MIDLAND
FALL 2017
SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY
Must Have Kitchen Features Healthy Snacks Pets Make Healthier Kids Tips For A Healthy Life
Avocados & Health Limited Space Solutions
Holiday Gifts & Lifestyles Magazine Online Nov 20th
Out & About NOV
18 Sat
Santa Clause Parades November 18 Barrie, Collingwood AND Midland, Ontario Cost: Free Barrie’s parade will depart from Tiffin and Lakeshore, up Tiffin to Bradford, then Bradford through Downtown Barrie, where it will be part of the Downtown Barrie Tree Lighting festivities. Collingwood’s day features visits with Santa’s reindeer-in-training, the magical nighttime Santa Claus parade starting at 5 pm & the lighting of the Christmas Tree following the parade. Midland’s Parade theme is An Old Fashion Holiday and begins from Midland High School at 10 am.
NOV
23 Sat
First Light At Sainte-Marie Among The Hurons Nov 23 to Dec 9 – 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm 16164 Highway 12, Midland, Ontario Cost: $10.00 per person, with a donation of a nonperishable item Event website: SainteMarieAmongTheHurons.on.ca “First Light” is a spectacular glow of over 5,000 candles as a beautiful amber glow illuminates the 17th-century mission. Music and 20 artisans will be in the museum.
DEC
02 Sat
Gingerbread House Workshop For Kids December 2, 10 am to 12 pm Penetanguishene Public Library 24 Simcoe St, Penetanguishene ON Cost: $5 fee per person Event website: Penetanguishene.ca Email:librarystaff@penetanguishene.ca Kids of all ages are invited to join in a PPL tradition of Gingerbread house decorating. $5 program fee per child. All supplies provided. Please bring an apron/towel and a container - so you can take your creation home with you.
Visit our Events Page online to find more great summer events & entertainment!
contents FALL 2017
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| VOL 1 NO 2
In this Issue 4 Out & About 6 Avocados Health Benefits 7 Fresh Local Foods 12 This Summer’s TugFest, Midland
Tips For A
Healthy Life & Healthy Snacks
Pets Equal
13 Cut Travel Sickness 15 Finding Time For Fitness
Healthy
17 Vintage Cars of Summer
Kids
18 A Chicken Dish To Please
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20 What Is The Tiny House Movement? 21 Make The Most Of Limited Space 22 Create A Sale-Worthy Showplace 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 reserved. Letters to the editor are invited. Please send letters to info@lifestylesmagazine.ca. Reproductions of any article, photograph or artwork without specific written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The information contained in lifestylesmagazine.ca may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed 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 Avenue, Suite 104, Orillia ON. L3V 5X6
Must Have
Kitchen
Features
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Nov 20th Holiday Gifts & Lifestyles Magazine Online! Check out Lifestyles Women Today online at www.LifestylesMagazine.ca for timely and informative articles. Available now! Don’t miss it and 12 different online Lifestyles publications throughout the year. That’s three per quarter to compliment our quarterly print edition, www.LifestylesMagazine.ca Sixteen issues in all! Keep reading and thanks for your support!
Contacts
Kevin P. Banks Publisher kevinb@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 716 1308
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The health benefits of avocados
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ood trends come and go. But one such trend that has seemingly enjoyed more staying power than other flavours of the month is avocado toast, a popular dish that might trace some of that admiration to how easy it is to prepare. The popularity of avocado toast has exploded in recent years, but it has actually been around for decades. Many trace the origins of avocado toast to Australia, though it’s hard for food historians to say with utmost certainty where the dish was first served. Avocado toast might be as healthy as it is popular. Avocados boast a host of health benefits, some of which might surprise even the most ardent devotee of avocado toast.
Avocados are loaded with vitamins. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Nutrient Database, avocados are a great source of numerous vitamins, including C, E, K, and B-6. Avocados also contain beta-carotene, which the human body converts into vitamin A that promotes healthy skin and a strong immune system. Avocados can benefit vision. Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, a pair phytochemicals concentrated in the tissues in the eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are believed to block blue light from reaching structures in the retina, thereby reducing a person’s risk of developing macular degeneration. In fact, studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the American Journal of Ophthalmology and The Archives of Ophthalmology found that diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration, which the American Macular Degeneration Foundation notes is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. Avocados can promote healthier bones. Because they’re high in vitamin K, a nutrient that is crucial for bone
health, avocados may help reduce a person’s risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by bones becoming fragile and brittle due to loss of tissue. Vitamin K may help improve the intestinal absorption of calcium. That’s a significant benefit, as calcium deficiency has long been associated with a greater risk for osteoporosis. Avocados may help fight depression. Avocados are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit the body in myriad ways. One of those ways is by helping to reduce the symptoms of depression. Polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids are thought to antagonize inflammatory cytokines that can contribute to feelings of depression. Trendy foods come and go, oftentimes falling off the radar when their health benefits are overstated or proven dubious. However, the documented benefits of avocados may ensure the staying power of avocado toast.
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Fresh
,
local foods are the hallmark of farm-to-table restaurants
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arm-to-table is changing the restaurant business. Farm-to-table is a movement that promotes serving local products, preferably food and beverages acquired directly from a producer. Farm-to-table eateries source ingredients locally as much as possible, and diners are increasingly expressing a preference for these establishments. According to the National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot in 2015” survey, locally sourced meats and seafood, locally grown produce, environmental sustainability, and natural ingredients/minimally processed foods were among the most popular food trends. Farm-to-table establishments reduce carbon footprints by cutting back on the amount of resources necessary to get food from the farm to the restaurant. The farm-to-table movement began as a countermeasure to big agriculture and chemically controlled produce. Although there is no hard data on just how many restaurants can be considered farm-totable, organic farming in general is big business. In its 2014 Organic Survey, the U.S Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service reported that sales of organic products increased by 72 per cent since 2008. California, Washington, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Wisconsin were the top five states for organic farming, accounting for 78 per cent of organic sales in the United States at the time of the survey. Supporting farm-to-table establishments can benefit the planet, but consumers should know that there are additional advantages to patronizing such businesses.
Support for local businesses
Local restaurateurs who embrace farm-to-table can support and promote other local operations. Restaurants can help farmers by purchasing excess crops or simply providing the demand for farmers’ products.
Greater control over ingredients
In some instances, chefs can travel to nearby farms during harvest to personally select items for their restaurants, ensuring excellent quality.
Better taste and quality
Fresh food is picked at its peak instead of being forced to ripen during a long journey. This typically translates to more flavorful foods.
Evolving and updated menus
Because farm-to-table means sourcing in-season ingredients, restaurants must have fluid menus that change based on the availability of ingredients and fishing and harvesting quotas. This can lead to greater variety and prevent menus from becoming dated or overly familiar. Hyper-local sourcing that fuels farm-to-table operations continues to be an in-demand restaurant trend. Diners can rest easy knowing that patronizing such establishments benefits both the environment and the local economy.
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Welcome to Lifestyles Anna!
Three tips for a Healthy Life
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reetings! I’m so excited to be joining the team at Lifestyles Magazine as their Health & Wellness contributor. As a Naturopathic Doctor I’ve been passionate for years about teaching preventative medicine and Healthy Living to individuals and families, but it’s also been an amazing journey in my own life as a Mother to three active children. The concept of a ‘Healthy Life’ is such an ambiguous concept…what exactly is it, and can we ever achieve it? Well, it is my strong belief that the idea of a Healthy Life is different for all of us, and it’s something of a journey more so than a final destination. This is what I LOVE about being a Wellness Educator. The idea that Health is dynamic makes my job incredibly interesting. I have the privilege of working with individuals at different stages of their journeys, which means sharing a variety of tools, programs and strategies. My approach with my patients (and in my own life) is to first create strong foundations for good health. It all starts with nutrition (my favourite topic). The old saying from Hippocrates - ‘let food be thy medicine, and medicine thy food’ is something I whole-heartedly subscribe to. What we feed our body determines the hormones we produce, the state of our mental health to a large extent, our immune system function and literally ‘what we are made of’. No amount of exercise, supplements or interventions are going to make a difference in someone that ignores their nutrition
Start your day with PROTEIN
I don’t care ‘when’ you break your fast, but do it with protein in mind – Eggs, smoothies or dinner leftovers are all great options. If you can squeeze some green leafy veggies into the mix, even better!
– so that’s where we start! Next I like to address things such as stress-management, fitness and daily routine. Once a person has a good grasp on these areas, we then do a lot of fine-tuning until they’ve reached their health goals (and then make new ones!). In my own life I like to challenge myself to live at my healthiest every single day. This means constantly learning, staying curious and open to new information, and sometimes getting uncomfortable! After-all, growth of any kind ONLY happens when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zones and everyday routines. I try to set goals in different areas of my life – physical, mental and spiritual. I find that keeping that sort of balanced approach helps me move forward in an organic way. So today I wanted share with you three tips for a ‘Healthy Life’ that I use on a daily basis to keep myself feeling great:
Schedule in the nonnegotiable items that make you feel good
Just like you wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth, these are things that are important to YOU. For me this is my exercise – even if it’s just a 20 min. workout in the morning. I have realized that without that little boost (endorphin rush) in my day I don’t present the best version of myself to the world.
PLAN!
You know the saying – ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’. I like to think ahead and meal prep whenever possible so that I’m not scrambling to feed myself and my family good food. Even if it’s just having your proteins pre-made and having your veggies well stocked, it can make such a difference to your hectic week! For ideas on how to do a simple meal prep on a Sunday, you can check out my YouTube video at LifestylesMagazine.ca.
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Healthy snacking Have some nutrient dense snacks available so that you don’t have to rely on processed foods in a pinch. There are SO many recipes out there now for power bites, bars and even healthy cookies – keep some healthy ingredients on hand and head to Pinterest for inspiration! Here is one of my favourite Fall-inspired recipes that I hope you love for a quick and easy no-bake snack! With the flavours of pumpkin and spices this is definitely a comfort food, but it also provides healthy fats, antioxidants and protein to keep you fueled for hours!
Pumpkin Pie Superfood Bites 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 cup walnuts (or your nut/seed of choice) 1 cup soft dates (if they are not soft you may need to soak them in hot water 10 min – drain water after soaking) 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes 2 TBSP coconut flour ½ cup hemp hearts ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp cinnamon Pinch of sea salt Add nuts into your food processor and process into small pieces. Add all other ingredients and process until semi-smooth. If the batter is too wet to roll into balls add extra coconut flour. Roll into 1 inch balls and roll in additional coconut if desired. Refrigerate several hours or store in an airtight container in the freezer (so that you don’t eat all of them!).
Dr. Anna Falkowski is a Naturopathic Doctor, Wellness Educator & Clinic Director at Vitality for Life Health Center in Barrie, Ontario with a specialty in Women’s Health, Weight-loss and Family Medicine. She is a healthy living advocate passionate about teaching classes and creating online programs for ‘Mom on the Glow’, her wellness blueprint for busy Moms. For more information you can visit www.vitalityforlife.ca or www.MomOnTheGlow.com
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Easy ways to reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling
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Stay hydrated
People may remember to drink water when sitting at their desks in the office or lounging around at home, but travelers who are busy seeing the sights or attending seminars may forget to stay hydrated throughout the day. That can increase one’s susceptibility to illness, as fluids carry nutrients to the cells and flush bacteria from the bladder. Older travelers should be especially vigilant about staying hydrated while traveling, as the Harvard Medical School notes that older men and women do not sense thirst as much as they did when they were younger.
Continue exercising
Even vacationers whose primary goal when traveling is to relax and unwind may want to squeeze in a little physical activity during their travels. The U.S. National Library of Medicine
notes that physical activity can flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways, potentially reducing one’s chances of getting a cold, the flu or another illness. In addition, exercise causes changes in antibodies and white blood cells that could help the immune systems of physically active people detect illnesses earlier than the immune systems of sedentary men and women.
Purchase hand sanitizer
One of the easiest ways to get sick while traveling is to come into contact with germs. Travelers tend to be out and about instead of locked inside hotel rooms, so their exposure to germs is likely greater while traveling than it is at home. Airport security agents may discard hand sanitizer at security checkpoints, so it may be unwise for travelers to bring sanitizer with them on their trips. Instead, travelers can purchase some at their destinations, carrying it with them and routinely applying it to combat germs.
Get sufficient sleep
Traveling alters routines, and some travelers may find themselves getting inadequate sleep on the road. Studies have indicated that sleep helps sustain a fully functioning immune system, and that chronic sleep loss, which may be a greater concern for business travelers than vacationers, can impair the immune system. When traveling, men and women should make a concerted effort
to get adequate sleep each night. Traveling can be a jolt to the body and make it more vulnerable to illness. But no matter how often a person travels, he or she can take steps to protect their bodies getting sick while on the road.
Numerous studies have found that vacationing produces a host of health benefits. The ongoing Framingham Heart Study, which began in 1948 and is currently studying its third generation of participants, found that men who didn’t take a vacation for several years were 30 per cent more likely to have heart attacks than men who took time off. In addition, the FHS found women who take a vacation only once every six years or less were nearly eight times as likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack as women who vacation at least twice per year. Vacations have been linked to lower stress levels, as a study from the American Psychological Association concluded that vacations reduce stress by removing people from activities and environments that are the sources of their stress. Vacations can even benefit employers, as an internal study from the professional services firm Ernst & Young found that employees’ year-end performance ratings improved by 8 per cent for each additional 10 hours of vacation time they took.
Did you know?
ravel and tourism is big business. According to research from the World Travel & Tourism Council in conjunction with Oxford Economics, the travel and tourism industry outpaced the global economy for the sixth consecutive year in 2016. With so many people traveling for business or pleasure, it can be easy for illness to spread. Travelers concerned about their vulnerability to colds or other ailments may be unable to avoid cramped airline cabins or crowded restaurants, but there are ways for both business travelers and vacationers to reduce their risk of getting sick while on the road.
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Want healthier kids?
Get a pet
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f youngsters have been eyeing fuzzy kittens or boisterous puppies at nearby shelters or pet stores, parents may want to give in to those cries for a family pet. Pets are added responsibilities, but the health benefits associated with pet ownership may be well worth the investment of time and effort. Caring for a pet is sometimes viewed as a childhood rite of passage, but there’s much more to the experience than just learning responsibility. Experts say a child’s emotional, cognitive, physical, and social development can be enhanced through interaction with a family pet. Studies continue, but the effects of family pets on children was heavily researched
by developmental psychologist Gail F. Melson in 2003. Melson looked at literature on childanimal relationships and found that children who had pets were better able to understand biology and children who could turn to pets for unconditional emotional support were less anxious and withdrawn than their peers without family pets to turn to. Data from a small study conducted by researchers at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University reported that adolescents who had animal experience were more likely to see themselves as important contributors to communities and more likely to take on leadership roles. Pets also can help children develop into well-rounded individuals. Playing with a pet requires children to engage in physical activity and can help stimulate motor skills. An English study conducted in 2010 and published in the American Journal of Public Health found that children from dog-owning families spent more time in light or moderate to vigorous physical activity and recorded higher levels of activity counts per minute than kids whose families did not own a dog. Pets may help with allergies and respiratory ailments as
well. A 2012 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics discovered that children who have early contact with cats and dogs have fewer respiratory infections and ear infections and need shorter courses of antibiotics than children who have not had contact with pets. A study from Dennis Ownby, MD, a pediatrician and head of the allergy and immunology department of the Medical College of Georgia, found that having multiple pets decreases a child’s risk of developing certain allergies. He found that the children who were exposed to two or more dogs or cats as babies were less than half as likely to develop common allergies as kids who had no pets in the home. Pets also may foster social interactions, which can benefit children who are shy. Inviting others over to meet pets can help children make friends and find others with similar interests. Children may also confide in pets and develop their self-esteem. Studies have indicated that the type of pet a family has, whether it’s horses, dogs, snakes, etc., does not matter, as all companion animals have the potential to benefit children.
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How to find
time for fitness
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any adults admit to having little or no time to exercise, and statistics support the notion that men and women simply aren’t exercising enough. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, only 21 per cent of adults ages 18 and older met the physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity (Note: The World Health Organization recommends that healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, while also performing muscle-strengthening activities involving the major muscle groups at least two days per week.) Commitments to work and family can make it hard to find time to visit the gym or exercise at home. But the benefits of regular exercise are so substantial that even the busiest adults should make concerted efforts to find time to exercise. The following are a handful of ways to do just that. Embrace multitasking Many professionals are adept at mult-tasking in the office, and those same skills can be applied when trying to find time for exercise. Instead of plopping down on the couch to watch television, bring a tablet to the gym or the basement and stream a favourite show while on the treadmill or the elliptical. When running errands around town, ride a bicycle or walk instead of driving. Cut down on screen time A 2016 report from The Nielsen Company revealed that the average adult in the United States spent more than 10 hours each day consuming media. That includes time spent using smart phones, tablets, personal computers, and other devices. By reducing that screen time by just one hour per day, adults can create enough free time to meet the WHO-recommended exercise requirements. Make it a group effort Involving others can make it easier for adults to find time to exercise. Instead of hosting work meetings in a conference room, take the meeting outside, walking around the office complex while discussing projects rather than sitting stationary around a conference table. At home, take the family along to the gym or go for nightly post-dinner walks around the neighbourhood instead of retiring to the living room to watch television. Redefine date night Adults who can’t find time for exercise during the week can redefine date night with their significant others. Instead of patronizing a local restaurant on Friday or Saturday night, enroll in a fitness class together. Parents can still hire babysitters to look after their youngsters while they go burn calories instead of packing them on at local eateries. Finding time to exercise can be difficult for busy adults. But those committed to getting healthier can find ways to do so even when their schedules are booked.
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Vintage Cars of Summer
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A chicken dish to please the whole family
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hicken is a versatile food that can be prepared and cooked in various ways and is capable of being combined with a host of tasty ingredients. In fact, cooking and serving chicken with certain foods can pack a flavourful punch, turning an otherwise bland chicken breast into a dish families won’t soon forget. Such is the case with the following recipe for “Roasted Red Pepper, Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Topped Chicken” from Laurie McNamara’s “Simply Scratch: 120 Whole Homemade Recipes Made Easy” (Avery).
Roasted Red Pepper, Sun-Dried Tomato & Feta Topped Chicken Serves 4 4
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
(6 to 8 ounces each)
1⁄2 cup Grandma’s Greek Dressing (see below) 1⁄3 cup diced charred red bell pepper (see below) 1
tablespoon minced sun-dried tomatoes
1
tablespoon brined capers, rinsed and drained
1
tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt 1⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1
tablespoon unsalted butter
1
tablespoon olive oil
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the chicken in a medium bowl or large resealable bag and pour the Greek dressing over the top. Marinate the chicken on the countertop for 20 minutes. (Any longer and the lemon juice will start to break down, or “cook,” the chicken.) In a medium bowl, combine the bell pepper, tomatoes, capers, parsley, salt, black pepper and feta. In a 12-inch cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip back into the bag. Place the chicken top-side down in the skillet and sear for 4 to 6 minutes. Turn the chicken over and divide the pepper and feta mixture over the top. Slide the skillet into the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Carefully transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 to 6 minutes before serving.
My Grandma’s Greek Dressing Makes 3⁄4 cup
Charred peppers: Grill: Heat a grill to medium-high. Place a pepper (or peppers) on the grates, close the lid and let it char for 5 minutes. Rotate and repeat this process until all sides are charred. After 12 to 15 minutes, the skin should be black and blistered. Gas stovetop: Using metal tongs, hold the pepper over a medium-high flame, rotating it to create an even char. Oven: Preheat the broiler to high and crack the oven door. Place a washed pepper on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet and slide it under the broiler, rotating it every few minutes until it is charred.
1
large clove garlic
1
teaspoon dried oregano, crushed in your palm
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt 1⁄4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice, strained of pulp and seeds 1⁄2 cup olive oil
Pass the garlic through a garlic press into a glass jar or resealable storage container. Add the oregano, salt and pepper. Pour in the lemon juice and olive oil. Shake. Pour. Swoon. Store the salad dressing in the refrigerator, but pull it out 10 to 15 minutes prior to using to warm up the solidified oil, or run the jar under warm tap water. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 months.
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Must have kitchen remodel features
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omeowners looking to renovate often see room for improvement in their kitchens and bathrooms. The National Association of Home Builder’s Remodeling Market Index Survey, which measures conditions in the remodeling market, indicates that, in 2015, the two most common remodeling jobs were bathroom remodels (81 per cent) and kitchen remodels (79 per cent). According to HGTV and Statistics Brain, a new kitchen remodel for a kitchen measuring 12 by 12 feet may cost homeowners anywhere from $17,000 to $37,000. Before investing so much into their remodeling projects, homeowners should think carefully about the features that will improve their time spent at home. When planning a kitchen renovation, homeowners may want to consider the following upgrades to make the room more enjoyable while improving its functionality.
Oversized sink
Although high-efficiency dishwashers are popular, deep sinks to soak soup pots or woks are still useful. Deep sinks may be preferable to double sinks, especially for homeowners who use lots of kitchen tools when preparing meals.
Soft-closing hinges
When replacing cabinets (or just the hardware), consider installing soft-closing hinges and slides
on doors and drawers. These devices eliminate slamming and caught fingers, reducing noise and injuries in the kitchen.
Foot-pedal water operation
When outfitting a sink, think about foot controls, which are popular in doctors’ offices and hospitals. Turning on the water with the tap of a foot can reduce the transfer of pathogens to faucets from hands during food preparation. These pedals also free up hands for other tasks.
Extra lighting
Bottom’s up
Appliance garages
People likely spend more time raiding the refrigerator than the freezer on any given day. Rather than having to bend down to seek out that favorite flavour of Greek yogurt, choose a model with the fridge on top and freezer on the bottom, especially if anyone in the household has mobility issues. When shopping for refrigerators, Frenchdoor style units may offer even more access, making it easy for homeowners to slide fruit trays, sheet cakes and other large items into the fridge.
A kitchen should be a balance of form and function. A combination of overhead lighting, decorative lighting and task lighting can illuminate all areas of the space effectively.
Architectural and design resource Houzz says that appliance garages are popular kitchen additions, too. Set at countertop level, these cabinets allow people to keep small appliances plugged in but tucked neatly behind closed doors. Kitchen remodels are a sizable investment, and renovations can be customized to make the kitchen more hospitable for all in residence.
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What is the tiny house movement?
the resources needed to build and sustain such homes pales in comparison to those needed to build and maintain more traditional homes. Furthermore, with less interior space, residents of tiny homes are less likely to acquire items they don’t necessarily need, reducing clutter and saving money. The following statistics, courtesy of The Tiny Life, paint a picture of the tiny home lifestyle: • Sixty-eight per cent of tiny house people have no mortgage, and 78 per cent own their home.
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he tiny house movement has transformed the way many people look at housing and how it can help them downsize not only their residences, but also their lives. Living small has been embraced as an ecofriendly way to cut costs and simplify life. According to the tiny house resource The Tiny Life, the typical American home is 2,600 square feet, while the typical tiny house is between 100 and 400 square feet. Many tiny homes are smaller than the average urban apartment. Proponents of the small house movement say that living the tiny life isn’t really a sacrifice, but a way to experience a simpler, fuller life that frees them from expensive mortgage payments and unnecessary clutter. One of the advantages of tiny house living is that buyers are often able to buy their
• The average cost to build a tiny house is $23,000 for do-it-yourselfers. homes (whether stationary or mobile) outright, eliminating the need to finance their purchases. Tiny homes also boast much lower utility bills than more traditional homes. Outfitting tiny homes with wood-burning appliances can keep heating costs to a minimum. In some instances, tiny homes are completely off the grid, harvesting electricity through solar panels and employing rain-capturing technology to supply water. According to the resource Living Big in a Tiny House, the tiny house movement is ecofriendly. Small homes create much smaller carbon footprints than large homes. In addition,
• Eighty-nine percent of tiny house dwellers have less credit card debt than the average person. • Tiny house owners earn an average of $42,038 each year. • Many tiny home owners are age 50 or older. Those interested in the tiny house lifestyle can find many companies that now specialize in these dwellings. Empty-nesters looking to downsize may find tiny homes are an affordable way to simplify their lives.
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Make the most of limited space
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ownsizing with regard to living space is a trend that has long been associated with empty nesters and senior citizens. As children move out and start families of their own, many homeowners decide to downsize to less expensive, more manageable properties. But downsizing is not just for seniors anymore. According to a 2017 survey from the popular real estate website Trulia, among homeowners currently living in homes larger than 2,000 square feet, more would choose a smaller home than a larger one if they decided to move this year (60.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent). Homeowners who decided to downsize or those who purchased a small property to begin with may need a few pointers to make the most of their limited space.
Reconsider your furniture
Furniture can make rooms feel cozy, cramped or spacious. For homeowners with limited space in their homes, furniture that also can be used as storage can save space without sacrificing comfort. For the bedroom, choose a storage bed if the quarters are cramped and it’s difficult to find space for two dressers. Such beds also can be used to store bed linens if closet space is limited. Purchase storage ottomans and/or end tables with storage beneath to make living areas feel less cramped.
Put paint to work
Paint is another way to make the most of a limited space. Painting certain pieces of furniture the same color as the wall can make the furniture blend in and feel less imposing. The result is a room that feels calm and open, even if there is less space to move around than homeowners might have grown accustomed to in their larger homes.
Keep surfaces free of clutter
Discard some items
Homeowners who are downsizing from large homes may need to part with some of their furniture to make their transition to smaller homes go more smoothly. For example, homeowners may need to get by with just one bedroom nightstand and may even need to replace their existing nightstands with something more compact. Discarding living room end tables and downsizing to a smaller coffee table also can help homeowners make smaller common areas more welcoming and less cluttered.
Surfaces such as dining tables, coffee tables and kitchen counters tend to accumulate clutter. While such clutter might not feel overwhelming in a large home, in small spaces crowded surfaces can make it feel as though the walls are closing in. Make an effort to keep surfaces free of clutter, resolving to discard or put items away each night before going to bed. Many people wish they could live in homes without as much square footage as their existing homes. For those who have downsized, there are many ways to make the most of less living space.
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Create a sale-worthy showplace
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he sentiment “don’t judge a book by its cover” can be applied to many situations. When it comes to selling their homes, homeowners should remember this adage as they prepare their homes for prospective buyers. Statista indicates that there were 560,000 houses sold in the United States in 2016. The Canadian Real Estate Association said a record 536,118 residential properties changed hands in 2016, marking a 6.3 per cent increase from 2015. Homeowners who want to make their properties stand out can take the following steps.
Create a hotel experience
De-personalize the home
Homeowners fill their spaces with family photos, heirlooms, personal interests, and other conversation pieces. Prospective buyers may not be able to see past personal belongings and may even be distracted by them. For example, buyers who have strong beliefs about animal welfare may not buy a home displaying hunting trophies. Remove personalized items where possible, replacing them with generic items.
Improve the exterior
HGTV says that curb appeal is crucial to making a strong first impression. A messy or lackluster landscape can turn buyers away even before they reach the front door. Mow the lawn and make sure shrubbery has been trimmed. Seasonal potted flowers and plants can help make the house look polished. Repair cracks or damaged
walkways, and consider a fresh coat of paint on trim around windows and doors. Pressure-wash siding if necessary.
Put things in storage
Rent a storage unit to house items that can make a home appear cluttered. Clean out closets and cabinets, so that when buyers “snoop” during appointments or open houses they see orderly storage areas. If closets are brimming with stuff, buyers may assume the house doesn’t have enough storage space and move on.
Make it light and bright
Open up all of the drapes and blinds, and turn on overhead lights so the house is well-lit. Add table lamps or other fixtures to especially dim rooms.
Forbes suggests making bathrooms look like a spa. Stack a few pretty washcloths tied with ribbon, add some scented candles and faux plants and buy bathmats and towels in coordinating tones. Remove extraneous items from kitchen counters and replace them with vases of flowers. In addition, set up dining spaces as if one were sitting down to a meal, and ensure appliances are sparkling clean.
Use common ‘scents’
Skip the fish, bacon or other aromatic meals for a few days, as such foods can leave lingering aromas. Baked goods, vanilla and cinnamon might make for more appealing scents. Making a home sell fast involves preparation and the knowledge that buyers are often greatly influenced by their first impressions.