This was supposed to be a 'Spring' newsletter, but it's snowing again today. 
Still, I'm sure some of you are planning spring renovations and projects.  What is your next project?  Do you need to find a contractor or tradesman?  

NEWS FROM ASK AROUND
Ask Around Members Click Through Personal Recommendations
to Find the Best Ottawa contractors and Businesses. 
Its FREE to Join and Fast to Use.   Find Out More.


PRIZE DRAW: FREE TICKETS(2) FOR THE COTTAGE LIFE AND BIG BACK YARD SHOW
I need to get his newsletter out quickly to give everyone a chance to enter the prize draw.  The Cottage Life and Big Back Yard show starts this coming Thursday (April 9) at Landsdowne Park. Scott from Envirolet has 2 free tickets for Ask Around members.   To add your name to the prize draw for the free tickets either:
1)  Share a recommendation at askaround.ca; or
 
2)  Forward this email to a friend with a cc to wendy@askaround.ca. I will not store these email addresses but I will enter both your names for the prize draw.
For more details on the Cottage Life Show and the Prize draw  click here. 
ASK AROUND IN THE NEWS
The 'Real Deal' section is my favourite part of the Ottawa Citizen on Saturday.  It's full of practical stuff and good ideas.  Everything from Oil Changes to Concrete  to Ask Around!

ASK AROUND AND TWITTER (part ii)
When I talked about Twitter.com in the Christmas newsletter I had no idea how  @AskAroundOttawa would grow.  Over 700 Ottawa Twitterers now follow Ask Around updates and ask about local businesses and services.   Most questions are answered quickly but the more interesting one's take longer.   We have not yet found a Harmonica teacher for Bob, Matt is looking for West-Coast style Sushi and Andrew wants to join a Book Club.  Twitter followers have also encouraged me to add new categories at askaround.ca; we now have Weddings and Internet Service Provider (ISP) recommendations.
 
If you thought Twitter was just for teens, stalkers and celebrities check out @AskAroundOttawa ; twitter can be useful.
 
Copy and paste this link into your browser if you cannot click directly from this email.  http://twitter.com/AskAroundOttawa


 WHAT IS A 'RENOMARK'?
Renomark I was intrigued by this logo on a website for an Ask Around business . . .  read more

 
BICYCLE SERVICING RECOMMENDATIONS AT ASKAROUND.CA
The Ask Around neighbours have put away their snow shovels for another year and at our house this means bike time.  I have been collecting bicycle servicing recommendation since February, knowing that many Ask Around members are cyclists.   Do you have a favourite bike mechanic to recommend? .  . . .   read more. 

DID YOU FIND THE RIGHT CATEGORY FOR YOUR RECOMENDATION?
Keeping the Ask Around categories organized is always a challenge  . . . more
 
  If you can't find the right spot for a business just  send me an email
I'm already thinking about spring garage sales but this quote from May Sarton reminded me that not everything needs to be replaced, or even renewed:
"A house that does not have one worn, comfy chair in it is soulless"
. . .  think I'll go settle into my favourite scruffy, comfy chair right now . Mustn't overdo this spring cleaning thing.


                     Wendy       
 
ps. Don't forget about the prize draw:   Forward this email to a friend with a cc to wendy@askaround.ca and both your names will be entered in our draw for Cottage Life Show tickets.  I will not store these email addresses.

"I send this occasional newsletter to help you
get the most from your Ask Around membership"

Many new members have joined Ask Around since our last newsletter.  If you did not receive a confirmation email when you joined you will not be able to use the site.   Please add 'admin@askaround.ca' and 'wendy@askaround.ca' to your email address book or white list and then send me an email asking for your membership to be confirmed.   Look forward to hearing from you. wendy@askaround.ca