Pchomemag

Festive Recipes from Local Chefs Local Holiday Events Calendar Decorating at the Delorey's Great Craft & Gift Ideas The Wines of Winter

...and so much more!

Enter our

Holiday Cookie Contest for your chance to

Win a $250 Sobeys Gift Card! (See Pg. 46)

Holiday Edition

Trinity Maintenance Full Page ad.pdf

1

2013-09-22

9:26 PM

102 MacGregor Avenue Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0 www.trinitymaintenance.com

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Pictou County Home

CALL TODAY

M.B. GREEN REALTY

396-7881 351 STELLARTON ROAD, NEW GLASGOW

34 Emmanuel Street, Lourdes Spacious three-bedroom 4 level side split family home located on a corner lot on a lovely street in Lourdes has had numerous upgrades. The large kitchen and dining area on the main floor flow up to a roomy living room. With 3 large bedrooms, 1.5 baths and a basement recreation room, this well priced home is a great choice for any size family. The home has newer roof shingles, windows, siding, flooring, cupboards, and a fresh coat of paint in every room. The yard has a fenced-in area ideal for kids and privacy. The 10? ' X 20?' shed is perfect for storing your garden equipment/patio furniture for the winter.

Located close to all the amenities this property is a perfect place to call home. Roof shingles, siding, windows and extra insulation in attic and under siding all within the last 2 to 3 years.

346 South Foord Street, Stellarton Cozy three bedroom brick bungalow on a large private lot just inside Stellarton town limits. There have been many updates over the last few months that include new steel roof in August, new flooring throughout except for the living room hardwood floor which is original, all new doors and some new windows. The home has also been freshly painted on both levels and there are new front and side steps in the last month. The living room also has a fireplace.

Oil tank May 2007.

Visit our websites: pictoucountyhomes.com coldwellbanker.ca

Brenda Strickland

Office: 752-1999 Cell: 396-7881 E-mail: brendastrickland@eastlink.ca Web: www.BrendaStrickland.ca Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

Table of Contents Volume 1, Edition 2 - Fall/Winter 2013

Letter

Holiday Events Calendar ..................

Request for Submissions .................

Here's to the Holidays .......................

Holiday Toasts ...................................

Easy Christmas Crafts ......................

Crafting with Kids ..............................

O Christmas Tree! .............................

Achieving Turkey Perfection ............

For the Love of Stuffing ....................

Pulled Molasses Taffy .......................

Cookin' with Chef Thomas Carey ....

Dining with Chef Larry MacGregor ..

Featured Chef Gilles Godin ..............

She’s Come Uncorked ......................

Holiday Cookie Contest ....................

Holiday Magic at the Delorey's ........

Buying a Snowblower .......................

Gizmos and Gadgets .........................

Festive Table Settings .......................

Homemade Holiday Wreaths ............

Holiday Family Newsletter ................

Is Your Home Ready for Winter? .....

Catalogue of Advertisers ..................

from the

Editor Dear Readers, We hope you enjoy our first Holiday Edition of At Home in Pictou County.

This issue is filled with tips and recipes for preparing the perfect holiday meal, presented by well-known local chefs (and a few home cooks, too!). A special thank you to our chefs: Chef Larry MacGregor, owner of The Kitchen Pantry Restaurant; Chef Thomas Carey, the Chef at Pictou Lodge Resort; and Chef Gilles Godin, Chef/Instructor at NSCC. We are happy to announce that Chef Gilles will be a regular contributor to the magazine going forward. Every one of his mouthwatering creations will tempt you to try them yourself!

We've also served up lots of decorating and craft ideas featuring local families, as well as friends, who all love to "bling up" the holiday season. Remember Gerald and Kathie Delorey's home from our Spring edition? In this issue, you'll see it all decked out for Christmas!

Even though it's nearly winter, we hope you'll get out and participate in Pictou County fun -- and we're making it easy with a local holiday events schedule, and much more!

For advertising information, please contact: CINDY O’BRIEN, 902-759-7295 lifestages@ns.sympatico.ca

There's nothing we'd enjoy more than having you share your ideas, photographs, crafts and recipes for our next edition.

Simply e-mail them to us at 'lifestages@ns.sympatico.ca'.

Thank you to our advertisers and contributors who have made this issue possible. A big thank you to my mother, Priscilla White, for helping with advertising sales; and a special thank you to Andrea Kelter for her creative genius, guidance and wisdom.

At Home in Pictou County is published bi-annually by Cindy O’Brien, Life Stages Publishing, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, (902) 759-7295

Best wishes for the holidays, from all of us to all of you!

Fall/Winter 2013

Page 5 Page 8 Page 11 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 24 Page 26 Page 41 Page 46 Page 48 Page 53 Page 56 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 72

Printed by Advocate Printing & Publishing, 181 Browns Point Rd Pictou, NS B0K 1H0 (902) 485-1990

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Pictou County Home

Pictou County

Holiday

Events

It may be colder outside, but that doesn't stop the fun at exciting community events in and around Pictou County!

So bundle up, grab your friends and family and join in for a fun-filled holiday season of parades, music, treelighting ceremonies, wine tastings and more!

Participation is a great way to make the most of the winter season, and it makes the hard work and effort of event organizers worthwhile when they see happy faces and crowds of people in reward for the time they spend.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 6 FOR A LIST OF HOLIDAY & WINTER EVENTS!

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www.trinityinspectionservices.com

102 MacGregor Avenue, Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0 (902) 396-4333 1-877-955-4333

Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

Holiday Events Schedule November 9 & 10, 2013

December 14, 2013

Call for times: 485-8848 Location: deCoste Centre, Pictou

Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Christmas at the deCoste

Westville Parade of Lights

November 16, 2013

December 21, 2013

Location: Glasgow Square, New Glasgow

Please call 396-3820 for times and information.

Downtown New Glasgow Light-Up

Westville Santa Visit

November 17, 2013

New Glasgow Christmas Parade

November 17, 2013

BAKING

Raise a glass and toast the festive season with wine, fun & friends!

Call for times: 257-2248 or (800) 565-4567 Location: Jost Vineyards, Malagash

December 1, 2013

Trenton Christmas Tree Lighting Time: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

December 6, 2013

Pictou Christmas Light-Up

Enjoy the tree lighting ceremony, carol singing, free hot chocolate & more!

Time: 6:00 p.m.

December 7, 2013

Westville Christmas Food Drive

Please call Ken Dunn at 396-3820 for more information.

RPMS

RPMS

CHRISTMAS

Jost Vineyards Christmas Open House

Place your order by: December 18th!

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Located at the Greenwood/Thorburn Crossroads

R&P Maintenance Solutions So you don’t have to! RPMS Commercial and Residential Landscaping (Large and Small) Cleaning & Painting Furniture Moving & Odd Jobs

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Pictou County Home

Fall Season

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WWW.TICKETPRO.CA | 1-888-311-9090 Available at all TicketPro outlets, and at Glasgow Square Box Office at 752-4800 PRICE INCLUDES TAX, SERVICE FEES MAY APPLY

Jimmy Rankin

The Goose Girl

Sunday, November 17 Doors 6:30pm • Show 7pm Tickets $30 advance $35 door

Thursday & Friday, Nov. 21 & 22 Doors 6:30pm • Show 7pm Tickets $10 adults • $5 students

Jimmy Rankin, who cut his teeth on stages in and around his Cape Breton Island home, is an award-winning solo singer-songwriter and front man for multi-platinum Celtic heroes The Rankin Family. Winner of the 2012 CCMA for “Roots Artist of the Year”, the latest release from Jimmy Rankin is sure to put listeners in the mood for a happy holiday season.

This November, join the cast of New Glasgow Youth Theatre Company in their stage production of Gary L. Blackwood’s humorous re-telling of the Grimm Brothers’ folktale, The Goose Girl. Charming and witty, this awardwinning play is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

E.B. Anderson & The Resolutes

The StanfieldsAcoustic

CD Release

Friday, December 6 Doors 7pm • Show 8pm Tickets $20 advance $25 door

Saturday, November 30 Doors 7pm • Show 8pm Tickets $15 E.B. Anderson & The Resolutes have a deep sound. Their diversity comes from a vintage country foundation, a keen sense of blues, and songwriting skills that catch the ear of even the most hardcore folk fans. Coming from rural Nova Scotia origins, and currently working the Halifax roots music scene – their sophomore album Broken Down Horse was released by Let’s Riot! Music in 2013.

The Stanfields return to Glasgow Square to perform songs from their new acoustic recording, For King and Country. This project is a departure from band’s well-known raucous rock show, but at the same time a return to the band’s roots. Expect a superbly crafted selection of original songs presented with an acoustic string-band feel and tight vocal harmonies.

A Christmas Serenade

Ghostrider &

Saturday, December 14 Doors 7pm • Show 8pm Tickets $15 adults • $10 students/seniors

Tuesday, December 31 Doors 8:30pm • Show 9pm - 1am Tickets $20 advance • $25 door

An annual tradition continues at Glasgow Square Theatre on December 14 with A Christmas Serenade featuring Pictou County’s own Doris Mason & Friends. This holiday performance features some of the best treasures the New Glasgow and area music community has to offer.

In what has become an annual tradition at Glasgow Square, Ghostrider & The Allied Horns packs the dance floor and sells out each year in the biggest musical party in New Glasgow to ring in the new year.

155 Riverside Parkway

Pictou County Home

The Allied Horns

www.glasgowsquare.com

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/glasgowsquare

@Glasgow_Square

Fall/Winter 2013

REQUEST FOR SUBMISSIONS!

Do you go all out for Christmas?

Do you have a unique family tradition? Do you have a great holiday recipe?

We are also looking for your photos of Christmas trees, mantles, indoor and outdoor decorating, holiday crafts and more...

The mantle shown here was one I enjoyed decorating every year in our previous home. I stripped all of my regular dĂŠcor from the shelf and filled it with anything Christmas-ey. It was a great place to take family photos, and we regularly did!

Circular Saw Blades Bandsaw Mill Blades Router & Shaper Bits Jointer & Planer Blades Hand Tools

For convenience you can drop off and pick up your sharpening needs at: Highland Rent Shop 161 Westville Road, New Glasgow Vincent MacDonald Automotive 102 MacKay St., Stellarton Authorized Distributor for Royce cutting tools, industrial sawblades, jointer/planer blades and industrial tooling.

Authorized Distributor for R&D Bandsaw Blades Industrial Quality Bandsaw Blades

Catering Services

We welcome your submissions for the 2014 Holiday Edition of "At Home in Pictou County".

- Cindy

Stop by Vincent MacDonald Automotive to see selection of blades.

Please e-mail 'lifestages@ns.sympatico.ca' or write to Life Stages Publishing, PO Box 3105, Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0.

Allan Dauphinee Telephone: 759-8721 Email: allandauphinee2@hotmail.com

Pantry Kitchen

Catering for any Occasion Corporate and Private Functions Contact us for our Catering Menu

Restaurant 236 Foord St., Stellarton

755-2292

Business Luncheons Retirements Reunions Service Club Events

pantrykitchenrestaurant@yahoo.ca

Fall/Winter 2013

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Weddings Anniversaries Birthday Parties Funeral Receptions

Pictou County Home

Here's to the Holidays!

Great food & drink are an important part of the holidays.

From Christmas classics to new fusion flavors, here are some festive libations for you to try this holiday season.

Cheers!

Classic Holiday Eggnog 6 eggs, separated 1/2 cup white sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cups milk 1/2 to 1 cup rum (white, dark or spiced) 2 cups whipping cream 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional) Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, salt and vanilla until light yellow and creamy. Add alcohol and milk.

Cover and refrigerate for several hours. Refrigerate the separated egg whites as well.

Just before serving the eggnog, whip the heavy cream in one bowl and the egg whites in another bowl. Both should be beaten until stiff peaks form.

Then alternate folding whipped egg whites and whipped cream into the eggnog mixture.

This eggnog is rich, thick and delightfully creamy.

For a lighter version, use less whipped cream and more milk. Garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon (if desired). Serve immediately.

More Holiday Drink Recipes on Page 14

John Marshall Antiques

Old Advertising. Antique Jewellery, Folk Art, Furniture, Hooked Rugs, Native Items, Military Items, Nova Scotia Glass, Paintings, Old Photographs, Postcards, Old Toys, Books, Etc. If you have any items we would be interested in, please call, write, email, or visit: John Marshall Antiques

65 Provost Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2P5 Email: john.marshall.antiques@gmail.com www.johnmarshallantiques.com Ph. 755-4055 Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

GO GREEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS Great "Green" Gift Ideas

Be a Green Shopper Remember the 3R's when choosing products and wrapping: reduce purchases, buy reusable products, and check for recyclability and recycled content.

Give sturdy toys that will become heirlooms in years to come Choose a set of cloth napkins and placemats Give a plant (or live, potted Christmas tree) ' Eco - logical Ideas... !

Give an energy saving gift such as: a water-saver showerhead. a dimmer switch for lights, or a rechargeable flashlight Give a pot of kitchen herbs, bulbs and flower seeds Decorate a festive basket of bulk items with dried flowers and twigs; fill it with organically grown produce, coffee or nuts, natural soaps, bath salts or scents Crafts - Make it Yourself!

Assemble your own cookbook for family and friends Create a family story book or calendar with photos, cards and memorabilia Give a paper making kit to recycle paper and junk mail Create a collage of pictures and sayings for a special friend and frame it yourself Make a gift of home-made preserves, cookies or cakes - in a decorated "used" jar or basket

Gift Wrap Disposal If your gift bags, foil wrap, bows & ribbons and cards with glitter can no longer be re-used, please place in your clear garbage bag. Please place all non-foil gift wrap and tissue paper in your green cart.

WASTE REDUCTION HOTLINE: (902)396-1495 Fall/Winter 2013

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Pictou County Home

Zelda Crossman's passion for creativity

Zelda Photo

and design can been seen in everything she does.

From the impressive flower arrangements that she crafts at her shop located at 193 Provost Street in New Glasgow (you can't miss it; her award winning storefront is always impeccably decorated and dressed to the hilt) to the exclusive items she offers her clientele.

Zelda says, “I have always been creative. I love seeing the pleasure people get from the end design!” She began creating her distinctive flower designs from home 35 years ago. Initially she designed with silk for individuals, weddings and events.

Her first year in business Zelda was nominated for the Chamber's Entrepreneur of the Year award, she has also been nominated as Business of the Year and has won Most Festive Commercial Property and Best Flower Studio in Pictou County last year.

Zelda sets her creative instinct loose to its fullest during the Christmas season. There is always a pleasant surprise awaiting at Zelda's, anytime of the year, but at Christmastime her unique selection of all things blingy and magnificent skyrockets!

Make Zelda's your first stop for Christmas this year!

You'll find upside-down Christmas trees, elves, santas, snowmen, ornaments of all sizes and colours, poinsettias, plus flower and evergreen arrangements galore.

Get your on at

Zelda’s

this Christmas!

Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

Poinsettia Punch

Jewel Punch

One 2-litre bottle ginger ale (chilled) 36 oz. cherries (frozen) 1 lb. fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced) 3 cups purple grape juice (chilled) 1-1/2 cups vodka 1/4 cup Cointreau (or Triple Sec) Combine the ginger ale, cherries, strawberries, grape juice, vodka and Cointreau in a punch bowl or large pitcher and stir well. Pour into ice-filled glasses and serve.

Eight 1/4" thick orange slices (for garnish) 2/3 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish) 3 cups chilled cranberry juice 3/4 cup chilled Cointreau Two 750ml bottles of chilled sparkling wine or champagne

Place the orange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Do the same with the cranberries (if using fresh).

Meanwhile, place punch bowl in fridge or freezer, to chill. When ready to serve, put the cranberry juice and Cointreau in punch bowl and stir to combine. Add sparkling wine or champagne. Float the frozen orange slices and cranberries in the punch and serve immediately.

No Alcohol, Caffeinated

Christmas Punch 6 Earl Grey tea bags Piece of cheesecloth 4 cups of water

NOTE: This punch is not served with ice, so make sure all the ingredients and the punch bowl are well chilled. If you have a large bowl your punch bowl will fit into, fill it with ice and nestle the punch bowl inside.

9 whole cloves 1-1/2 cinnamon sticks, in 3-inch pieces 1 quart cranberry juice cocktail 1 cup brown sugar 3 cups dark red grape juice or apple juice

Sunrise Auto Body

Make Earl Grey tea with the 4 cups of water & steep 5 minutes. Combine tea with cranberry juice & sugar in crockpot - tie cloves & cinnamon in cheesecloth & add. Heat on Med/High for one hour. Stir in apple or grape juice and heat on low for six hours. Before serving, remove spice bag. Garnish as desired.

All Types of Auto Body Repair for Most Makes & Models

Spray Booth Free Estimates

SALES LEASING SERVICE PARTS

Anchor Motors Ltd.

40 Years Experience

2014 Prius

7755 Sunrise Trail, Pictou

193 Westville Road, New Glasgow

485-8331

Telephone: 752-4171

Email: sales@anchor.toyota.ca

Fall/Winter 2013

www.anchortoyota.ca

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Pictou County Home

Holiday Toasts...

During the holidays, there are many festive events at which toasts are required.

What matters most is that you follow your own style, whether serious, funny or somewhere in between...and always, ALWAYS, say it with style!

Here are five tips to help you deliver the perfect holiday toast!

1. The host of the event usually offers the first toast (but not always).

You may be the person the host selects to offer a festive greeting. A welcome toast is offered at the beginning of the holiday meal, and to celebrate the occasion.

2. Make sure the glasses are full.

Liquor is not necessary; other options include sparkling soda, punch or tea.

3. Remember the four S's: Stand, Smile, Speak & Sit. When you are making a toast to a group of people, or a table with several guests, stand up, raise your glass, smile, make eye contact, and say something heartfelt. Take a sip, take your seat and continue to enjoy the holiday party or meal.

4. Keep it short. A toast should be brief, but meaningful.

A few holiday toast suggestions...

• As you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way!

• Here's to the day of good will, cold weather, and warm hearts.

• Christmas...A day when cheer and gladness blend, when heart meets heart and friend meets friend.

• In the New year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, and never in want (Irish Toast).

Pictou County Home

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5. Don't forget to toast the host or hostess. Your host has spent a great deal of time planning and executing the event; showing your appreciation with a toast is a gracious gesture and one that will be remembered.

Fall/Winter 2013

Easy Christmas Crafts

It's easy to make some unique and festive crafts for Christmas - just ask Kathleen Sartoris (above left) and Sissy Harris (above right). They found a few great and inexpensive holiday craft

and gift ideas on the internet.

FRAME IT! Display your favourite and most cherished Christmas cards from years gone by. Simply add a simple Dollar Store frame and hot-glue or glue on some "jewels" for bling! They look beautiful, and are easily stored for re-use year after year.

CHRISTMAS CANVAS Wrap a Dollar Store canvas in your fabric holiday fabric, deck it with ribbons, sprigs of holly, a special ornament or whatever else your imagination dreams up. Then hang it on your wall for a festive look that stores well and can be re-used season after season!

CANDIED CANDLES Peppermint candies can dress up any old candle.

Just heat up your glue gun and stick them on!

They add a festive punch and flair to any holiday centerpiece!

GOT A GREAT HOLIDAY CRAFT? E-mail it (along with some photos) to us at:

'lifestages@ns.sympatico.ca' You may see it in our 2014 Holiday edition!

Fall/Winter 2013

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Pictou County Home

CRAFTING with

Kids

Tealight Candle Holders Materials Needed: • Tissue Paper (Christmas colours) • Small, clean, empty mason jar, vase or baby food jar • Mod Podge or White Glue • Clean paint brush or sponge • Scissors • Coloured wire (optional) • Tea light

Mya Cook-Young (left), Cassidy Cook-Young (centre) and Ava White show off their handiwork!

Directions: Cut various colours of tissue paper into strips. Use your paint brush or sponge to paint a thin layer of Mod Podge onto a section of the glass jar or vase. Begin adding the tissue paper.

Staggering the pieces of tissue on the glass gives a stained glass look! Use your finger to smooth the edges of the tissue paper as you're placing it. Keep adding Podge and tissue until jar is completely covered. Once jar is covered, apply a thin layer of Podge and let dry. Repeat this step once more, and let jar dry completely.

OPTIONAL: Add coloured wire around top to create a handle.

Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

O Christmas Tree!

TIPS FOR REAL TREES

• Purchase your Christmas tree early since trees dry out while on display at tree lots.

• Test the needles for flexibility. Needles should bend, not snap or feel brittle.

• Once home, cut approximately ½-inch from the base (or have it done at the lot). Make a flat cut as this allows the tree to absorb the most water.

• Place the tree in a stand with a water reservoir, or store in a bucket of water in a shaded area before setting it up to decorate.

• Tree stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Additionally, the sides of trees should not be whittled to fit tree stands, since the outer layers are most efficient at absorbing water.

• To prevent drying, display your tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, fireplaces and windows that receive direct sunlight.

• Check your tree daily to make sure the base of the tree is covered in water.

DECORATING YOUR TREE

The secret to a pretty Christmas tree is decorating in layers. When decorating your Christmas tree, add lights first, from top to bottom. You’ll need approximately 100 lights per foot, or about six 100-light sets for a 6-foot tree.

If you use garland it comes next. There are no firm rules when draping garlands on a tree. Start at the top of the tree and slowly increase the amount of garland between each wave as you work your way down the branches. Plan to use about two strands of garland for every vertical foot of tree. To avoid a busy look on your tree, use a variety of garlands from plain to fancy. Thin, beaded garlands look best hung from branch to branch; thicker paper, ribbon or foil garlands look best wrapped loosely around the entire tree.

To showcase your favourite ornaments, place them in prime positions on the tree first. Next, hang your larger ornaments, spacing them evenly around the tree. Fill in around those ornaments with medium- and small-size ornaments.

Be sure to hang some ornaments closer to the trunk to create depth and interest. Finish dressing the tree by adding specialty items, such as clip-on ornaments, ribbons, bows or icicles. P

Don't forget to let the little ones decorate a tree too!

PHOTO: Ava White decorates a tree for her bedroom.

Make it a useful, but pampering gift -

Wellness for Mind, Body, Spirit Enter at Downtown Mini Mall 166 Provost Street, New Glasgow Phone: Fall/Winter 2013

695-3025

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with the largest selection of natural skin care in the area.

Give them health for Christmas: with tinctures, dried medicinal herbs, and tasty teas.

Dazzle them with unusual jewellery, angels, fairies and giftware from around the world.

Blue Mountain art cards/calendars Books , Cds and meditation/yoga needs

Wrap up Peace & Healing!

Pictou County Home

That elusive, picture perfect turkey is easier than you might think.

Here are nine simple steps to achieving...

TURKEY PERFECTION! 1. Thawing a frozen turkey requires patience.

The safest method is to thaw turkey in the refrigerator. Be sure to plan ahead — it takes approximately 4-5 days for a 20 pound turkey to fully defrost.

6. Once you get the turkey in the oven, resist the temptation to open the oven door and admire your handiwork. When the oven temperature fluctuates, you're only increasing the likelihood of a dry bird. About 45 minutes before you think the turkey is done, remove the foil from the breast to allow it to brown.

2. For crisper skin, unwrap the turkey the day before roasting and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.

7. Remove the turkey from the oven and use an instant-read thermometer to determine temperature; it should read 165 degrees F at the thigh when it's done. If you stuff your turkey, check the internal temperature of the stuffing as well, it should be at least 165 degrees.

3. Cooking times will differ depending on whether your bird was purchased fresh or frozen. Plan on 20 minutes per pound in a 350 degree F oven for a defrosted turkey and 10 to 15 minutes per pound for fresh.

4. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed. Consider adding flavour by loosely filling the cavity with aromatic vegetables — carrots, celery, onion or garlic work nicely — or by carefully tucking fresh herbs underneath the breast skin. For the stuffing lovers, cook the dressing in a casserole dish on the side.

8. Tent the bird with foil and let rest for about 25 minutes before carving. If you need more time to make gravy, heat up side dishes, etc., you can let the turkey set for up to an hour without losing too much heat.

9. Remember to carve your turkey with a very sharp or electric knife.

5. Before roasting, coat the outside of the turkey with vegetable or olive oil, season with salt and pepper and tightly cover the breast with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning (it will be removed in step 7).

Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

Stuffing...

FOR THE LOVE OF

For many, the stuffing is the best part of any turkey dinner and most of us have a favourite stuffing recipe that the meal would be incomplete without.

Charmaine Butler of New Glasgow has shared her family's traditional recipe with is, as has Chef Gilles Godin (see in this issue), and we've added another stuffing recipe we found intriguing.

Charmaine Butler's Mom's

Christmas Turkey Dressing • 3 lbs. of red potatoes, cooked & mashed • Pinch of salt • Shake of pepper • Sprinkle of sugar • 1 onion

• 1/4 cup of butter • 1/4 cup of milk • 3 cups of day old bread • 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Summer Savory

Directions: Boil and mash potatoes, add remaining ingredients, mix well and stuff turkey or bake in pan at 375 degrees until golden and hot.

Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing • 1 (12 ounce) package corn bread mix • 1 pound sausage, cooked and drained • 1 tablespoon butter • 3/4 cup chopped onion • 3 stalks celery, chopped • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 2 teaspoons ground sage • 1 cup vegetable broth • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions: 1. One to two days ahead, make one pan of cornbread according to the box instructions.

Let this sit out overnight and get a firm (almost hard) crust.

2. Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown.

Crumble, drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, cook onion and celery in butter until soft. Remove from heat, allow to cool.

4. In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, sausage, onions and celery. Add sage, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well.

5. In 1/4 cup increments, add chicken or vegetable broth to stuffing mixture. Toss gently until evenly moist. Loosely stuff in fowl or casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until heated to 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Fall/Winter 2013

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Stuffing

A Brief History In the middle ages stuffing was known as farce, from the Latin farcire (and French farcir) meaning to stuff.

Farce originally denoted a brief, lighthearted play stuffed in between lengthy religious productions to keep the audience from being bored.

Forcemeat and farce were also common terms referring to a spiced chopped meat mixture, currently still in use when referring to sausage.

The term stuffing first appears in English print in 1538. After 1880, it seems the term stuffing did not appeal to the propriety of the Victorian upper crust; who began referring to it as dressing. Today, the terms stuffing and dressing are used interchangeably.

Pictou County Home

FABULOUS HOLIDAY RECIPES Pulled Molasses Taffy Submitted by Linda Hamilton

The whole family pitched in to make this candy every Christmas Eve. Mum would make the syrup while Dad would make sure our hands were greased with butter so we could pull the taffy. Sometimes it was just too hot for me or my brother to pull so Mum and Dad would take over until it cooled a little. When it was all done and wrapped, Dad would chase us around the kitchen table threatening to rub his greasy hands on us while Mum would be hollering 'don't make a mess'. I carried on this tradition when my boys were young.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups white sugar 1 cup molasses 1/4 cup water 2 tsp. white vinegar 2 Tbsp. butter 1/2 tsp. baking soda

DIRECTIONS Grease a cookie sheet. In a pot bring to a boil the molasses, sugar, vinegar and water. Cook and stir to hard ball stage. Remove from the stove and stir in the butter and baking soda. Pour into cookie sheet and let cool for approximately 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle with your hands, butter your hands, pick up the taffy from the cookie sheet and fold it in half then pull it as long as you can without breaking it. Fold it in half again and then pull - repeat these two steps until the taffy is a nice golden brown color and getting a little too hard to pull. Make it into a long 'rope' (about 3/4" thick) and cut it in bite sized pieces. Wrap it in pieces of waxed paper, twist the ends to seal.

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-21-

Fall/Winter 2013

Cookin' with Chef Thomas Carey

Chef Thomas

Carey

After traveling the world as a Chef and working for The Prince George Hotel in Halifax between stints, Chef Thomas Carey joined the Pictou Lodge team early in 2013. He’s happy to be living in a quieter setting and especially to be closer to his hometown, Big Bras d’Or Cape Breton.

The menu he has developed for the Lodge is “local and rustic” and he has already acquired a large following. “It’s been an exceptionally positive year for us here and we look forward to continuing to build upon our success next year.”

Growing up in Cape Breton Thomas enjoyed a very traditional holiday dinner of turkey, stuffing (potato based), potatoes, carrots and turnips. He also remembers a delicious treat his grandmother made every year called Yum Yums. He doesn’t have the recipe, but based on his memory we were able to find one, so we have included it, along with some of his other favourites.

This year, as he did last, Chef Thomas is deep-frying his turkey. He says it comes out moist and delicious and it takes only 30 minutes to cook. Before deep-frying he injects the turkey with Frank's Red Hot Sauce. “It tastes like a huge chicken wing,” he chuckles.

Chef Thomas’ tip for making great gravy is as follows:

Mix one pound of butter with one pound of flour and cook until brown. Add some wine, turkey drippings, bay leaf (Chef says that bay leaf rounds out all of the other flavours used in the recipe), salt and peppercorns. Voilà! Perfect gravy!

Chef Thomas has also shared his Pecan Pie recipe and his Maple Butternut Squash Soup recipe.

Fall/Winter 2013

-22-

Pictou County Home

Chef Thomas Carey's Maple Butternut Squash Soup Ingredients

• 3 Butternut Squash (peeled and large dice) • 1 Onion (peeled and diced) • 1 Cinnamon Stick • 1 tsp. Nutmeg • 1L 35% Cream • 1-½ L Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock • 3 cups real Maple Syrup • 1/2 lb. butter • Salt to taste

Directions

Take butternut squash and toss with a little oil and roast at 350 degrees until golden brown. Sauté onion with butter until translucent then add squash and remaining ingredients and simmer for 35 minutes. Purée soup and adjust seasonings.

Garnish with cinnamon crème fraîche.

Chef Thomas Carey's Pecan Pie Filling Ingredients • 250g Cream

• 250g Brown Sugar • 50g Glucose • 5 Eggs • 100g Butter • 1-3/4 cups Pecans

Filling Directions

Place cream, brown sugar and glucose in a pot and bring to a hard simmer. Whip eggs in a bowl and slowly pour hot cream mixture over while whisking.

Then stir in butter until melted.

Pie Crust Ingredients • 500g Flour • 80g Sugar • 10g Salt • 250g Butter • 1 Egg • 110ml Water • 7g Baking Powder

Pictou County Home

Pie Crust Directions

Put all dry ingredients in a bowl and cut in butter until pea-sized shape. Now add the egg and water and knead until it comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the shells in a 350° oven, placing parchment paper and a good layer of beans on the shell before baking to help maintain the shape. Remove when the crust is golden brown. Put pecans into the baked pie shell. Pour in the hot pecan mix and put back in the oven for 5 minutes.

-23-

Fall/Winter 2013

DINING WITH PANTRY KITCHEN RESTAURANT & CATERING

Shrimp Roll-Ups Appetizer

Chef Larry MacGregor

NOTE: Prepare these the day before.

Ingredients

• Two 8-oz. packages

Cream Cheese • 1/2 cup Cocktail Sauce • Juice of one lemon • Two cans Shrimp, drained and chopped • 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese • 1 stalk Celery, finely chopped • 2-3 Green Onions, finely chopped • 6-8 Ten-Inch Flour Tortillas • 1 cup of Cocktail Sauce (for dipping)

Directions

Soften cream cheese, mix with cocktail sauce and lemon juice.

Stir in shrimp, mozzarella cheese, celery and green onions.

Spread mixture onto each tortilla, and roll up tightly.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Cut into 1/2-inch slices.

Place a bowl of Cocktail Sauce for dipping in the centre of a serving dish. Arrange the sliced Shrimp Roll-Ups around the cocktail sauce with a toothpick in each slice for easy eating!

About the Chef...

Chef Larry MacGregor acquired a passion for cooking young. He says, “I probably became interested because my mother was always baking and cooking. I don’t like to follow a recipe, though. I use the recipe as a base and then I like to think outside of the recipe box.”

After graduating from Dartmouth Vocational in 1981, Chef Larry acquired his Red Seal from the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology. From there he spent many years catering, until 12 years ago when he bought The Pantry Kitchen restaurant located on Foord Street, Stellarton. Chef Larry maintains his passion for catering and it still makes up a large part of his business.

When it comes to Christmas dinner, Chef Larry likes to keep it very traditional. “I might like to mix it up at any other holiday meal, but at Christmas I want all of those traditional holidays foods and flavours, roasted turkey, potatoes, turnip, carrots, and dressing.”

There has been one menu change from Chef Larry’s traditional family dinner, he no longer makes a potato stuffing, he opts for a bread version (recipe to follow) and he never stuffs his turkey, he always bakes the stuffing separately.

Fall/Winter 2013

-24-

Here are a few tips for cooking your Holiday dinner: • When cooking your turkey, roast at 350° until the leg is loose, if it’s falling apart it’s overcooked!

• What size should your turkey be? The general rule is one pound per person or 1 1/2 pounds if you really like leftovers.

• How many potatoes do you cook? The rule of thumb is 1/2 pound raw or one good size potato per person.

Don't wait for a special occasion to enjoy a great home cooked meal, you can feast on one anytime at The Pantry Kitchen Restaurant!!

Pictou County Home

Turkey Bread Cups This simple recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce!

Butter one side of bread lightly, and slice off crust. Press bread slices, butter side down, into muffin tins.

In each bread cup place: • Diced turkey meat • Leftover dressing • Cranberry sauce Top with grated mozzarella cheese. Place in preheated 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

Maple Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh Cranberries • 3/4 cup white Sugar • 3/4 cup Orange Juice • 1/4 cup real Maple Syrup

Directions

In a saucepan, over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the orange juice and maple syrup. Stir in the cranberries and cook until the cranberries start to pop, approximately 10 minutes. Slightly mash the cranberries to ensure all the skins are broken. Remove from heat. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Variation

Stir in 2 cups of fresh blueberries after removing cranberry sauce from heat.

Apple Granola Crisp Ingredients

• 9 medium Apples, peeled, cored and sliced • 3/4 cup white Sugar • 2 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions

Mix apples, sugar and cinnamon together, and place in baking pan.

Topping

• 1-1/2 cups of Rolled Oats • 1-1/2 cups of Granola Cereal • 1 cup of Brown Sugar • 1 cup of Melted Butter

Pictou County Home

Directions

Mix ingredients together, spread onto apples.

Bake in 375°F oven for 45 minutes, or until topping is slightly browned and apples look tender.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

-25-

Fall/Winter 2013

Meet our Featured Chef...

G G illes

odin

We are fortunate to have award winning Chef Gilles Godin share some of his favourite recipes with us! Chef Gilles has been the culinary instructor with the Nova Scotia Community College, Stellarton campus, for over 14 years and also teaches weekly cooking classes at Sobeys’ stores, where he has built up a loyal following!

Born in Montreal, Gilles' traditional family dinner as a child was eaten late on Christmas Eve. The family ate before midnight and then opened their Christmas gifts. “We generally didn’t get to bed until three or four in the morning and then we would sleep until lunch or later on Christmas day. ”My wife has vetoed this practice,” Gilles laughs, “We now eat dinner at around lunch time on Christmas day. I actually prefer this because by supper time I am happy to eat some leftovers.”

A traditional Christmas dinner for Gilles includes turkey, potatoes, carrots, turnip, apple crisp, cheese cake and Tourtière. Tourtière is a meat pie originating from Quebec, usually made with finely diced rabbit and pork and/or veal, or beef where it is a traditional part of the Christmas and New Year's Eve. Chef Gilles has kindly shared his favourite recipes for stuffing, carrots, potatoes, cheesecake, cranberry apple chutney, and apple crisp.

As well as a few tips to help you make the perfect turkey dinner.

Check out Gilles on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/pictoucooking

Fall/Winter 2013

-26-

Pictou County Home

TIPS from Chef Gilles Turkey Time:

Rub a compound butter of sage or thyme under the skin of the turkey before cooking (just mix the herbs with the butter and you are set to go). Also rub the skin of the turkey with salt and pepper before roasting.

Cook your turkey breast side down (elevate it with a rack to keep it from touching the bottom of the pan).

This method of cooking with ensure moist turkey breast and helps bring your stuffing up to the desired temperature of 170 degrees. Baste your turkey every half hour for best results.

Gravy Time:

Strain the turkey juices into a separate dish and allow the fat time to separate. Place the fat in a pot and mix in an equal amount of flour to fat and cook until the flour taste is gone, about 5 minutes.

Add turkey stock and simmer until thick.

Garlic Potatoes Ingredients • 2 lb. peeled and diced potatoes • 1/2 to 1 head garlic cloves, peeled & mashed • 6 tbsp butter • 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream, half & half or milk

Directions

Cover potatoes with water sufficient to cover in a heavy-bottomed pan.

Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly & simmer until potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain potatoes and set aside. Return empty pot to heat and add butter, leaving until butter melts.

In a separate pan, bring cream or milk to boil (do not allow to curdle; remove from heat immediately when it starts to boil).

Mash the potatoes, beating in the butter and half & half, cream or milk, mashed garlic and salt & pepper, until potatoes are smooth and fluffy. NOTE: For milder garlic flavor, parboil garlic along with potatoes, then mash with potatoes.

Caramelized Glazed Carrots Directions

Cook carrots in a small amount of water in a covered pan until crisply tender, about 15 minutes, 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 3 inch wedges.

Drain carrots well and keep hot. In a large 9-inch heavy skillet, melt over moderate heat until lightly caramelized, 1/4 cup maple syrup (add brown sugar if desired).

Add and stir until blended, 2 tbsp butter. Add hot carrots and stir over moderate heat about 5 minutes, until they are nicely glazed. Yield 6 Servings.

Pictou County Home

-27-

Fall/Winter 2013

Apple Cranberry Crisp

"A great combination of apples and cranberries with a crispy topping.

A favorite at Christmas instead of plain cranberries."

Ingredients • 1-1/2 cups quick cooking oats • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/3 cup butter flavored shortening, melted

Directions

• 1 tablespoon water • 1 (16 once) can whole berry cranberry sauce • 2 tablespoons cornstarch • 5 granny smith apples - peeled, cored and thinly sliced

Original recipe yield: 1 - 8x8 inch dish.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

Stir in the melted shortening and water to form a crumbly mixture. In a large saucepan, mix together the cranberry sauce and cornstarch. Bring to a boil, and then remove from heat. Stir in the apples. Spread into an 8x8 inch glass baking dish. Crumble the oat mixture over the apples. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Serve warm.

Cranberry & Apple Chutney Ingredients

• 16 onces fresh cranberries • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed • 1/2 cup raisins • 1/2 cup chopped celery • 1/2 cup chopped pears

• 1/2 cup water • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts • 2 tbsp minced candied ginger • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1/4 tsp ground cloves • 1 tsp onion salt (optional)

Directions

In large pan, bring all ingredients to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Store in refrigerator. Will keep several weeks. Yield: 3 Cups

Granny Smith/Apricot Fruit Stuffing Ingredients - Stuffing recipe makes 8 cups • 1/3 cup butter • 3/4 cup chopped celery • 3/4 cup chopped onions • 8 cups day-old bread cubes • 3 cups chopped apples • 1 cup raisins

• 1/2 cup diced dry apricots • 1-1/2 tsp salt • 3/4 tsp black pepper • 3/4 tsp thyme or sage chopped

Directions

In a large pan, cook celery, apples and onion in butter until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add bread cubes, apples, raisins, and seasonings. Set aside and reheat when ready to use.

This stuffing is great for a roulade, here's how to do it!

Roulade Method of Preparation:

5. Roll turkey roulade in aluminum foil.

6. Place in 400 F oven until internal temperature of 155 F is achieved, approximately 60-75 minutes.

7. Remove from oven & allow to rest 5-10 minutes.

8. Unwrap, slice & serve with a dollop of fresh cranberry chutney.

1. Remove tenderloin and reserve for future use.

2. Butterfly turkey breast & pound with mallet to half-inch thickness.

3. Place skin side down over plastic wrap & season breast meat.

4. Place stuffing in middle of breast & roll 'jelly roll style' using plastic wrap.

Fall/Winter 2013

-28-

Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

Christmastime at Central!

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everyday -31-

Fall/Winter 2013

Let there be

LIGHTING

The route to transforming living spaces from dark and drab to bright and beautiful is through properly planned lighting. Today's vast selection of designs and styles have transformed lighting from a purely functional decision to being part of the overall design scheme.

Choosing the correct light fixture adds personality to a space, and pulls the entire room together. Interior designers and lighting experts say these are some of 2013's hottest lighting trends.

MODERN ELEGANCE Blending clean, contemporary lines with elegant, luxurious materials creates the trend known as modern elegance. Look for lighting fixtures with simple, modern shapes and metallic finishes accented by a touch of bling such as modern cut crystals and unique glass shapes.

Fall/Winter 2013

Combining these designs and materials removes the coldness and sterility from modern design, and adds a touch of rich, luxurious glamour.

REFINED RUSTIC This eclectic combination of country meets industry brings a (cont'd. pg. 33) -32-

Pictou County Home

modern, urban touch to comfortable, casual rustic design. This trend blends rustic finishes with modern shapes, fabrics and accents for a more refined look.

Rustic wood finishes with contemporary linen shades, or modern cut crystals are both perfect examples of the refined rustic trend.

POLISHED METALS While Brass is making a comeback in 2013, Polished Nickel and Polished Chrome are the most popular lighting finishes. Both homeowners and interior designers are choosing shine over matte, allowing the sparkle created by these metals to infuse living spaces with freshness and vitality.

SCULPTURAL LIGHTING Combining function and art with unique abstract design, sculptural fixtures are generally very detailed and feature unique shapes, accents and colours. Large sculptural features work well in open spaces and rooms with high ceilings (two-storey entrances are ideally suited to hanging a sculptural light fixture).

Smaller sculptural fixtures can be used to add interest throughout any living space - much like pieces of art.

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and more. As the uses for kitchens change, so does the lighting requirement.

Layered lighting allows flexibility in both lighting levels and areas being lit for a more functional kitchen.

Layered lighting includes under-cabinet LED and other task lighting, pendants, track lighting and wall sconces combined to create a layered, flexible lighting scheme. The use of dimmer switches in layered lighting is an effective way to optimize lighting, allowing higher lighting levels when tasks are being performed, and more subtle, ambient lighting when entertaining.

CRYSTAL Crystal lighting has undergone a huge resurgence in the past couple of years, and it continues to grow.

Crystal designs of all types, from traditional to contemporary, are being chosen as lighting options by both interior designers and homeowners. Today's crystal designs come in a wide variety of styles that can add glamour to any room in the home, including bathrooms, where crystal chandeliers are being seen more and more. The price range for crystal lighting has also widened, offering homeowners on a budget the opportunity to add this lighting style to their homes more affordably than ever before. âœż -33-

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TRENDING NOW

in flooring

At the 2013 Fall Flooring Shows, a number of exciting new trends emerged for 2014.

RECLAIMED WOOD New factory-finished hardwood and laminate floors are showing all the charm of reclaimed timber, right down to the hand-scraped look - but without the high costs associated with true salvaged lumber. When purchasing hardwood flooring, remember that factory-finished wood will stand up to moisture fluctuations better than any wood flooring that is finished onsite.

For homeowners who truly want a sustainable wood flooring product, North American hardwood is a great choice. Unlike cork and bamboo, which are shipped in from the other side of the world, hardwoods are purchased from local forests, and in general, North America does a good job replenishing forests as they are cut. Oak, hickory, maple, ash, birch and heart pine Fall/Winter 2013

these classic North American hardwoods are always in style.

Along with the hand-scraped, distressed finishes, wide-plank floors are extremely popular with today's homeowners - both for their authenticity in the look of reclaimed wood, and for their ability to highlight the natural grain, colours and beauty of wood.

Laminate manufacturers have moved towards single 5-inch plank floors, offering budget conscious homeowners the opportunity to get the look of reclaimed hardwood at a fraction of the price, and with outstanding durability and ease of installation.

LARGE-FORMAT TILES Tile designs are exploding with a huge new selection of sizes, shapes, materials and patterns.

Particularly popular right now are large-format tiles - tiles that come in 12" x 24" up to as large as 36" x 36" - as opposed to the more traditional 12" x 12" tiles.

-34-

Not only do they look great, but larger tiles mean more tile surface and fewer grout lines to clean. If you're installing large-format tiles, it's important to remember they're heavy, and require a perfectly level substrate and a professional installer to ensure the job comes out right.

LUXURY VINYL Luxury vinyl is not the "peel and stick" product people used to install.

It's a new category of flooring that combines the high-end look of hardwood or stone with the durability of vinyl.

Today's designs and manufacturing processes create vinyl so realistic looking that even experts have to get down on their hands and knees to be sure it's not real.

Because it stands up so well to moisture, luxury vinyl is a natural fit for bathrooms, kitchens and (cont'd. pg. 35) Pictou County Home

laundry rooms.

However, today's vinyl does share one trait with that old peel 'n stick stuff - it's still a joy to walk on!

CUT-AND-LOOP CARPET Current carpet trends have moved away from shags and friezes towards more patterned carpets. By using a technique that combines both loops and cut loops, manufacturers can create a carpet with patterns that range from subtle to bold.

New technologies are producing carpet with incredibly soft fibers, and huge improvements have also been made in the world of carpet pads, with high quality dense rubber replacing the more common loose fiber.

AREA RUGS Area rugs continue to gain in popularity for good reason.

They're practical, providing cushion, comfort and warmth over tile and wood floors. But they also provide artist value to a room's design. Considered art for the floor, (with the floor acting as the frame), size DOES matter, and it's often a big concern for homeowners who

are uncertain how to create a well balanced space. Designers say start with the area rug first. From its design, you can select paint colours, and find art, throw pillows and accessories to complete your decor. Designers recommend keeping area rugs a minimum of 6 inches, and no more than 2 feet away from walls. âœż

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Fall/Winter 2013

2013

+

2014

fresh color trends for your home.

Every Day Hero favors a low-key, functional aesthetic.

Highlighting designs and products that simply work well with no added fuss or embellishment, this theme embraces clean, crisp lines, order, lightness, honesty and simplicity. The hues are soft and desaturated, as if sun-faded or gently worn with time. Earthen, terracotta shades of red & brown warm the palette, while khaki, grey & white serve as neutrals.

Illusion highlights a playful and fantastical design ideal, like a fair tale environment for grown-ups. The perfect escape from reality, this is a theme that balances dark and dramatic designs, melding delicate and playful forms. Bright colours such as fuchsia & sea foam are the energetic middle ground between dramatic black & the pale pinks, blues & greys that serve as neutrals.

Discreet Luxury is a classic twist on contemporary design that embraces both a masculine and feminine aesthetic. Relying heavily on texture, surface design and material to convey craftsmanship, this theme emphasizes the importance of integrity in design. Create a look that is luxurious, elegant and inviting. The colour palette conveys the mood of the theme by pairing rich, sumptuous reddish-browns with rich blues and pale blues and greys. Mixed metallics are a feature of this theme and a copper brown can easily read as metallic as well. (cont'd. pg. 37) Fall/Winter 2013

-36-

Pictou County Home

2013

+

2014

fresh color trends for your home.

The deeply expressive theme embodies a live-out-loud spirit, but also celebrates a deep, emotional connection to tradition and multiculturalism. Playful yet sophisticated, this theme is a touch bohemian & is loaded with intense hues, graphic patterns, bold, dynamic palettes and prints. This palette is pure energy, with vibrant mid-tones & bright colours from the full spectrum working in powerful combinations. Hybrids such as mustard yellow, olive green, and salmon shades provide energy & suggest constant flux.

Minimal yet fashionable, with the added appeal of futuristic-looking technology, Modernist Tech rejects any outdated aspects of daily life and instead seeks to identify a sleek new vision for living. This theme is a true blend of modernist spirit with the stark but friendly appeal of contemporary technology. It is cool and precise without feeling cold; chic without feeling snobby. The colour palette includes blocks of black & white against almost-primary hues, offering concrete grey shades as a midway point between the two.

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Fall/Winter 2013

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No restrictions to storage space, allowing maximum access and convenience.

All exposed edges of the cabinet are sealed, to prevent moisture absorption, extending the lifetime of your kitchen.

Constructed with a 5/8" industrial grade high-density particleboard, covered with high durability melamine.

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Pictou County Home

quick. configurable. quality.

Quality in a box.

Joined with precision-fitted hardwood dowels, and strengthened with high-performance glue.

Fully concealed Blum European clip on hinges, allow for excellent access, are 6-way adjustable for perfect alignment and are warrantied for life.

Fully adjustable shelves are 3/4" thick, edged all around, and finished with melamine for maximum strength. Shelves are full depth for maximum storage.

A product of Atlantic Canada, all cabinets are precision-engineered for durability, constructed with premium materials and finished by hand to provide maximum appeal, practicality, convenience and lifetime value.

Quality cabinets delivered in 2 weeks!

Pictou County Home

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Dreaming of a home improvement project?

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Pictou County Home

She’s Come Uncorked

It`s simple, don't agonize over wine purchases! Like the Nike motto says: "just do it". Build your inventory around your menu or social gathering. The staff at our local NSLC is excellent for providing guidance. But, since I'm "uncorking" here are my suggestions for this merry season.

Shawna Coleman

Moving closer to home, and I know I repeat myself, but it's a must, Tidal Bay, Tidal Bay. This Nova Scotia signature wine has been making waves at all social events, year-round. It is available "exclusively" at Nova Scotia Vineyards (check your local listings).

A white wine, it offers a refreshing crisp splash on the palate with a concentration of fruits and goes well with everything and everyone. Distinctly Nova Scotian. I could go on incessantly about Nova Scotia's wine industry and how it has successfully evolved in a relatively short time period! We may be small, but our recruitment of winemakers and their knowledge of yeast types, grapes, harvest timing, climate, have all enabled vineyards to achieve recognition on the (continued Pg. 42)

Casillero Diablo Brut Reserve: Always have a place for a fizz. When we think of a sparkling we usually default to an occasion whether it's entertaining friends or celebrating the season. A fan of Chilean wines, I would recommend Casillero Diablo Brut Reserve.

Wonderful! Priced at under $20 this fizz will go well with everything from starters to full Christmas dinner!

Pictou County Home

with

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of English toffee and, OK I'll give this one up to... cherries. Under $17! Joie de vivre!

international stage and put us squarely on the wine producers maps! Priced at under $20!

Want to enjoy a glass of something to sip during a snowy afternoon, evening? Try a Port. Of course we think Portugal. I do. A good port on your bar will last for years. Taylor Fladgate, 2001 is my go to. Steeped in interesting history TF Port has been family owned since 1692! This port is "matured in wood for four to six years".

Once purchased, is ready to drink. Ports are vibrant, full, rich, heavy and sweet. TF is priced at just above $30; 20% alc.

We should really do without the myth that there is ever one perfect wine, and if you feel that you have found it, you're probably missing out on something much bigger. Wine and food pairings can be "snobbish", something I mentioned in my last article. Wine shouldn't be that way. The whole intimidation factor of wine sweetness, dryness, full-bodied... often sounds overdone. This just isn't what a trained sommelier should do. However, we do it regardless, it's part of the theatrics of it all. Have fun. Explore. Take a drink on the wild side.

Kim Crawford: Only recently have I been able to appreciate pinot noir; probably because of the brilliant offerings of Kim Crawford from New Zealand. Once enjoyed fully, pinots glide like sharpened ice skates on a newly cleaned ice surface! This wine enveloped itself around me like my well worn pashmina! A great starter and because of it's smooth velvety taste it goes well with just about anything. Used as a starter wine, or with your traditional Christmas turkey. It's light enough in flavour that it won't compete against the rush of flavours. Give pinot noir a chance. At $22 it's a recommended purchase.

I enjoy so much chatting with folks about wine.

And, usually, I do find however, that wine is very circumstantial.

With good company, food, music, it is always nice to know that your hosts have purchased wine solely with you and the menu in mind. Get to know what you enjoy! "Excellence in a bottle, and it is always so much fun."

Be well. Cheers!

Happy Holidays from the Management & Staff at

Permettez-moi de rafraĂŽchir votre verre mrs? Always say YES, especially if it's Bouchard Beaujolais SupĂŠrieur from France that's being poured! French wines are hot right now, and, although it's important to drink what you like, it's always enjoyable to step outside of the comfort zone a bit also. Beaujolais goes well with all the P's on our food guide: Pasta. Pork. Poultry.

Provolone. Reviews indicate this wine tastes like cotton candy and cherry fruits, but for me tastes Fall/Winter 2013

394 Westville Rd, New Glasgow Tel. 928-0066

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Lillian Moore DĂŠcor Consultant Sensible Decorating Solutions... With a down-to-earth attitude!

As a dĂŠcor consultant I understand the balance between creating a beautiful home and a space that YOU can live in! Working in close collaboration with you, I can create a lasting design, which will benefit all aspects of your life.

My services include: Re-arranging and re-purposing furniture that you have Shopping for new furniture and accessories Choosing paint colours and finishes, such as flooring, cupboards, trims, countertops and window coverings De-cluttering and staging your home for re-sale Renovations

Hourly appointments. Affordable and approachable.

A one-hour consultation could save you countless mistakes and money!

Tel. 752-4389 or 301-2927

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Happy holidays from our homes to yours!

WE PROVIDE:

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Pictou County Home

You’ve Got Good Ideas www.cbdc.ca

We can help!

“My experience with NOBL has been a wonderful one! They not only provided me with the financing and additional training I needed, but made me feel confident and positive about my business choices.

I would strongly recommend NOBL.” When Janice Rehill moved her family back to Nova Scotia from Ontario where she had been teaching for seven years, she found herself unemployed. Her only job option was to substitute teach, which was very difficult for a single mom of three. She needed something more reliable and consistent and she wanted to teach; so, she decided to start Microtots Preschool. While still operating Microtots, she returned to teaching in Ontario temporarily, but later came back to Nova Scotia and was able to obtain a fifty per cent position with Chignecto Central School Board. She says, “I have a full time employee at Microtots Preschool which allowed me to also pursue my teaching career.”

When Janice became aware that NSCC was advertising for someone to start up and operate a daycare on campus for students and staff of NSCC, she applied for the opportunity. Kinder Kampus opened its doors in 1996. Meanwhile, Janice continued to teach half time and employed an Assistant Director to make opening the daycare possible. Janice now has a full time Director for Kinder Kampus and she continues to teach.

Between Microtots Preschool and Kinder Kampus, Janice employs 11 people, either full or part time. Both Microtots Preschool and Kinder Kampus provide high quality childcare programs and Janice hopes to continue to do so for many more years to come.

She says, “We have a very competent, loving staff who are very reliable and dedicated to the well-being of the children in our care.”

CBDC-NOBL helped Janice Rehill take her business idea from dream to reality and they can help you too!

CBDC-NOBL (Pictou County) 4852 Plymouth Road, New Glasgow

Telephone: 382-NOBL (6625)

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HOLIDAY COOKIE CONTEST Enter your all-time favourite cookie recipe for a chance to win a basket of baking supplies and a $250 Sobeys gift card!

Please email your recipe, before December 16th, 2013, to:

lifestages@ns.sympatico.ca

To be eligible, recipe must include all specific ingredients, amounts, mixing instructions, baking temperature and baking time. Also, we would like to have a picture of the end product and one of you too!

Winner will be selected on December 18th, and will be notified by e-mail.

Group Christmas Parties Gift Certificates Available

1-800-495-6343

Photo: Hadley Peters enjoys making cookies at her grandmother’s, Kathie Delorey.

pictoulodge.com

PICTOU LODGE BEACH RESORT - At Home AD 3.25” x 4.25”

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Pictou County Home

AS YOUR MORTGAGE BROKER? My only job is looking out for your best interest.

Not only do I understand everything there is to know about mortgages, I can explain it in plain english.

My expert, unbiased, fast service is FREE! Talk to me today!

Let me help you with the best deal on your mortgage!

Peggy MacInnis Senior Mortgage Consultant Tel. 396-5923 peggy.macinnis@premieremortgage.ca Premiere Mortgage Centre 61 Douglas Rd., Greenhill RR#1 Westville, NS B0K 2A0 As a Certified Accredited Mortgage Professional, I have access to many lenders and mortgage products.

I work for you, not the lender!

PEGGY MACINNIS Senior Mortgage Consultant

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Fall/Winter 2013

Holiday Magic at the Delorey's

If you read the spring 2013 edition of At Home in Pictou County, you will have had the pleasure of viewing the lovely home of Gerald and Kathie Delorey. Now, as promised, we present their home again all dressed up and ready for Christmas!

Kathie goes all out for her favourite holiday, she says, “I have loved Christmas since I was a little girl. My parents always made it special for us.

I was the oldest of five children and as most children growing up (cont'd. Pg. 49)

McKay Fuels

“Keeping you warm since 1928!”

437 Merigomish Rd., New Glasgow

Stove & Fuel Oil Home Heating Oil “Discount for cash sales.”

752-4174 752-8383

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at that time we didn’t have a lot of extras, but at Christmas ...well they made sure we were blessed! It was a family affair for sure.

Mid-December we would all go out and get the perfect tree! My father would stand it proudly in the middle of our living room and with his guidance it would be decorated to perfection!

My Mom and Dad would take us "window shopping" at the Goodman store downtown.

The windows were always decorated so magically and we were as excited as if we were at Macy's in New York City. Mom would be baking for weeks ahead of the big day.

Christmas morning we would be awake by 4:00am and peeking down the stairway to see if Santa had arrived yet. Stockings would be stuffed with ribbon candy, toy candy, apples and oranges...”

teenagers I started getting into trying to get that magic feeling back! It eventually took on a life of its own and every year I just keep adding. I have been having a Christmas party each year for more than 10 years; with more than fifty invitations for the event! I try to have it early in December as it seems to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Another reason I have it early is it takes about a month to prepare and then I can relax; enjoy the season and take in festivities and parties hosted by my friends, family and coworkers.

Also, now that I have grandchildren, I love seeing their eyes light up when they see all the decorations and lights.”

Got some Holiday Magic of your own?

“Having children of my own, I always tried to recreate that feeling of magic for them.

We made our own memories and traditions but funds were tight so decorating took a back seat for many years. When they were

Pictou County Home

Share it with us for our 2014 Holiday Edition! E-mail your story and photos to us at:

lifestages@ns.sympatico.ca

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Fall/Winter 2013

Twas the Week Before Christmas at Canadian tire

EVERYTHING YOU NEED UNDER ONE ROOF

Twas the week before Christmas, when under the tree Not a present was purchased, not even one wee.

Not a stocking was hung for a girl or a boy, Neither mamma nor papa had purchased a toy!

Outdoor Supplies & Equipment

The children knew nothing of their parents' plight, They were nestled all snug in their bed for the night.

While mamma and papa sat down in panic, They knew they had little time for Christmas, to plan it.

BBQs & Smokers (Parts & Acc.) Bird Feeders & Seed Garden Care, Lighting & Decor Landscaping & Lawn Care Yard Equipment Patio Furniture & Accessories Pools & Accessories Sheds & Outdoor Storage

When papa's face suddenly glowed like a fire, I have the answer! Let us go to Canadian Tire!

And away they went the next day like a flash, They entered the store, both in a mad dash.

Sports & Recreation

Tom Mara and staff saw them come in, He knew what was happening, so he smiled a small grin.

He'd seen it before again and again, He knew he could help them, these parent in pain.

Sports Equipment & Accessories Bikes & Accessories Camping & Fishing Equip. & Supplies Luggage & Bags Marine

With a skip in his step, so lively and quick, He stepped up to aid them in making their picks.

More rapid than eagles his suggestions they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

Tools & Hardware Paint & Stains Work Tables & Vises Work Apparel & Footwear

“Toys we sure have them for all ages here, We have something for everyone, never you fear!

We have hot rods and dollies and games of all types, We have wagons and ride-ons and plenty of bikes.�

Tools & Hardware

Home

Heating & Air Conditioning Interior & Exterior Furniture & Acc. Home Electronics Lighting Storage & Organization Vacuums & Floor Cleaning

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the challenge Tom Mara and staff, The parents stopped worrying and started to laugh.

Automotive

Automotive Parts & Service Auto Body Repair Auto Custom & Performance Auto Repair Accessories Car Audio/Video Car Washing & Cleaning Child Car Seats and Accessories

And then, in a twinkling, they were back in their car Their needs were all met at Canadian Tire.

As they drove away their hearts filled with glee, They knew how happy the children would be.

Tom Mara, his eyes-how they twinkled his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

They heard him exclaim, 'ere they drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

PLUS MUCH MORE! Highland Square Mall, New Glasgow Telephone: 755-5581

Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Colour your home for the holidays!

Christmas Trees Christmas Lights Christmas Ornaments Christmas Wreaths Christmas Decor...

From start to Christmas Canadian Tire has it!

From decorating to entertaining, from gifts for children to adults, from kitchen to bath and everything in between, we have it!

from the Management & Staff

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BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME WITH PEACE OF MIND

We offer advice, choices, blueprints, material packages, quality materials, delivery, and when you choose a home package from Tim-brMart, it comes with a little something extra, built-in peace of mind!

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Kitchen area, dining room, laundry room, half-bath and garage on a lower level compared to the living room and the foyer. From the living room, you must descend to access to the kitchen area .

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Second Level: Living Area: (738 sq. ft) Master bedroom with two separate closets and access to bathroom, two secondary bedrooms, mezzanine.

Hector Building Supplies 223 Foord Street, Stellarton - Tel. 755-2277 11 Harris Road Pictou - Tel. 485-4362

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Pictou County Home

Buying & Maintaining

Snow Blowers Consumer Reports (www.ConsumerReports.org) is a great resource to aid you in choosing a snow blower. According to the organization's research, you needn't buy the biggest snow blower to get competent clearing. Small, easy-handling machines will do the job for homeowners with small driveways.

But for those with large or hilly areas or deep snow, a larger model with power-driven wheels works best.

Consumer Reports offer the following tips for buying: Don't count horses The big snow blowers might promise 11 horsepower or more, but some less powerful machines clear snow just as well.

Types The type of snow blower you buy depends on the area you need clear as well as the storage space available to house it when not in use.

Single-stage electrics These small snow blowers don't have driven wheels. Instead, the rubber-tipped auger that picks up and throws the snow also helps propel the machine. They're best for short, level driveways, decks, and walks with snow levels of four inches or less. About the size of a walk-behind mower, single-stage electrics are also lightest, smallest, quietest, and easiest to handle, and their electric motor frees you from fueling and engine maintenance. But their rubber-edged auger can (cont'd. Pg. 54)

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pick up and throw gravel, and their narrow, 11- to 18-inch swaths typically mean clearing requires multiple passes. What's more, their modest pulling power is no match for steep slopes and might make the machine pull sideways.

And, of course, the power cord limits range and maneuverability.

pull sideways on steep slopes. And their gas engines are often two-cycle (which need oil to mix with the gasoline) and require regular maintenance.

Two-stage gas Like single-stage gas snow blowers, two-stage models begin by using the auger to pick up and throw snow. Unlike the smaller machines, they add a fan-like impeller above the auger to help throw snow out the chute -- the "second" stage in their name -- and are propelled by engine-driven wheels. These larger, more powerful models are best for long, wide driveways with snow levels higher than eight inches. Some models clear a swath 28- to 30-inches wide, and their driven wheels can handle steeper inclines. Two-stage snow blowers are also a must on gravel, since the auger doesn't touch the ground. On the downside, they're relatively heavy and expensive, and can take up as much storage space as a lawn tractor.

Their gas engine also requires regular maintenance.

Single-stage gas These small-tomid-size models are typically more powerful than electric versions and are a good choice for level, mid-sized paved driveways and walks with typical or expected snow levels of less than eight inches.

They're still fairly light and easy to handle and take up about as much storage space as a mower, but free you from a cord. They also clear a larger, 20- to 22-inch swath and offer electric starting. But like the electrics, they're a poor choice for gravel driveways. Their auger provides only modest pulling power, and they tend to Fall/Winter 2013

Speeds Most two-stage snow blowers have five or six forward speeds for the drive wheels compared with just one on single-stage models. A choice of speeds can help prevent clogs while you slog through heavy snow. (cont'd. Pg. 57) -54-

Pictou County Home

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Dreaming of your very own backyard oasis? The Experts at Suntime Enterprises can turn your dreams into reality. With over 35 years of experience in the pool and spa industry, expertise and superior quality products is what you will find at Suntime.

If your dream is to soak away the stresses of the day, in the rejuvenating waters of your very own spa in the privacy of your backyard; the Experts at Suntime Enterprises can turn that dream into reality.

Above Ground, In Ground and On Ground Pools, Spas, Saunas, BBQ's, Gazebos, Hot Tubs, Tanning Beds, Chemicals and Accessories as well as Oil, Gas, Pellet and Wood Stoves, Fireplaces and Inserts are just a few of the many products we offer. We are a full service company! Our technicians are experienced and available to assist you with all your pool, spa and home heating needs.

Contact the Experts at Suntime Enterprises today!

Visit the showroom at: 4687 Route 4, Greenhill or visit online www.suntime.ca

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4687 Route 4, Greenhill

396-3387

Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

'N

Gizmos

Gadgets

LG's Magic Remote for Smart TVs LG's Magic Remote was introduced in 2010, it had gesture control, a click wheel, a mic for voice control (QWERTY for the Google TV), and now LG it's returned with a new model. The new Magic remote keeps all of those features and adds on with universal remote capabilities that let it control other hardware in your home theatre, and improved software with Natural Language support. That means you can just say the name of a program or a channel, and see it automatically pop up on the screen. The design of the hardware itself has also been tweaked, with repositioned buttons and, on the premium version that ships with higher end TVs, a smaller model with backlit keys.

Available through Future Shop.

Leap Motion Controller Leap Motion will revolutionize the way you interact with your computer. It lets you swipe, pinch and drag your hands and fingers in the air to play games, create art, browse photos and more. It works on a PC or Mac, accurately sensing every move you make in its 8 cubic feet of intuitive 3D space.

Available at Future Shop online or the Westville Road location will order it in for you!

NetGear VueZone Wireless Camera Watch over your Home from anywhere. VueZone's remote video monitoring system is an incredibly simple way to check on what matters to you...from anywhere! Completely wire-free cameras fit anywhere and can be viewed from your smartphone, PC, or Mac. Available online at www.netgear.com

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Pictou County Home

Maintenance advice

• Adjust the auger's scraper and skid shoes if applicable, as suggested in the owner's manual. Doing so helps keep the auger closer to the surface, leaving less snow behind.

• For gas-powered machines, follow the recommendations in the owner's manual for changing the spark plug and for models with a four-stroke engine - the engine oil. Most recommend changing both at least once each year.

Visit ShopSmart at www.ShopSmartmag.org for more information.

• Follow the recommendations for mixing oil and gas on models with two-stroke engines. Too little oil can damage the engine; too much creates added exhaust emissions and can hamper starting by fouling the spark plug.

• Add a fuel stabilizer to preserve the fuel between storms and clearing seasons. Stabilizers can keep fuel from degrading for up to one year to help prevent gum and varnish deposits from clogging the carburetor and fuel passages.

• For two-stage machines, have some spare auger shear bolts on hand. The bolts are designed to protect the gearbox by breaking if the auger hits a hard object.

• For all machines, periodically tighten nuts and bolts, especially on control linkages, which tend to loosen as a snow blower vibrates.

Future Forestry

Services Co-Op Ltd.

FOR ALL OF YOUR FORESTRY NEEDS FROM SEED TO HARVEST Land & Timber Purchase Woodlot Harvesting & Silviculture Forestry Consulting Silviculture Contracting

Bruce MacLeod, General Manager - Cell 928-8957

MacLellans Brook, New Glasgow

Pictou County Home

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922-3699

Fall/Winter 2013

BLING it on!

Table settings can say it all! Welcome… Happy to have you…

Please enjoy…

Here are a few tips to get your table setting just right: • Use a tablecloth with no pattern as your base to allow your accessories to pop.

• Start with the centerpiece. It’s the holidays so go all out! Glass bowls or hurricane vases filled with Christmas balls, fruit, pine cones or pine stems are a great place to start.

• Don’t forget the candles! Check out the homemade candles created by Kathleen Sartoris and Sis Harris in this issue they would make a great addition to any holiday setting.

• Dress-up each place setting with a small gift wrapped in shiny paper and ribbons.

• Large ribbon wrapped and tied in a bow around each chair adds a festive touch.

Use your imagination. You probably already have everything you need at home to create a masterpiece.

Quality Handcrafted Nova Scotia Treasures Tel. 301-0959 41 Coleraine Street, Pictou

Located inside Carvers On the Waterfront Open all year

John Marshall Antiques

Coffee House Pub Live Music Old Advertising. Antique Jewellery, Folk Art, Furniture, Hooked Rugs, Native Items, Military Items, Nova Scotia Glass, Coffee House Light Meals/Desserts Paintings, Old Photographs, Postcards, Old Toys, Books, Etc. Pub Private Meeting Room If you have Live any items we would be interested in, Music please call, write, email, or visit: John Marshall Antiques Light Meals/Desserts Private Meeting Room Carvers Open All Year

65 Provost Street, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2P5 Carvers Open All Year Email: john.marshall.antiques@gmail.com 382-3332 www.johnmarshallantiques.com “Come in&for a beverage & “Come in for a beverage On the waterfront, Pictou On the waterfront, Pictou leave with new friends!” leave with new friends!”

755-4055 Ph.

382-3332

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Pictou County Home

Beautiful, home-made

WREATHS

Candy Cane Wreath

Items you need: - Candy canes - Hot glue gun/ glue sticks - Canning jar lid (or any circular item to glue the canes to) - Ribbon - Tape (optional) Directions: Use the lid of a canning jar to affix the candy canes to. To make the base more smooth and curvy tape around it until it is a circular cylinder shape.

Use clear packaging tape or any colour tape you'd like.

After establishing a base make sure the hot glue gun is fully heated and begin by gluing one layer of candy canes around the circle. Make sure each candy cane comes out perpendicular to the tangent line of the circle at each point. Place the candy cans as close together as possible.

Frame Wreath Old frames can make a great start to a unique wreath. Any size will do!

Just pull out the old glass and start glue gunning anything you like onto the frame: moss, evergreen stems, Christmas balls, festive fabric. Finally, embellish!

Final Touch Party Rentals

We make planning your event easy!

Weddings Linens Retirement Parties Tables Anniversaries Chairs Reunions Tents Special Events Barbecues Theme Parties Much More

279 Foord Street, Stellarton Telephone: 755-1864

Toll Free: 1-888-755-1864 Fax: (902)755-0228 Email: finaltouchparty@eastlink.ca

www.finaltouchrentals.ca Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

Our family newsletter...

Tips for writing the holiday newsletter

It's that time of year when holiday greeting cards are sent out to loved ones, to help spread the holiday cheer and keep your family and friends up-to-date on what's happening in your life why not include a little home-made newsletter?

It's not that difficult if you follow these tips: Consider your audience. This is not an opportunity to boast or provide a year in review. The goal here is to help make others feel closer to your family, so think about who will be receiving the letter. If they were sitting across the kitchen table from you, what would your conversation be about? Pick out some of these topics so you can create an experience for your readers.

Get help!! What does your spouse, children, siblings, parents‌ want to say?

Allow each of them offer up a few highlights from their year.

Keep it brief. Family is a favourite topic for most of us, but going on and on about our family can get a little boring for readers. A holiday newsletter that's thoughtful, charming, humorous and BRIEF will be more memorable than pages upon pages about the humdrum aspects of our lives. Try to keep it to about a page to a page and a half.

Have fun. Write from your heart. Use your own voice. Don't use a letter writing template that strips out all the personality. No one is grading you on your letter so just be yourself.

Get a second opinion. Allow the family to read the newsletter and ask them if they want to change any news that references them.

Include a nice family photo if you can.

Finally proofread!! A well written letter is more apt to be read than one filled with grammatical errors and misspelled words.

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Winter’s Coming.

Is your home ready?

Getting your house ready for winter will make sure your family is warm and comfortable this winter, AND, it can save you a lot of money on home heating.

Take advantage of these important energy saving tips before the cold weather begins!

Furnace

• Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. If your furnace is working at peak efficiency it will use less energy and cost less to operate.

• Clean or replace the filter at a minimum, every fall - a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home.

Thermostat

• Lower your thermostat by four to five degrees Celsius while you’re sleeping at night and when no one is at home.

• Install a programmable thermostat. You can save two per cent on your heating bill for every one-degree Celsius you turn down your thermostat.

Laundry

• Switch to cold when doing your laundry - 85 to 90 per cent of the energy used to wash your clothes is used to heat the water. By turning the dial to cold on your washing machine, you help the environment, save energy, and save money.

• Wash full loads.

• Choose a front-loading washing machine. Not only does a front-loading washing machine save water, it saves energy as well. It uses about 40 per cent less water and about 50 per cent less energy.

Weather-Stripping

• Weather-stripping provides a barrier between the fixed and movable sections of doors and windows. Apply weather-stripping to operable windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and doors that lead to the attic.

Windows, Door Frames, Sills and Joints

• Apply a sealant or caulk around windows, door frames, sills and joints. On a windy day feel for leaks or use a couple of incense sticks to help identify leaks around windows, electrical outlets, vents and exterior doors. As well look for spider webs - if there is a web there is a draft.

• Use plastic window covers to help prevent heat loss.

• Keep return air grills and heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and drapes, so there is no interference with the flow of heat through your home.

Basement

• If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace, check for leaks by looking for spider webs. If there is a web, there is a draft. A large amount of heat is also lost from an un-insulated basement.

• Add insulation to basement walls.

(Cont'd. Pg. 62)

Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

Lower your thermostat by four to five degrees Celsius while you’re sleeping at night and when no one is at home.

Apply a sealant or caulk around windows, door frames, sills and joints.

On a windy day feel for leaks or use a couple of incense sticks to help identify leaks around windows, electrical outlets, vents and exterior doors.

As well, look for spider webs - if there is a web there is a draft.

Install a programmable thermostat. You can save two per cent on your heating bill for every one-degree Celsius you turn down your thermostat.

(Continued from Pg. 61)

Drapes & Blinds

• On sunny days, open south facing drapes and let the sun in, a natural source of heat. If you have large windows that don’t receive direct sun, keep the drapes closed.

• Close your drapes and blinds during the night.

Pipes, Ducts, Fans and Vents

• Plug gaps around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces.

Showerheads and Faucets • Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.

Dishwasher

• Always wash a full load in your dishwasher and air-dry your dishes on the “energy saver” setting.

Garage

• Turn on the heat just prior to use, save by not heating it continuously.

Wood Fireplace

• Close the damper to prevent warm air from escaping through the chimney, and ensure the damper fits properly.

John’s Country Canteen

John’s Country Canteen FULL SERVICE CONVENIENCE STORE

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Fall/Winter 2013

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3318 Hwy. 4 Central West River 925-2151

Homemade Subs

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Cold Beer

Pictou County Home

Self Employment Benefit Program (SEB) Do you want to start a small business?

SEB assists unemployed ELIGIBLE individuals create jobs for themselves by starting a business.

The Self Employment Benefit (SEB) Program is an employment program of Employment Nova Scotia that provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to help them create jobs for themselves by starting a business.

This program in Pictou County is delivered by CBDC-NOBL on behalf of Employment Nova Scotia.

If you’ve a desire to open your own business, are in receipt of EI Benefits, or have been in the past 3 years, contact:

Northern Opportunities for Business Ltd. (NOBL)

www.cbdc.ca

Pictou County Home

SEB Coordinators, Shannon Bouchie at: 752-2611 or by e-mail at shannon.bouchie@cbdc.ca Mary Fennell at: 752-7404 or by e-mail at mary.fennell@cbdc.ca

and get registered for a SEB Information Session so you can learn more about the SEB program and the other services offered by CBDC-NOBL. Successful participants will be provided with training, business counselling, advice and support during the 40 week maximum duration of the program. A recent survey revealed that 76% of businesses that began with the assistance of the SEB program were still operating 5 years later!

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Fall/Winter 2013

Fall/Winter 2013

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Pictou County Home

Pictou County Home

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Fall/Winter 2013

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Pictou County Home

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Pictou County Home

13-10-15 3:00 PM

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Fall/Winter 2013

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