTMAS TREES

Our weekend project will be 'hunt the perfect christmas tree'. I'm sure you have one already. No? Here's a list of Ottawa area tree farms (thanks to kidsottawa.com) and here are some more. Tips on care and feeding of Christmas trees are here.

If you find a really good tree farm please let us know. I have added 'Christmas Tree Farms and Suppliers' under 'Other Services' here. A quick recommendation from you could save someone a long drive.

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree.
In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.

~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

DECEMBER RECOMMENDATIONS WIN NEW YEAR TREATS

Every recommendation posted in December will earn 50 extra Cogs points at www.askaround.ca. Plus twenty members will also receive gift cards for New Year treats. The ten members who have shared the most recommendations will be first on the list, followed by ten more who post recommendations before the 1st of January.

Ask Around Members are looking for
Recommendations from You!

Check the Want Ads here.

Can't find the recommendation you need?
Send me an email

Snow Plowing . . . again.

Long-standing members know that snow plowing is a constant theme at Ask Around. And quite right too. This is a big issue in Ottawa. The city has published a list of licensed operators so check their list as well as askaround.ca CBC Radio interviewed me for a news item on choosing a Snow Plowing contractor. My advice, as always: Ask your friends; Ask your neighbours; Ask Around. More tips here.

Do you do too much in December? This year I am trying to remember

"It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into the doing."

. . best wishes for a relaxing holiday season.