LIFESTYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
healthy, happy, balanced FALL life 20161
Did you know?
Shelley’s Trendy Finds!
At this time of year we start spending more time in the cozy indoors or travel south, either way, here are some cool finds for you !
Live Edge Furniture
Take a look. Almost every furniture store is featuring live wood-edged (visible bark) tables, counter tops, kitchen islands, stools. Pine, oak, maple all add a very cool, earthy look to any home decor. Stain to match your existing hardwood floor or keep it in contrast. Nothing to get “board” with here!
East Indian Food
is springing up on menus everywhere. From your local Boston Pizza to your higher end dining spots ... all offer these flavourful delights. Tastes of aromatic Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh Curry, to the milder Tandoori style dishes, spicier Vindaloo entrées, Naan bread and, of course, Basmati Rice, you cannot miss these tastes extraordinaire! Tara East Indian restaurant in Barrie or Aladdin Indian Cuisine, Orillia are your local “ hot” spots to explore this amazing cuisine.
“Bling on a String”
b y Shelley Weir Consulting can find your latest fashions, costume jewellery, designer shoes and purses and, yes, even home decor including light fixtures thru bathroom accessories all on trend and affordable on any budget! Give her a call today at 705-3301026. It’s a bling thing!
Velvet
everything for Fall and Winter 2016! Men and women’s fashions are all embracing the luxurious warmth and softness of velvet. Dresses, skirts, both gender dress pants, coats and jackets are a must. Rich purples, cranberries, deep rusts and emerald greens abound.
New school denim,
same blue hues but new, sleeker modern cuts. Jeans and jackets, even dresses are more detailed in our favourite “go to” fabric. Never gets old!
Favourite
& totally yummy. Did I say favourite food find! Skyr (pronounced Skeeer) Iceland’s answer to yogurt. An upturned dairy product, generally high in protein, low /zero fat in very awesome cool flavours. Like Basil/Strawberry, Pumpkin & Spice, Acai and Mixed Berries or try the Orange and Ginger. President’ s Choice and Siggis are the two brands I recommend! Enjoy and it’s good for you too. Skyr!
Surprise find,
Jessica Alba’s Honest Cleaning Products! A full line of environmentally friendly products for your home. Find Honest at your Canadian Tire. Move over Method!
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contents Fall 2016
11
| Vol 5 No 3
In this Issue
The colour
4
Shelley’s Trendy Finds
8
Families Manage Cramped Quarters
9
Saving For College
white
10 Creating Cozy Retreats
Driving
12 Surprising Health Benefits Of Caffeine
vintage
13 Love For Sushi Continues To Grow 15 Cold Weather Outdoor Entertaining
france
16 Swiss Tunnel Vision
20
18 Prepare Vehicles For Harsh Winter 19 Planning A Driving Vacation 22 Good Mood Strategies
Smart
Ah, Travel!
game day entertaining
14 LSM-lifestylesmagazine.ca is published six times a year by YouLink Inc. Contact us at info@lifestylesmagazine. ca and visit us at www.lifetylesmagazine.ca. All rights
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reserved. Letters to the editor are invited. Please send letters
to
info@lifestylesmagazine.ca.
Reproductions
backyard
of any article, photograph or artwork without specific written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden.
to
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6
without prior wrtten permission. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. The options expressed in lifestylesmagazine.ca are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or advertisers. YouLink Inc., 3-200 Memorial
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Contacts
R. Brock Weir Publisher/Editor brock@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 330 2262
Shelley Weir Associate Publisher shelley@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 330 1026
Linda Laforge Production | Creative | Design linda@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 728 6218
Make your backyard the envy of your block this fall
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LIFESTYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
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ow is the time to take advantage of the quieter social season to spend time improving what you have. Before the chill in the air turns to harsh winter weather, create a multi-functional outdoor living room that you can enjoy in the months ahead and be the envy of your neighbours. Canada’s top handyman and celebrity DIY expert, Chris Palmer, has experienced backyard envy firsthand and says the best thing to do is to get a head start on your spring 2017 wish list in the fall when the weather is perfect.
1 Create your spring 2017 wish list
Are you planning to sell your home next spring? Or perhaps you’re just feeling inspired to upgrade your home? Increase your home’s curbside appeal with some simple improvements that will last for years to come. Did your family find summer a drag because your backyard has no shade? Now is the time to add some greenspace. Plant fast vertical trees like poplars and shrubs to add natural shade that won’t take up space. For example, cedar, spruce and silver maple all grow tall and fast and can make your backyard more family-friendly next summer. The 2017 backyard is a relaxing, minimal but multi-purpose space. The best design gets creative with small spaces and can be adapted for multiple purposes – big family gatherings, intimate meals or relaxing chill-out zones. Figure out what your backyard goals are and start planning now. And as stores look to clear out their summer stock, you’ll see major sales on dream outdoor furnishings. During fall, many outdoors items go on sale so you can stock up ready for next spring.
Building and 2 maintaining your deck
It’s a little known secret that fall is actually the best time to build your dream deck – you get to build on firm and dry ground which is ideal. An amazing way to get that expensive look for less is MicroPro Sienna treated wood. It’s a pressure treated wood that is environmentally friendly and certified low VOC that comes ready to build in a beautiful brown tone. The treated wood is prestained that’s easy to maintain with an application of a water repellent to protect your deck during the winter months.
Extend patio season into the fall 3
Who said that patio season was over by September? Now is the perfect time to think about lighting and heating options to keep your outdoor space inviting beyond those long summer nights. String lights are simple to install and are cheaper to buy than ever before. And the addition of a fire pit or outdoor heater will give your family a comfortable space to cozy up in when the temperature starts to drop.
4 Invest in multipurpose furniture
I’m a big fan of custom built-in furniture which can stand up to the elements, but it is also multifunctional. Furniture with storage units or pieces you can easily move indoors when the weather worsens can be a great and simple
addition to your home. Be creative and make the most of your space. For more outdoor project inspiration and DIY How-Tos, make sure to check out handcraftedbychrispalmer.com and microprosienna.com Often billed as Canada’s favourite handyman, Chris Palmer has quickly become a household name through his thoughtful and creative DIYs. With a strong focus on handcrafted woodwork, Chris has turned his passion into a career – creating custom projects through his company “Handcrafted by Chris Palmer”. He made his national debut on the hit HGTV show Canada’s Handyman Challenge, and is now a regular guest expert on the Global Morning Show in Toronto. You can check him out at www.handcraftedbychrispalmer.com.
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How families can manage cramped quarters simply because you live in a city. But even if you love to host, host more intimate gatherings so you are not forced to use your already limited storage space to store items, such as extra plates, utensils and drinking glasses, that you will only use every so often. Fewer guests means fewer items you need to store year-round.
Go easy on the tots’ toys
Parents of young children know that kids’ toys take up a lot of space, and that’s space that many city dwellers simply don’t have. Rather than adding to youngsters’ toy stash each month, explain to them that space is limited and that some older toys will have to go before new ones can be purchased. Donate old toys and let kids know their items will be given to less fortunate youngsters, as that may make kids feel better about parting ways with their toys. Set a good example by showing kids when you discard or donate older items before replacing them with new ones.
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oung parents living in cities face difficult decisions regarding their living arrangements. The suburbs versus city debate is one many young married couples have had, and that discussion is often prompted by the arrival of children. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau suggests that more people are choosing cities over the suburbs in the 21st century. While that data indicates 53 of the 81 cities in the United States with populations exceeding a quarter million people experienced reduced growth in 2013-2014, the most recent year for which statistics are available, during that time such cities still exhibited growth well above their averages from 2000 to 2010. There are many reasons why city life might make more sense than living in the suburbs for young married couples. Living in the city may lead to far shorter commutes for working parents, and the availability of public transportation in cities may save parents the costly expense of purchasing their own vehicles. But city life may force families to cope with cramped quarters. Even the most spacious apartments may not provide the same square footage as single family suburban homes. Parents who are committed to city living may need to get creative in order to live comfortably in apartments.
Actively police clutter
Few things can make apartments seem more cramped than clutter. Unsolicited mailings, old magazines and unused kitchenware are just a few of the items that can make small apartments seem even smaller. Discard junk mail the moment you
walk through the door, making a daily effort to keep kitchen counters and tables, coffee tables and other areas that tend to accumulate clutter clear of clutter. Reducing clutter also makes homes safer for young children, making it easier for them to navigate a home while reducing choking hazards.
Think vertically
Single-family home owners may not need to make much use of the vertical space in their homes, but such is not often the case with apartment dwellers. Utilizing vertical space in an apartment can be as simple as buying some shelving units or bookcases. To be safe, keep items the kids will use on lower shelves so they are not tempted to Keep hosting duties to a do some climbing to reach their toys or books. Parents who choose the big city over the minimum Many men and women love to host friends and suburbs may need to make some sacrifices to family, and that desire to host won’t subside make better use of cramped quarters.
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LIFESTYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
College saving suggestions that won’t break the bank
T
he cost of college tuition concerns parents from all walks of life. While college continues to get more expensive, it remains a worthy investment. In its 2015-16 “College Planning Essentials” report, J.P. Morgan Asset Management dispelled the growing notion that a college education is not worth the student loan debt many young adults assume to earn their degrees. The report noted that college graduates earn 38 per cent more than high school graduates, even after factoring in student loans. The report also noted that the return on investing in college is nearly $1 million more in lifetime earnings. What’s more, a 2013 report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce projected a shortage of five million college-educated workers by 2020, suggesting that college graduates will be in high demand by the start of the next decade. While such figures highlight the importance of a college education, they may do little to ease parents’ concerns about how to finance that education. While saving enough money for college may seem impossible, parents can take steps to decrease the likelihood that their kids will need to take on substantial loans to support their education.
Start early
college savings account contributions. Reduced or missed contributions can add up over time, however, potentially reducing the totals in your child’s account by a substantial amount. Set up automatic contributions with your bank or portfolio manager so you are not tempted to use the money you set aside each month for college to finance other expenses.
expenses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, the cumulative per cent price change of college tuition between 1983 and 2015 dwarfed the price changes of other expenses. For example, while the cumulative price change of housing rose 143 per cent during that period, the cost of college tuition rose 722 per cent over the same period. The earlier parents start saving for college, the more they can take advantage of compound interest that many college savings plans offer.
Schedule automatic monthly contributions to college savings accounts
The earlier parents start saving for college, the more money their children will have to finance Parents learn to expect the unexpected soon after their educations. Parents may not realize just how their children are born. Unforeseen expenses may much college tuition is rising compared to other tempt parents to reduce or skip their monthly
Increase contributions each year
Increasing your annual college savings contributions each year can help the accounts keep pace with the inflation rate of college tuition costs. While you might not match that rate, increasing contributions each year by as little as 5 per cent won’t greatly affect your overall budget but can have a considerable impact on college savings. Saving for college can seem like a daunting task. Yet parents of young children can quell their fears about college tuition costs by making a plan now and sticking to it until kids are ready to enroll in a college or university.
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Transform spaces into cozy retreats
than cool blues. Accent lighting helps establish a comfortable space for curling up and reading a good book. Spot lighting, such as fixtures that are trained on artwork or inside of a curio or china cabinet, also can set a more welcoming mood.
C
ool weather often drives people to spend more hours indoors than they do during the warmer months. Autumn is a time to winterize gardens, put away lawn furniture and prepare for the holiday season. Autumn also provides the perfect opportunity to begin home interior projects. Many people decide to redecorate their homes to reflect each season. When temperatures change, it’s time to transition from the light colours and breezy fabrics symbolic of summer to thicker, darker materials that evoke coziness. With some inspiration and a little know-how, splash of colour to the top of bedroom dressers. any homeowner or apartment dweller can cozy up a space in time for fall and winter.
Play with texture
Install a bookshelf and start a book collection
Piles and stacked books can add warmth to any space. Books evoke the hallowed halls of schools and quiet nooks in the library. Fill shelves with books interspersed with additional design accents, and you will instantly make a room feel more inviting.
Choose dark paint
Do not feel nervous about incorporating deeper shades in rooms. Dark colours give rooms a more enclosed feel than lighter colours, and that can create a warm and cozy feeling. This works particularly well in larger spaces that feel vast and empty. If you’re scared to paint all of your walls, try a darker shade below a chair rail or just paint one accent wall.
Look for fabrics that boast texture and can add a tactile feel to spaces. When used on throw While wood floors can look beautiful and work pillows or small accents, faux fur can create that well with many different design styles, wood can cozy cabin feel. Draperies made from nubby feel chilly underfoot. Thick area rugs add warmth fabrics or those with grooves and ridges can add to a room and can help it look more lived in. Area dimension to a room as well. Even a lampshade rugs also help a room appear more cohesive, made of an unusual fabric, such as a waffle- Add architectural elements coordinating with other colours in a space and patterned material, can add a little depth and Think about adding rich moldings to crown the ceilings or to frame doorways. If you have the providing a visual border. warmth to a space. space for a nook, create a window seat beneath a picture window or add a bench and cushions Practice layering in rooms Re-evaluate your lighting in a corner for a nice escape spot. An affordable and relatively easy way to make a Lighting a space is more than just flipping on room seem more cozy is to layer fabrics and other a switch. Finding the right balance of lighting Use the colder weather as an opportunity to accents. Layers can include throws and blankets. fixtures can instantly transform the feel of a room. reinvent some of the rooms in your home. With Remove place mats from the dining room table Create more warmth and a cozy feel by switching paint, texture, fabric, lighting, and more, rooms and use them on accent tables or an ottoman in out bulbs from cooler shades to warmer ones — can be quickly transformed into cozy respites the living room. Table runners also can add a those that give off yellow and pink hues rather from the cold.
Invest in area rugs
LIFESTYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
healthy, happy, balanced life 11
The popularity of the colour white
White is a versatile colour to use around the home. It’s consistently a favourite among designers for its crisp appeal.
W
hite is a versatile colour in home decorating and renovation. White helps any space look effortlessly chic, blends well with just about any colour and can be incorporated into various design styles — from modern to traditional. While the colour white is always trendy, the paint manufacturers Benjamin Moore chose white (Simply White OC-117) as their “it” colour for 2016. White can be used nearly anywhere inside and outside the home. Improving interior and exterior spaces with white elements is easier than you might think, and it instantly can make anything look as good as new.
prospect of white on white seems too sterile, offset deeper hues on bed linens and walls with white furniture. This provides some pop against the darker contrast. Keep in mind that doing a bed up in all white means it will always be easy to find matching sheets and pillowcases, making it possible to ensure everything looks cohesive and crisp.
Kitchen
Outdoors
While rich cherrywood cabinets and deeply hued granite countertops have long been popular in kitchens, creamy white cabinets paired with blonde wood countertops can work together to make kitchens seem open and airy. If all white is not your thing, brighten up kitchen spaces with white canisters, cookie jars and a fresh bouquet Bathroom of white flowers to add instant appeal. White bathrooms look fresh and are easy to clean and maintain. White tiles provide a classic look. Include coloured bath mats, towels and shower Living Room curtains to break up the white as you see fit. A Use white as a base color for living room spaces neutral white base makes it easy to switch out so you can build on it with other hues on pillows colour schemes whenever you feel like it. and draperies, mixing and matching however you see fit. Homeowners who have children and/or pets Bedroom should look for furniture with removable slipcovers. Feminine and fresh, white bedrooms may not This way they’re easily removed and laundered. be the first choice for novice designers. If the
Use white paint on trims, shutters, mailboxes, and more to provide that pop of contrast against the rest of the home. White complements just about every colour, making it a versatile choice on a home’s accents regardless of the main exterior colour of that home. White and other light shades will reflect the sun as well, contributing to cooler temperatures on walkways, decks and other structures, which can be advantageous to homeowners who live in warm climates. Is it any wonder that white continues to be a classic and popular colour to use around the home? Whether you do so with monochromatic roomscapes or accent pieces, you can incorporate white into design plans throughout your home.
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T
hat new coffee bar opened up just around the corner and you have been eager to sample one of their signature blends. But you consistently resist the urge to venture inside. Caffeine is not so healthy for you, right? Caffeine, the most widely consumed stimulant on the planet, has garnered a bad reputation. Some people fear caffeine and it’s potentially jittery and addictive side effects. However, many medical professionals attest that, when consumed in moderation, caffeine actually can have a number of health benefits. Before you skip that morning cup of Joe or choose an herbal blend instead of black tea, consider the following health benefits of caffeine.
LIFESTYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
Some surprising health benefits of caffeine
Caffeine may lower risk of stroke
Studies conducted in both the United States and Sweden found that older women who drink more than a cup of caffeinated coffee each day have between a 20 and 25 percent lower risk of stroke. Similar findings were discovered in older men.
Caffeine boosts memory
Studies from Johns Hopkins University showed that a 200mg caffeine pill helped boost memory consolidation.
Caffeine offers pain relief
Caffeine is often paired with other pain relievers to bring about faster relief. The Journal of the American Medical Association Caffeine boosts brain concluded that when caffeine was combined and central nervous with other pain relievers, patients required 40 per cent less of the other drug to bring the system function same amount of relief experienced when using Caffeine mimics the shape of another just the non-caffeine drug alone. Caffeine on compound in the body called adenosine, which its own can also relieve pain. Consuming helps the body calm down and become sleepy. caffeine before or after a workout can help Caffeine can fit in adenosine receptors and reduce muscle soreness. cause a jolt of energy rather than sleepiness. Harvard researchers have found that blocking adenosine may slow the buildup of a toxic brain plaque that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, caffeine may help keep dopamine molecules active in the brain and prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
Caffeine can help improve mood
The stimulant effect of caffeine may help boost people’s moods, and thus reduce the propensity for suicidal thoughts. In 2013, Harvard’s School of Public Health found that respondents who drank two to three cups of caffeinated coffee a day cut their suicide risk by 45 per cent.
Caffeine may help to prevent cancer
A recent study from Rutgers University pointed out that caffeine prevented skin cancer in hairless mice.
Caffeine could open up air passages
People with asthma may find caffeine can improve their breathing. A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine determined that caffeine seems to open airways and help asthmatics breathe easier, providing a similar benefit to theophylline, a current asthma medication. Although caffeine can prove beneficial in various ways, individuals should realize that it remains a potent and potentially addictive stimulant. Caffeine also can aggravate anxiety symptoms and interact with certain medications. People concerned about caffeine should discuss their caffeine consumption with their physician.
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Love for sushi continues to grow
W
ith origins in China and Japan, sushi is an Eastern delicacy. However, there is no denying the popularity of sushi elsewhere in the world, particularly in North America. As with many ancient foods, sushi’s origins have an element of mystery to them. The original type of sushi is believed to have first been developed in southeast Asia before spreading to southern China. Sushi was eventually introduced to Japan around the 8th century, where it would evolve into the type of sushi many people enjoy today. According to The History Kitchen, a division of PBS Food, one origin story for sushi involves an ancient Japanese wives’ tale. According to that tale, an elderly woman began hiding her pots of rice in osprey nests, fearing that thieves would steal them. When she collected her pots, she found the rice had begun to ferment. She also discovered that fish scraps from the osprey’s meal had mixed into the rice. Upon sampling the mixture, she found the rice helped to preserve the fish. She also found that the resulting meal was tasty. Early Chinese sushi involved fermenting fish on rice to preserve it. The rice was thrown away and the fish was eaten when desired. The Japanese took their own approach to sushi, deciding to eat the rice with the fish. Sushi innovator Matsumoto Yoshiichi began seasoning the sushi rice with rice wine vinegar. This made it possible to eat the sushi immediately, instead of waiting months for it to ferment. Through the years, enterprising individuals began selling sushi to others. In the 19th century, rather than wrapping the fish in rice, sellers placed it on beds of rice and sometimes other ingredients. This presentation of sushi, credited to a man named Hanaya Yohei, became very popular. This type of sushi is called “nigiri sushi” (finger sushi). After World War II, the sushi style of presenting fish was adopted by western cultures. Sushi preparation and dining is an art form that continues to evolve. New influences have changed sushi even more by marrying traditional recipes with “fusion” styles. Demand for sushi continues to increase. According to Statistic Brain’s sushi industry statistics, there are 16,000 sushi restaurants outside of Japan, with close to 4,000 in the United States alone. What began as a method of preserving food has transformed into a billion-dollar industry.
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Make the most of game day entertaining and bringing in folding chairs, which will allow a greater number of guests to sit. Tune several televisions to the same channel so guests moving around for food or to use the restroom won’t m i s s any big plays.
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ew things are more exciting and festive for sports fans than gathering with close friends to cheer on a favourite team. Although a large part of the fun involves watching the game, food and other festivities often round out the day — especially when fans gather in the comforts of private homes rather than big stadiums. Having good food nearby is essential when hosting sports fans for a big game, and there are many additional ways to make gameday that much more fun and memorable.
Establish the atmosphere
Make the party area more festive by incorporating team colours. Feature these colours on serving bowls, plates, pennants, balloons, and more. Remember to ask guests to wear the apparel of their favourite team, hang photos of key players and keep a ball on hand so guests can toss or kick Don’t forget desserts Desserts are an item you can delegate to guests. If it around between plays. you want to prepare your own desserts, small and portable items are easier to manage and cut down Choose fan-favourite foods on the mess while fans are cheering. In addition Game day menu options can include anything to the requisite potato chips and pretzels, cookies, from finger foods to more elaborate appetizers brownies/blondies, cupcakes, and fruit tarts are to main courses. Games can take several hours all small desserts to consider adding to the menu. from start to finish, so make sure you have enough Many items can be purchased ready-made if you food to cover the duration of the event. Consider want to avoid spending hours baking. favourites like chicken wings, sliders, mozzarella sticks, and deli sandwiches. Use a slow cooker to prepare chili or stew. A slow cooker also can Create a viewing location be used to cook ribs or hot dogs in bulk. It’s also Guests will want an unobscured view of the a handy tool to prepare pork loin for pulled pork game, and this may require moving around some furniture. The television should be located high sandwiches. enough so that all guests have a clear view. Think about moving a sofa to the perimeter of the room
Game day beverages
Beer and soft drinks are staples of sports related entertaining and may be all you need to have on hand. You can create a game-themed cocktail for guests who are not fans of beer. In addition, have water and other nonalcoholic options at the ready. An easy way to ensure drinks are cold is to plug the kitchen sink and fill it with water and ice. Place beverages inside and keep cups nearby. This eliminates the need to drag a cooler inside. When the party ends, simply pull the plug and let the water drain out. Gameday entertaining is very popular. Sports fans can’t wait to gather, root for their teams and socialize with friends.
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Cold weather outdoor entertaining Heat things up
Summertime hosts might employ canopies to protect themselves and their guests from the heat, and it’s important for hosts to take similar steps when the weather is chillier. The AHFA report found that 38 per cent of homeowners intended to purchase fire pits for their outdoor entertaining areas, and such fire pits can keep guests warm as the sun goes down and the night air gets chilly. Fire pits have become must-have items for outdoor entertaining areas, and hosts can surely find one that suits their needs.
Change the menu
O
utdoor entertaining has never been more popular. As more and more homeowners turn their homes into their own personal oases, extending the party outdoors has become a bigger priority. According to the American Home Furnishings Alliance’s 2015 Outdoor Furniture Trend Report, out-of-doors areas on a property are the favoured venues for celebrations with family and friends. While outdoor entertaining was once relegated to the warm weather seasons, advancements in technology have now made it more comfortable
Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers might still work when entertaining outdoors in fall and winter, but hosts may want to stray from other summertime fare like watermelon or pasta salad. Embrace the cold weather by roasting some nuts and making s’mores over an open fire. In lieu of summertime beverages like lemonade and beer, and enjoyable to entertain outdoors for much of serve hot chocolate or wine to keep guests warm. the year. But hosts who want to extend the outdoor party after summer has come and gone should Ensure there is consider a few important entertaining tips.
adequate lighting
Start the party early
Summertime backyard barbecues and pool parties benefit from late evening sunsets that illuminate patios and pool areas well into the evening. In addition, many hosts prefer to start such parties later in the day to avoid the sun during the early afternoon when it is at its most blazing. However, start the party earlier in the day when hosting in fall or early winter. Temperatures can drop considerably once the sun begins to set, so starting early can save hosts and their guests from cold air.
Mother Nature won’t offer much lighting when you host a party outdoors in late fall and early winter, so make sure your patios and sidewalks are well lit. Guests will want to see one another and what they’re eating, and well-lit walkways will reduce the risk that guests take a tumble or turn their ankles when walking to and from the house. Outdoor entertaining need not end because summer has come and gone. But hosts must take a different approach to hosting when throwing outdoor gatherings in late fall and early winter.
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Tunnel Vision Travelling through Europe just got quicker with Swiss Gotthard project set to open
GOTTHARD TUNNEL, SWITZERLAND Famous for innovation, precision and punctuality, the Swiss have again broken ground, in more ways than one.
I
n the heart of Europe, 17 years in the making, and one year ahead of schedule, the Gotthard Base Tunnel — the longest rail tunnel in the world — carves its way through the Gotthard Massif in the Alps, the continent’s highest mountain range. At 57 kilometres, it surpasses Japan’s 54-kilometere Seikan Tunnel and links Switzerland’s different cultural regions. All eyes will be on this quantum leap that will bring Germany in the north and Italy in the south a lot closer when — by way of Switzerland — highspeed train service officially begins on December 11, 2016. The train will whisk passengers and goods through the tunnel at speeds up to 250 km/h between the German-speaking canton of Uri to the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in 20 minutes, faster than it takes to sip a latte. An aficionado of train travel and an ardent fan of Switzerland’s fantastically efficient rail system, regarded as the best in the world, it was hard not to be a bit giddy when I heard the news. The Alps covers three-quarters of this landlocked country, but that has never stopped the
Swiss from designing and constantly improving its renowned transportation network, which helps locals and travellers commute easily from one village to the next and between metropolitan cities, taking the guesswork and stress out of getting from here to there. That’s huge for visitors because land transportation plays a major role when planning a holiday. Whether going to work or heading for the ski slopes, the Swiss hop-on and hop-off clean and safe trains get people wherever they need to go. Frequent departures (every 10 to 15 minutes is typical), helpful state-of-the-art signs at train stations and bus stops, English spoken on public announcement systems and a timetable that coincides connections with trains, buses and boats, runs like, well, clockwork. With the integration of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, commuting will be even faster. And fewer cars on the road means less pollution, an environmental priority and another Swiss cornerstone. Switzerland, the home of timeless watchmaking and divine chocolate and cheese, also created the Swiss Travel Pass, a passport for visitors to board trains, buses and boats without ever having to stand in line to purchase a ticket (as well as free entry into almost 500 museums). With nonstop views – from mesmerizing mountain peaks,
forests and lakes to romantic wine country and storybook villages – even my shortest commutes were relaxing journeys. “Swiss people travel by public transport a lot, are proud of their system and want tourists to experience this unique network of perfected connections,” said Tabea Mandour, Project Manager Gotthard at Swiss Travel System. “We are convinced that travelling by train, bus and boat is the best way to experience our country.” That explains why a strong majority of the Swiss electorate voted in 1992 in favour of the New Railway Link Through the Alps project to build (at the tune of 12.2 billion francs, $15.9 billion Cdn) the Gotthard Base Tunnel on the all-important north-south axis that also links freight transport to other parts of the continent, the flagship point of the government’s ambitious long-term transportation program. Joining the Gotthard Rail Tunnel built in 1882 and the Gotthard Road Tunnel built in 1980, the trio of major tunnels through the Alps — at the strategic crossroads of Europe — is the pride of Switzerland. Since antiquity, humans have persevered conquering the treacherous Gotthard Pass when merchants, ambassadors and scientists first trekked the route on foot, then by stagecoach,
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LIFESTYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE trailblazing what would become the economic and political backbone for the region. The first Gotthard rail tunnel, at 15 kilometres, was the longest in the world at the time. The Gotthard, as it was called in a travel guidebook written in 1897, was the biggest tourist attraction in Switzerland when adventurous travellers from afar came to witness, not just the profound beauty of the Alps, but this engineering wonder. According to Kilian T. Elsasser, historian and former curator of rail transport at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, no other traffic route in the world has shaped a country the way the Gotthard route has shaped Switzerland. Now, 134 years later, the Gotthard Pass is in the 21st century spotlight. Sophisticated high-tech trains will move stealth-like on level ground along two single-track tubes 2,300 metres below ground. The extraordinary engineering feat will accommodate 65 passenger trains and 260 freight trains per day. Passenger safety is in place, too, with emergency stop stations facilitated by six “connection tunnels” between the parallel tubes for smooth evacuation as well as a ventilation system that will circulate clean air. Protecting the environment was as important as the transportation project itself, which became the most ambitious environmental protection effort in the history of Europe. Streams were rerouted, transitional habitats for reptiles and small animals were created, a chestnut forest was fortified and wildlife and people were protected from noise, dust and sludge. It’s no wonder construction took so long – it takes time to do things right. With two months left before high-speed train service begins, there’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the curious to view the belly of the “once-ina-century construction” before its maiden voyage in December. Between Aug. 2 and Nov. 27, the special Gottardino train will transport visitors 800 metres underground to the multi-function Sedrun station midway through the Gotthard Base Tunnel to see the magnitude of this technical masterpiece. Such a stop will not be possible after high-speed service commences. Now that’s a bucket list item. And for the romantics who like watching the world go by a bit more slowly, the Gotthard’s original panoramic train route over the Gotthard Pass will continue operating along the mountainside. Whether venturing through the Alps or over the Alps, experiencing the Gotthard will soon be at its best. And you can sip your latte, too.
By Athena Lucero | www.travelife.ca
WITH ADVANTAGE & AVALON,
LIFE KEEPS GETTING “SUITER.”
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To be used on black
GO WHERE YOUR DREAMS TAKE YOU. Escape on a romantic mini-break, take off on an extended exploration, or enjoy something in between. Discover the best of Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt or South America…with Avalon the world is yours for the taking!
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THE AVALON DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS. When you’re on vacation, you deserve the best of everything. You’ve earned it. With that in mind, we dedicate our full attention to smallest details. By leaving no stone unturned, we ensure you can enjoy the best river cruise possible. From included visits of must-see sights and special Local FavoritesSM to personalized onboard and offshore experiences; from designer lighting and enhanced soundproofing in your stateroom to free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs; from premium spirits at the upscale bar to a pleasant state-ofthe-art fitness center; from luxurious L’Occitane bath products to delectable complementary Lavazza coffees…our passion for pampering you is evident! To be used on black
To be used on black
To be used on black
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Information ~ For information about the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the Swiss Travel Pass (must be purchased before departing your country), and travel throughout Switzerland, visit www.swisstravelsystem.com or go to www.myswitzerland.com Air Canada offers flights to Geneva and Zurich from Canada.
Advantage INTRAVEL Inc (TICO#2410232) 18 West St N, Orillia, ON L3V-5B8 Tel:
705.325.2349 OR 705.325.2701 TICO#2410232
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Prepare vehicles for harsh weather
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s the seasons change, motorists must take steps to safeguard their vehicles, especially when the season changes from fall to winter. Each winter, many vehicles are subjected to sub-zero temperatures, snowfall and icy roads, and such conditions can take their toll on vehicles over time. Taking time to prepare vehicles for winter weather is a vital step that can make cars and trucks safer for drivers and their passengers.
Battery
Old batteries should be replaced before winter begins. Without a strong, properly functioning battery, engines cannot turn over. Most batteries last between three and five years. However, extreme cold can compromise batteries, especially those that have been around awhile. Batteries are made up of acid and water, and cold temperatures can freeze the water, thereby affecting battery performance. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 32 F, the average battery loses 35 percent of its strength. Newer batteries can be protected by starting the vehicle each day to warm up and recharge the battery. Let the car run for at least 10 minutes if you cannot take an extended drive.
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Exterior maintenance
Keeping a car waxed and sealed can help maintain a durable exterior finish. This includes not only the paint, but the rubber and vinyl parts of the car’s exterior. Winter is a good time to switch to a heavy-duty synthetic wax that can shield against water and road salts. High-quality sealants can be used on bumpers, trim and rubber door seals as added protection. Speak with an automotive retailer or even the car dealership if you are unsure which products will make your car’s parts most durable for winter weather. Do not stop washing your car just because the weather is cold. Slushy, wet roads and snowmelting salts can speed up the formation of rust or other decay on the undercarriage of the vehicle. These materials will need to be periodically cleaned off. Flush the underside of the vehicle whenever possible, taking advantage of any dry, slightly warmer days.
diligent in maintaining the proper tire pressure. Fuel economy as well as handling ability can decline when tires are not inflated properly. Tires can be refilled at many gas stations for little cost.
Wipers
Visibility is key in hazardous weather conditions, and keeping the windshield clean is a priority. This means ensuring there is enough windshield wiper fluid in the car and that it is a product that will not freeze. Wiper blades can freeze and crack in the winter. Older blades may be more susceptible to damage. It’s a worthy investment to replace existing wiper blades at the start of each winter. When vehicles are parked, pull the wipers off of the windshield to safeguard them from sticking and cracking. Cold weather requires drivers to amp up their Tire pressure According to the automotive retailers, vehicle tires vehicle maintenance routines. Consult with a lose a pound of air pressure for every 10 degree mechanic or automotive retailer for more ideas drop in temperature. Many modern cars will alert and products that can help your vehicles operate to changes in air pressure, and drivers should be safely and efficiently this winter.
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Driving vacation planning
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riving vacations are typically a more affordable option than flying for families looking to get away. Families often must decide between the convenience of flying versus the costeffectiveness of self-driving vacations. Parents who hope to have a fun and affordable trip may find that driving saves them a substantial amount of money over travelling by air. Families who want to get an idea of just how much they can save by driving instead of flying can visit BeFrugal.com, a discount shopping website that offers its Fly or Drive CalculatorTM. That calculator allows travellers to list various details of their travel plans, including family size and vacation starting points and destinations. After doing so, prospective travellers can then get an idea of how much they can expect to pay to fly and how much to drive. For example, a family of four leaving New York City and heading to Virginia Beach in the summer of 2016 could expect to pay more than $2,200 to fly, an estimate that includes baggage and vehicle rental fees upon arriving in Virginia. But the same family driving their own vehicle would pay just a little more than $100. (Note: Both estimates exclude lodging costs, the driving estimate excludes highway tolls.) While the cost savings associated with driving depend on where families live and where they want to visit, driving is often the most affordable option for families travelling on a budget. Families planning their next road trip can consider the following tips to make their getaways go as smoothly as possible.
Prepare your vehicle
Rental car costs can add up quickly, so families often hope to drive their own vehicles on driving vacations. Parents should prepare their vehicles for upcoming trips
by taking them in for checkups, during which mechanics can change the oil, inspect the air filter and rotate the tires so the car operates as safely and efficiently as possible. The cost savings of driving your own vehicle may be negated if it breaks down on your trip, so make sure the car or truck has a clean bill of health before embarking on your trip.
Bring things to keep passengers occupied
A significant disadvantage to driving instead of flying is it typically to takes longer to arrive at your destination by ground than it does by air. To quell the boredom and restlessness that can settle in on long road trips, bring along some tablets and chargers so passengers can play games and watch movies along the way.
Plan your route
While it’s wise to bring along a GPS, it’s even wiser to map your route before leaving. This can help you avoid rush hour traffic or heavily trafficked roads that might add a few hours to your travel time. If possible, map a different route home so you can enjoy some different scenery.
Build in breaks
Road travellers may want to arrive at their destination as quickly as possible, but drivers will need periodic breaks to stretch their legs and prevent drowsiness. Passengers also will appreciate the chance to get out of the car and walk around, so include a few breaks in your itinerary. Driving vacations can save families considerable amounts of money, and savvy travellers can make trips even more enjoyable with some advanced planning.
A drive through Vintage France
Writer’s cinematic tour of the Cote d’Azur in a classic Porsche an affair to remember
EZE,
FRANCE—I’m grinding the gears of a 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster, transforming what should sound like the purr of a big randy cat into the anguished groans of a wounded grizzly as I haltingly navigate a stretch of French Riviera coastline. The sea breeze has reduced my Grace Kelly-style bun to a wind-whipped travesty, and my terrified companion in the passenger seat wears the frozen expression of a skydiver who can’t remember if they packed their parachute. Yet when a man lounging at an al fresco café whips his head around as I pass, shouting “Belle! Belle!” into my fuel-injected wake, the whole scene is suddenly rendered in romantic, supersaturated Technicolor … in my mind, at least. Whether his hoot of approval is for me or, more likely, for my rented wheels hardly matters. I’m determined to enjoy my movie star moment, ensconced in a red bucket leather seat as I head for the hills. My convertible is the same model favoured by James Dean, and, voila!, I’ve finally
found second gear. All that’s missing now is a jazzy score by Henry Mancini to drown out the carnage I’m inflicting on the engine. Cruising in a vintage car is the perfect complement to a film-themed tour of the French Riviera, where dozens of seminal flicks have been shot since the 1950s. I begin, appropriately enough, in Cannes. Every May, celebrities descend upon this coastal city for the Cannes International Film Festival. They preen and pose like a flock of Prada-clad peacocks for the paparazzi before disappearing into the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès to scrutinize the most hotly anticipated movies of the year. As Cannes’ Stage Management Department Director for more than 30 years, Philippe Octo was charged with ensuring that the screenings run smoothly. To his everlasting disappointment, the glory days of potential glitches have gone the way of the silent film, thanks to digital technology. “It’s just a beam and a bit of sound, like a Game Boy. Push and play,” sighs Octo, who fondly
recalls a time when reels came straight from the lab and subtitles were burned on the spot using acid. Nervous directors, who had only an hour to adjust colour and sound at a pre-screening, would beg the technicians for more time. “They were so tense,” Octo says. “A lot of them were drunk. It was fun.” The festival was founded in 1946, but the Riviera has been luring the artistically inclined for nearly a century. In 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald penned Tender is the Night in a seaside villa at my next stop, Juan les Pins in Antibes. Now reincarnated as the Hotel Belles Rives, Fitzgerald’s erstwhile home still draws the rich and famous. Woody Allen fans may recognize its dramatic Art Deco decor from the period film Magic in the Moonlight, starring Colin Firth and Emma Stone. Nearby, the 16th century Fort Carr has also enjoyed its 15 minutes of fame. It featured in the 1983 Bond movie Never Say Never Again, with Sean Connery and Kim Basinger improbably jumping off the ramparts into the sea (on
LIFESTYLES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE horseback, no less). Further along the coast, Nice has “guest starred” in films ranging from To Catch a Thief (Cary Grant and Grace Kelly) to Ronin (Robert De Niro). Strolling through the aromatic flower market or negotiating the crowded seafront Promenade des Anglais, it’s easy to understand why cinematographers have found Nice’s energy irresistible. In my opinion, however, the best supporting village award goes to Villefranche-surMer, with an imposing fort and brightly painted houses that cascade downhill to the coast. If it seems rather familiar, that’s because Villefranche-sur-Mer has served as a backdrop for so many films, including An Affair to Remember (Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr), The Jewel of the Nile (Kirk Douglas and Katherine Turner), and Never Say Never Again (yes, again). The Hotel Welcome, nestled alongside the harbour, has hosted dozens of legendary visitors, including Jean Cocteau (who painted the interior of the local chapel), Gerard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve and U.S. president Harry Truman. It’s located next to Mere Germaine, an intimate seafood restaurant that’s a favourite among celebrities like Madonna and De Niro.
healthy, happy, balanced life 21 The climax of my tour is a stay at Chateau d’Eza in Eze, a 13th-century stone village high above the coast. My chateau, formerly the Prince of Sweden’s residence, was voted the most romantic hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveler a few years ago, and it was here that Bono, who owns a home in the town below, proposed to his wife. (She said yes, of course.) On my final night, I dine at the neighbouring Chevre d’Or, which has welcomed a who’s who of elite actors, from Leonardo di Caprio to Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, who filmed a scene from The Bucket List here. Dinner at the Michelin two-starred restaurant was — not surprisingly — on the men’s list of “things to do before we die.” Having already faced what I feared was my own imminent death in a bucket seat, I’m happy to have simply survived this cinematic thrill ride. I’m not so sure I can say the same for the Porsche. Article & Photos by Amy Laughinghouse Travelife Contributor www.travelife.ca
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Strategies to get back in a good mood
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dults know that life has its ups and downs. While it’s important not to get too down when things don’t go as planned, no one is immune to bad moods. But just because bad moods are a fact of life, that does not mean they cannot be combatted. While bad moods are nothing to get too worried about, if such moods overstay their welcome, speak with a physician. According to the World Health Organization, depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world, affecting an estimated 350 million people across the globe. There are various types of depression, and no two people are affected in the same way. That’s an important distinction, as those who know someone with a history of depression may not recognize signs of depression in themselves if those symptoms don’t mimic the signs they’re familiar with. But bad moods are not always indicative of depression. In those instances when a bad mood is simply a bad mood, you can try a handful of strategies to get back in a good mood.
Exercise
Numerous studies have shown that exercises enhances mood. Anxiety about a life event or stress at work are two
common contributors to bad moods. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, studies have shown that exercise can elevate mood and do so quickly, with some researchers suggesting that a 10-minute walk can be just as effective at relieving anxiety as a 45-minute workout. Studies have also shown that exercise can help combat stress by reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration and enhancing overall cognitive function.
Ignore alcohol or limit your consumption
Many people feel an alcoholic beverage relaxes them, and feeling relaxed can help improve mood. That initial feeling of relaxation is the result of alcohol affecting the chemical balance of the brain by depressing the part of the brain that governs inhibition. That’s why alcohol
is categorized as a depressant. While that initial drink may feel like you’re on the way to a better mood, as alcohol begins circulating in the body, your stress levels may actually increase and your bad mood may even intensify. If you find yourself in a bad mood, resist turning to alcohol to improve mood, and limit your alcohol intake to a single drink during those times when you’re in a bad mood.
Volunteer to help others
While more research is necessary before a definitive connection between volunteering and improved mental health can be established, researchers in England analyzed data from 40 published papers and found a link between volunteering and lower levels of depression. The review also found that volunteers reported increased life satisfaction and enhanced well-being. Periodic bad moods are a part of life, but there are ways to limit their lifespan and get back to feeling good as quickly as possible.
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