Lifestyles
MARCH APRIL 2015
passion JOHN LOCKE dessert ANNA OLSON dogs FOR BEGINNERS money CREDIT OR DEBIT? design WHAT’S TRENDING fashionable KITCHEN GARDENING Scan
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y, h t al fe e H Li A o ced T e lan d i u Ba G ur ppy, o Y Ha
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Read
about Your Home Hardware’s own John Locke A business person that “gets it”
Michael of Town’s Jewellers has a very cool line of men’s jewellery!
Aagaard For Men
Leather bracelets with or without neat metal/glass beads! Very hip, very trendy, very now
Steve Orr’s
Dapper Depot Dawg Daze of Winter Blow-out Sale! Awarded Orillia Chamber of Commerce No. 1 Men’s Wear Store, Congrats Steve!
See Award Winning Nancy Lem’s trending home design ideas!
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Marcel’s Gastro Pub
Pub night with Live Entertainment every Thursday night!
Knights Inn,
Harbour Resort, on the water in Lagoon City has great spring getaway packages. Cool food, hot nights, warm hospitality, even cooler value! Visit www.knightsinnlagooncity.com
Dalt’s Honda
has the 2015 Honda Fit. Rev it up! Awesome Value!
Guaranteed Service & Satisfaction
Mice Fleas Spiders
Earwigs Bees Cluster Flies
Carpenter Ants Cockroaches Live Trap Skunks & Raccoons
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
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contents MARCH APRIL 2015
| VOL 4 NO 2
CoverStory
7 JOHN LOCKE ... RESPECT “As a young man with no desire to make
Growing up in Owen Sound...
schooling a living, my father told me that respect for my elders was needed to open doors for me in the working world. It was the greatest advice my father gave to me. He always said that respect for ones fellow man would carry me a long way in life.”
In this Issue 4
Shelley’s Trendy Finds
6
A teen’s first car
11 Selling your home? 15 Dogs for beginners 19 When to use credit or debit? 20 Anna Olson dessert 21 Indian cuisine with less kick 22 Green living mistakes
Features design
WHAT’S TRENDING?
in fashion
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KITCHEN GARDENING
fashion
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2015 TRENDS
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What to look for in a teen’s first car
M
any parents contribute money toward the purchase of their teenagers’ first car. But even those who don’t help kids finance the purchase of their first vehicle may still want to offer some advice as their teens start to look for the car they will no doubt remember for the rest of their lives. Different drivers need different things out of their vehicles, so a car that might be perfect for adults will not necessarily be the best fit for teen drivers without much experience traversing the nation’s roadways. The following are a few factors to consider when helping teens find their first car.
Size
Teenagers have little to no experience behind the wheel, so it’s best that they not drive cars that are especially small or large right away. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are significantly overrepresented in fatal crashes. The NHTSA suggests such drivers’ immaturity and inexperience plays a significant role in that overrepresentation.
So parents likely do not want their children in the smallest car possible, as such vehicles may not protect teens as adequately as slightly larger vehicles in the case of an accident. In addition, very large cars, such as pickup trucks or SUVs, can be difficult to control and are best suited to older drivers who already have years of driving experience under their belts. A mid-size sedan is big enough to protect teens and their passengers in the case of an accident, and such vehicles are small enough to handle easily.
modest acceleration instead of an imported sports car that teens may be too immature and inexperienced to handle.
Wear and tear
Teens’ first cars are often preowned vehicles, and such cars may have significant wear and tear on some important safety features. Wear and tear may not be a reason to avoid purchasing a preowned vehicle, but parents may want to replace the brake pads and tires on recently purchased preowned vehicles. Brake pads in strong condition may prove the difference between avoiding Passenger capacity an accident or getting into one. In addition, Another factor to consider when shopping poorly inflated or worn tires pose a safety for cars for teenagers is passenger capacity. risk to teens and their passengers. If such The more seats there are in a car, the more features seem to be worn down, replace friends teens can pack into their vehicles. them before letting teens hit the open road Numerous teenagers in a car at once can on their own. prove distracting to the driver, and that Teens will remember their first cars for distraction can pave the way for an auto the rest of their lives. Parents can ensure accident. Steer clear of minivans, SUVs or those memories are positive by finding a other vehicles that feature a third row of car that teens can handle comfortably and seats, as teens may be unable to stay focused operate safely. on the road with so many passengers in tow.
Under the hood
Few teens would not light up at the sight of a muscle car awaiting them in the driveway. But cars that accelerate quickly and those with substantial horsepower and highperformance engines may tempt teens to speed or spark the development of poor driving habits. Look for a vehicle with
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John Locke, Home Hardware John Really Makes You Feel at “Home” From growing up in Owen Sound, Ontario, to where his journey has taken him in the hardware/ building supply industry, it has been an incredible road!
Respect
“As a young man with no desire to make schooling a living, my father told me that respect for my elders was needed to open doors for me in the working world. It was the greatest advice my father gave to me. He always said that respect for ones fellow man would carry me a long way in life.”
am excited about walking through the doors. I enter as a customer, not an owner, a huge difference. It is the communities store, not mine, in my heart. As I assess the store, my fix-it-now theory seems to work, if I see anything I am not happy with it’s fixed. In 2008 when we first opened it was an 80/20 split of customers, the majority being men. I am happy to say we now share a 50/50 split with the ladies! Our twice yearly Ladies Nights are a huge success attracting 500 per event.”
Driven
“I personally train each staff and not a day passes I do not walk the store to ensure it is the best it can “Live with passion, no matter what you do, in possibly be that day and every day. Every couple your work, your family life, your downtime, of weeks we change it up to make shopping an your whole life really.” experience for every customer, not just a quick in And from there a career was built. and out for them. I also mentor other store staff “Learning from every retail situation for over 37 across the country as we are seen as a flagship years was invaluable and a tremendous learning store due to our success and, for that, I owe the experience. Many moves have enabled me to take community immeasurable gratitude. the best assets from each store to develop, along For that reason giving back has always been with my partner Bill Ecklund, one of the best a priority for me. No one should go hungry, thus stores in Canada. In fact, the store has won best our food drives and fund raisers.” Home store twice since 2008 and we’re looking Family for a record third!” “Both Ann, my wife of 46 years, and I love to watch and participate in all kinds of sports. We Business Passion “I love my store, the staff, the customers. It is golf together and love our Blue Jays. I would a family within the community. Every day I love to go to the British Open and experience golf
Passion
on a very different playing field. Not to mention they have a pub on every corner! Personally, I enjoy our family which now includes four grandkids ranging in age from one to five, a true joy for us! Two are four year old twin girls, Claire and Evelyn, courtesy our daughter Heather and her hubby. Our son Chris has two adorable young boys, Campbell and Bennett. Needless to say making time with them is very important.”
Future Plans
“I have no immediate plans to retire as this is my passion. However, that being said, my son Chris and my business partner Bill’s son, Bill Jr., and son in law Kirk are now are very active in the running of the day to day operations and, I may add, coming along just great!”
Downtime
“Pardon? What exactly is that? I love to read. When away and off the grid, leisurely strolling the beach, hiking, a good round of golf, being outdoors and shutting off from the world of technology becomes quite easy, surprisingly. I have no problem doing that!”
Pet Peeves
“Tardiness ... end of story!” Shelley Weir, Associate Publisher
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Cottage master bedroom
速
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Interior Designer
www.NancyLemDesign.com
Interior Finishes What’s trending now?
A
s designers, we need to constantly keep up to date with latest trends in design ideas, detailing and interior finishes. Here are some interesting trend tips I’ve gathered at recent interior design trade shows. Oh how I love seeing new and upcoming products and meeting with suppliers who are anxious to unveil what’s new in the world of design. The excitement and ideas percolate in my mind and I think, “On which project and where can I specify this finish next?” I happily live vicariously through my clients who put their faith and trust in me to make each and every one of their spaces beautiful. When I specify materials and finishes, I carefully look for and select trends that are timeless and long lasting. Let’s take a quick look at what’s happening for 2015 and beyond.
Linear wood strips
Carpeting
Area rugs show how carpeting continues to be bold and rich in colouration and patterning, enlivening a space with essentially artwork on the floor.
Modular Carpeting
The use of modular carpeting is also becoming more and more popular in residential design, providing flexibility with patterning and combining multiple colours. Carpet tile modules are typically found in sizes, 18”x18”, 24”x24” and in more linear formats, 12”x36”. As well hexagon shaped modular carpeting is also available and can be very playful, perfect for a child’s room or recreation area.
Wall Coverings
Bold, large scale patterning and deep charcoal grey and taupe metallics. Perfect for a feature or accent wall.
Wood Details
The use of sophisticated wood veneers and solids in lovely shades of grey, taupe and natural colours are current. Weathered, rustic, textured woods and interesting woven patterns in linear strip and checkerboard patterning are popular for dramatic feature wall backdrops.
Natural wood is welcome in any environment to help ground a space such as a rustic barn board door. The most modern of spaces, still incorporate wood flooring. We’re seeing much more natural wood Rustic wood accents finishes opposed to dark stained finishes. barn board
Wood block checkerboard pattern
Woven wood wall detail
Chevron Patterning
Fretwork details on fabrics, carpeting, and wall coverings seem to be a very prevalent theme again for 2015 and going forward. Natural tones of wood and timeless, sophisticated shades of grey occur throughout. Here’s a sample board developed for a client, integrating some current trends and then implemented into their foyer entrance.
Tile Mosaics
These add finishing touches to back splashes, accent walls and to bathroom shower floor tiles. Hexagon and herringbone formats add wonderful visual texture.
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by NORM FOSTER
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
directed by JESSE COLLINS
The Ladies Foursome by NORM FOSTER directed by JESSE COLLINS
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Selling Your Home?
Questions To Ask
cent of my hard earned equity and then pay HST on top of that?” Historically, there have been only two options when selling a home:
1
You’ve decided to sell your house. That was the tough decision, right?
N
ow you are probably asking: “Should I do what I did last time?” or “What is the name of that guy my parents use?”. Maybe it is a little more definitive. Agents are always injecting themselves into our lives wherever they can. Maybe the questions you are asking are more like “Should I use that guy I went to high school with. I see him on Facebook all the time?” or “What about that lady from our kids daycare? Doesn’t she do real estate part time?” The question you should be asking is “Do I really have to give up five, six or even seven per
Traditional High Commission Model A jack of all trades real estate agent, often charges a fee of between five and seven per cent, does everything from pricing your home, to listing it on the internet, to showing, to dealing with offers, to delivering your agreement of purchase and sale to your lawyer.
2
DIY Method This is commonly referred to as “For Sale By Owner.” This requires a person to purchase a sign from the local hardware store and it relies on drive by traffic. Owners are typically meeting and negotiating with buyers directly and their lawyer (hopefully) takes care the final paperwork.
3
High Tech / High Touch Method The good news for home sellers is that now there is a third way to sell a home, the “High Tech/
High Touch” hybrid model from PropertyGuys. com and similar for sale by owner companies. A home owner is paired with a highly trained pro and their network of professionals such as lawyers, certified appraisers, mortgage brokers, photographer, answering appointment booking service, social media expert, and a real estate broker to provide additional online exposure. As for me, I’ve never been a person to accept status quo or par for the course. If someone tells me I can’t, I try harder. I will never let my lack of knowledge control my life. I have bought and sold two homes privately, and working on my third at present. I am the owner of PropertyGuys. com in Muskoka and Greater Orillia Area and in my career I have helped hundreds of people sell their (own) homes (privately). I purchased my first home privately and when it came time to sell, it was very clear how I was going to sell it. I could never get my head around giving someone $15,000 for something that I could do myself. Heck, that would cover my next seven years of student loans. It was about that time I knew I could help homeowners do the same. My second home sale was my wife’s house. We had a PropertyGuys.com marketing plan and we sold our house in one day. Our estimate is that we saved $10,113, which goes a long way in paying off some debt. Now I am on to my third house, the home I share with my beautiful family. If selling using the traditional real estate model we would be looking at close to $20,000. That could pay for our daughter’s education and maybe we will have a little left over for a fishing boat for dad (fingers crossed). The question you should be asking yourself is “What am giving up by selling with an agent?” Jason Schlegel, www.PropertyGuys.com
The Real Estate Page Introducing 385 Barrie Rd! INCOME PROPERTY
On the water!
Well priced at $269,900 Centrally located, with large lot on bus route and easy access to Hwys. 11 and 12. Walking distance to schools, parks and downtown!
Great asking price of $349,000!
Two story 3 bed. 2 bath plus a 1 bed. 1 bath apartment. Main floor living room, formal dining room, upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The private entrance apartment boasts a bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and sauna!
This property boasts 85 feet of waterfront with shoreline docking. This lovely 1400 sq. ft. home boasts 3 beds, 1.5 baths, open concept main floor with floor to ceiling wood fireplace! Cathedral ceiling, with 2 skylights, open stairs overlooking main living area and a walkout deck ! Also, a double car garage.
Property Guys ID#256526 www.propertyguys.com | 1 855 742 4539
Property Guys I.D. #255056 www.propertyguys.com | 1 855 742 4539
Boat at your door!
Breathtaking Views of Georgian Bay
Listed at $600,000
$399,900 Priced to Sell!!!
This property boasts a 75 foot waterfront, big boat access and multi-level backyard deck. This 3500 sq. ft. sun-filled luxury home boasts huge WOW factor. An entertainers dream plus! Three large bedrooms all with ensuites, plus main floor guest bathroom, air-tight wood burning fireplace, dining room, granite counters in designer kitchen, 12 person sauna and double garage!
2 bdrm / 2 bth unit includes open concept kitchen, dining and living room. Ceramic, hard wood and carpet flooring. Main floor laundry. Walk out to extra large deck from living room and master bedroom. Enjoy soaker tub, seperate stand up shower. Jet Pool, Hot Tub, fitness room and games room. Close to walking and biking trails and a two minute drive to beautiful downtown Midland and Little Lake Park.
Property Guys I.D.# 255256 www.propertyguys.com | 1 855 742 4539
GeorgianBayDreamTeam.com | 705-427-3456
Vanya Gluhic, Broker
Check out LifestylesMagazine.ca to view our new Real Estate Section!
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Backyard Farming...
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Kitchen Gardening in Fashion
A
s we go through a period of financial uncertainty, homeowners are focused on making sacrifices in order to put little extra aside. The backyard is a perfect opportunity to save a little money. The kitchen garden has become fashionable again. Just like farming in the backyard, people are getting into agriculture by adding gardens, raised planters and containers filled with herbs and vegetables to feed their families. If you are new to growing your own food, there are definitely a few pitfalls that you should avoid. Companion planting is a lot like creating a seating chart in a wedding. There are some plants that don’t work well with others.
1 It seems that beans don’t play nice in the veggie
Beans are the ‘problem child’ in the garden. patch. Beware of having beans with any of the onion family. No leeks, no chives and no garlic near the beans! Beans and peppers are also not a great mix.
2any vegetable plot but they have lots of specific
Tomatoes are definitely considered the jewel in needs. There are several plants that inhibit the growth of tomatoes including all of the Brassicas family (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts). Corn, fennel and potatoes are also all bad ideas near your tomatoes. Instead, plant your tomatoes with all of the plants that your beans didn’t like. Onions, chives, even basil make tomatoes shine.
3are the popular ones, getting along with almost Plant lots of sage and thyme. These two herbs
every other veggie. Just be careful how you plant them as both of these perennials can take over.
Don’t restrict your vegetables to plant beds. We’ve been growing tomatoes in containers for years, but how about lettuce in a pot? Salads always taste best when they are fresh and you’ll have no excuse with a beautiful urn filled with gorgeous frilled and colourful leaves. Also great in containers are zucchinis, bush beans, even pumpkins! Just make sure to choose containers with good drainage that will support healthy root
a geo-textile fabric to prevent soil from leaking out between the boards after each watering. Water your garden from under the plants. Vegetables and herbs are very susceptible to different types of fungal infections, often brought on by water on the leaves. Drip hoses are perfect for most vegetables because they keep the leaves dry. If you are new to the vegetable garden scene, trust me, do your research. Growing veggies in small growth. I usually go with a recycled plastic option spaces and maximizing the amount of produce has instead of the traditional terracotta. Terracotta is become a science. Don’t assume that how your really good at absorbing water…so good that it mother grew potatoes is the best way anymore. often dries out plants faster than other options. Make the most of your outdoor space and save a Having the garden at an easy-to-reach height little money doing so. Growing vegetables is going makes it simpler for some homeowners to get into to be some work, but that first salad resulting from home agriculture but be careful when creating your efforts is going to make it all worthwhile. those raised planters. It’s really important to When not in the dirt with his eco-friendly choose the right type of wood to grow food in. landscape design company, Carson stays busy Avoid those tar covered railroad ties and other types building, planting, of wood that use harmful toxins. These chemicals writing or are able to leach into the soil and in some cases designing as a directly into your produce. Instead, opt for clean featured guest on CityLine. cedar or the new type of pressure-treated wood His new show called MicroPro Sienna. By using new technology, Critical Listings MicroPro has been awarded several environmental is currently airing accreditations and is very safe to use, even in on HGTV Canada. areas of open water. When building your planters out of wood, make sure that you line them with
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Best breeds for first-time dog owners
Age equivalents for cats and dogs
D
eciding to get a dog can be a life-altering moment. While the decision carries with it a wealth of responsibility, a dog can change a person’s life for the better, providing loyalty and companionship for years to come. Once the decision to get a dog has been made, prospective pet owners must choose a breed. Various factors play into this decision, including how much space the dog will have at home, the grooming responsibilities that come with a particular breed and the typical demeanor of a given breed. Because no two breeds or owners are the same, some dog-owner combinations may make for a better pairing than others. Descriptions of breed temperament can provide a window into the general personality of certain dogs. But such descriptions are not set in stone, as each dog is unique and may exhibit behaviors extraordinary to its breed. Factors such as socialization and training play key roles in how dogs will react in situations. The following are some dog breeds that have a propensity to be easy-going and relatively easy to train. Golden retriever Golden retrievers tend to be gregarious, docile and a good fit for families. They are people-oriented, affectionate and loyal. Golden retrievers are moderately-sized dogs that need exercise to prevent boredom (which can compel them to cause damage around the home). But golden retrievers are generally a good fit for firsttime dog owners. Labrador retriever A close cousin to the golden retriever, labradors are another breed known for their good nature and willingness to be trained. Labs shed and can grow large, so that is something apartment-dwellers must consider before bringing home a lab. Standard poodle Poodles are an intelligent
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breed that are easily trained. Poodles can be high strung if not given ample exercise, so this is something prospective poodle owners need to consider. Cavalier King Charles spaniel This is a wellproportioned and smaller dog that is typically affectionate, happy and outgoing. Typically eager to please and intelligent enough for obedience training, the cavalier is naturally well-behaved and can get along well with other pets. Boston terrier The Boston terrier, also known as the “Boston Bull,” is a compact brute of a dog. Although small in size, the Boston terrier does not lack for personality and tends to be playful and friendly with a willingness to learn. Bostons do require a firm human leader; otherwise, they may believe they run the show. These breeds are examples of good breeds for first-time dog owners. However, there are plenty of other breeds out there that would make ideal pets, even for the novice dog owner. Socialization, training and exercise are essential to shaping a dog into a trusted and happy member of the family.
at and dog owners know that the responsibility of caring for their favourite felines and preferred pooches changes as those animals age. Owners may not know just what constitutes an “aging” pet. Many might go by the popular notion that one dog year is equal to seven human years. But that figure is not quite accurate and is rarely associated with cats, leaving many cat owners to wonder the age equivalents for their furry companions. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that determining the age equivalent of pets is not as simple as “1 human year = X cat/dog years.” In fact, making such determinations is especially difficult with dogs, whose age equivalents depend on size. The following are the equivalents on which they tend to rely.
Cats C at years Human years 7 45 10 15 20
58 75 98
Dogs (small-medium) D og years Human years
7 10 15 20
44-47 56-60 76-83 96-105
Dogs (large-very large) D og years Human years
7 10 15 20
50-56 66-78 93-115 120
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Men, from socks to... T
he colour for spring is “blue”. Whether it be a suit, blazer, shirt or pant, a vibrant blue will set the tone for the season! Bright is right but not quite as bold as last year. Make sure to balance garments by neutralizing. By that I mean a colourful shirt or polo with a pair of khakis and visa versa. The fit should have a clean shaped look, not too full and baggy. Sport coats are a key wardrobe must. Lightweight cool and comfortable. Pair with denim coloured khakis or even dress pants to create three different looks. When speaking shirts, look for patterns to get smaller micro designs and neats (solids) that will take some of the market from traditional checks. Fabrics have never been better in menswear. Natural and technical fabric is a big part of the spring story. They deliver performance, comfort, versatility and style. Denim is cleaner and less distressed, a great trend as it simplifies wearing denim to special occasions especially with a sport coat. Accessorizing has never been more important. Express yourself
with your favourite style in head wear, tie clips, pocket squares, fancy socks and yes, even patterned underwear! Wedding season sees pearl grey and marine blue picking up but traditional is black. Overall its all about creativity and establishing your own style. If you lack confidence then visit your menswear specialty shop and they will make sure you are appropriately attired for business or that special event. The key theme in menswear for spring 2015 is being creative and maximizing versatility in your wardrobe. It’s an era of individual style where old rules can be broken. Mix and match has never been easier. A slim suit with a woven button-down shirt without a tie or a sport coat with a colourful “T” and a pair of jeans. The “fit of the season” is neat and clean. For the man that is used to a classic fit (full-fit) try the contemporary fit. You will be amazed how comfortable the fit will be. A better fitting garment translates into a better shape and a more flattering look. The old saying “if you look good, you feel good” really holds true here. Time to toss the “same old” for the trendier new look. It’s been a long winter. Boldly go into spring with colour! Steve Orr, www.dapperdepotmenswear.com
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Spring Fashion Styles for Men & Women Add some pieces that pop
D
eep pockets and stylists on the payroll make it easy for celebrities and public figures to project a polished appearance. But money alone does not buy style, and chances are the average woman has the wardrobe staples necessary to look her best. Such essentials need not cost a fortune to produce a seemingly endless array of outfits.
Take inventory of the basics
Spice up the basics with some new items that feature hot colours of the season. Pastels, orange and neon colours are big for the spring and summer. Orange can also carry into autumn. A bold blazer will add appeal to an office combination. A printed scarf paired with a neutral blouse and pants adds colour and whimsy without being too bold. Printed pants can be a fun choice for a night on the town. Those who prefer to play it safe may lean toward classic lines and colours, but don’t forget to add some punch with strapped shoes or flashy accessories.
Know the cuts and colours that work
Looking polished means finding the hues and Women should go through their closets and find styles that fit with a particular body type and skin the wardrobe pieces that can be put to use in colouring, more than simply following the latest multiple combinations. Timeless styles can be trends. A woman who understands her body type used over and over and some items work well can rely on pieces that are designed to flatter. Not as a base for a multitude of outfits. For example, all colours work on every person. Greens and a simple sleeveless dress in a neutral colour yellows may look good on one person, a woman can be worn alone, paired with a cardigan for a with an olive skin tone may look washed professional or casual look, or even made to look out. Similarly, fair or dark skinned corporate with a blazer. A sheath in black, tan or women may fade into their clothing if navy can be worn repeatedly and matched to a the pieces are too similar to their skin bevy of other pieces. In addition to a simple dress, tone. Women can peruse magazines a pair of black pants, a knee-length skirt, a few to find models of similar proportions tanks or camisoles, a pair of dark-coloured jeans, and colouring, then experiment with and solid-coloured cardigans can be mixed and the styles and hues they see. Once a matched in different ways. Women can make a match is found, these can be the gorunning list of the staples they already own and to looks that enable her to always look polished. then fill in the missing pieces.
Make sure it fits
Clothing that does not fit properly will not look good no matter how fashionable or expensive it might be. Rather than fixating on the size on the tag, women should shop for clothing based on fit. This could mean bringing a few different sizes into the dressing room and figuring out which one fits best. Not all designers run true to size and some fabrics will have more give than others. A good rule of thumb is to always fit the largest part of your body. The other measurements can be tailored. It is a safer bet to purchase a size bigger if one is between sizes and have the item altered rather than squeezing into something too small.
Invest in good undergarments
Sometimes it isn’t the clothes that can make the woman but the pieces she wears underneath. Fitting experts attest that nearly 80 per cent of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Most women are slipping into bras that are too small. Although bras range in size from 28AAA to 56FF, the majority of department stores stock a limited number of the most popular sizes. Therefore, women may squeeze into bras that are not sized correctly. Go to a specialty lingerie shop to get properly sized. Not only will a well-fitting bra support the breasts better, but such a bra also transforms the way shirts and dresses look and fit. Before investing in an entirely new wardrobe, women should invest in new bras. Looking good does not have to require spending a fortune or overhauling a wardrobe. Mix and match existing clothing with some new, well-fitting pieces to revitalize your look.
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Credit & Debit Cards Weigh Your Options
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redit and debit cards are how many people make their purchases, both big and small. Many people would rather swipe a card at the checkout counter than count cash. These cards offer unmatched convenience and can help keep receipts organized and purchases accountable with minimal effort. But credit cards and debit cards are not perfect. One of the biggest disadvantages to using cards to make all purchases is the tendency to lose track of your spending. When paying with cash, consumers can visibly see the money leaving their pockets and know when that money has run out. Paying by card is an abstract concept that doesn’t become real until bills are received or bank statements are reviewed. Although debit and credit cards are frequently used interchangeably, there are times when one is preferable over the other. Here’s how to decide which card to use.
Debit and credit cards are frequently used interchangeably. There are times when one is preferable over the other. Here’s how to decide which card to use. Need to build credit? Use a credit card if you are trying to establish a positive credit history. However, you must pay your bill in a timely fashion, and it helps to pay the entire balance each and every billing cycle to develop a good credit score. Don’t want a large monthly bill? Debit cards withdraw money directly from your account at the moment the transaction occurs. Much like spending with cash, debit cards let users know when they have run out of cash, as cards will be denied if the transaction is not approved. If you do not want to pay a large bill at the end of the month, debit cards are the better choice. Prefer greater security? Great strides have been made to thwart would-be identity thieves and keep financial data safe. However, as was evidenced by the major data breach in Target’s payment system in late 2013, when millions of credit and debit card numbers and PIN codes were hacked, no system is
entirely foolproof. Credit cards offer added security because if fraudulent purchases are made, your credit card account will be quickly frozen and you will not be held accountable. When using debit cards, you are spending your own money up front. Fraudulent purchases may be fixed over time, but it could leave a deficit in your account until matters are resolved. Want to minimize fees? Debit cards do not charge interest or minimum charge penalties. There’s no need to worry about being late for a payment and getting charged a fee, and causing your balance to skyrocket. Gas stations and other retailers that may charge more per purchase for using credit cards will treat debit cards like cash and offer the same discounts. Enjoy perks? Credit card companies will sell you their card over another based on various perks. In addition to competitive interest rates, perks may include
being able to accumulate travel points, cash-back dollar amounts, advanced ticketing offers for shows and sporting events, discounts and coupons for certain retailers, and many other benefits. More and more consumers are relying largely on credit cards and debit cards to make their purchases. Each type of card has its benefits and disadvantages, so consumers must weigh their options to determine which type of card works best for them.
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Anna Olson’s APPLE BUTTER CINNAMON RAISIN LOAF
L
ike pumpkin purée, apple butter lends moisture and sweetness to baked goodies. Be certain to buy pure apple butter, which is made only of apples, slowly cooked down to concentrate their taste and sweetness. Because of this natural sweetness, no sugar is needed in this recipe. Makes 1 9-x-5-inch loaf pan
16 to 20 slices
Ingredients
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1 cup ½ cup 2 1 2 cups 1 tbsp ½ tsp ¼ tsp ¼ tsp ¼ tsp ¾ cup
pure apple butter apple or orange juice eggs medium apple, peeled and coarsely grated whole wheat flour baking powder ground cinnamon ground allspice baking soda salt raisins
Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 325 °F and grease a 9-x-5-inch loaf pan. 2. In a large bowl, whisk the apple butter, apple or orange juice and eggs. Stir in the grated apple. 3. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, baking soda and salt. Add this to the apple butter mixture and stir just until evenly blended. Stir in the raisins and scrape the batter into the prepared pan, spreading to level. 4. Bake the loaf for 45 to 50 minutes until a tester inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool the loaf in the pan for 20 minutes, then turn it out to cool completely before slicing. The loaf will keep, well-wrapped for up to 3 days. The loaf can be frozen, but do not refrigerate.
healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
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Indian cuisine with a little less kick Indian cuisine is known the world over for its flavourful and often spicy dishes. But not every Indian dish is overwhelmingly spicy. For those who want the flavour but not necessarily the kick of Indian cuisine, this mildly spicy recipe is sure to please.
Vegetables With A Minty Lamb And Rice Stuffing Serve 4 to 6
Stuffing
½ cup basmati rice, soaked in water for 1 hour 8 ounces lean ground lamb 2 tablespoons minced mint leaves 1 tablespoon minced cilantro leaves 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 teaspoon finely grated garlic (about 2 large cloves) 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger (about 2-inch piece) 1½ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon canola oil 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon ground turmeric ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, finely ground
Vegetables 1 2 2 2
large green zucchini small, firm slightly unripe tomatoes small red bell peppers small Indian, Italian or Japanese eggplants
Dressing
½ cup water 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. To make the stuffing: Drain the rice and mix it with the lamb, mint, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt, oil, sugar, turmeric, and cumin. Use your fingers to break up the lamb and thoroughly mix everything together. To prepare the vegetables: All the vegetables should be at room temperature. Slice off the ends. Cut the zucchini horizontally into pieces about 3 inches long. With a thin, sharp paring knife,
carefully core each piece all the way through, making a thin-walled, hollow pipe. Carefully take the tops off the tomatoes and bell peppers. Discard the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes. Cut out the seeds and white membrane from the peppers. Retain the stems of the eggplant and make an “X” on the bottom end of each by cutting two lengthwise intersecting lines without slicing all the way through to the stem end. To make the dressing: Whisk together the water, oil, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Carefully stuff each vegetable only 3⁄4 full with the stuffing, as the rice will expand when cooked. Place the vegetables in a single layer in a large, lightly oiled baking dish. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the vegetables, taking care to see that an inordinate amount does not fall into the tomatoes and bell peppers. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake, covered, until the rice and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Uncover the dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes to brown just the edges of the vegetables. Serve warm.
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Green Living Mistakes You May Be Making in a typical household. Your best bet is to unplug all devices when they’re not in use. One way to make this more convenient is to plug devices into a power strip and then power off the strip when the devices are not being used. Discarding biodegradable items In an effort to be more eco-friendly, some manufacturers have started to package products in what they refer to as biodegradable packaging. Eco-conscious consumers then buy these products and dispose of them in the trash, confident that they will biodegrade in landfills. This works in theory but not necessarily in reality, as many landfills are not constructed in a way that facilitates proper decomposition. In 2001 a group of researchers from the University of Arizona excavated 21 landfills across North America and reported finding hundreds of undecomposed hot dogs, corn starch and lettuce dating back to the 1960s. They also found 2,425 newspapers that were dopting a green lifestyle has its merits. used to date the food. Because some landfills are In addition to benefitting the planet, an lined with clay and plastic to prevent leaching eco-friendly lifestyle can save men and into surrounding soil and many also are covered women substantial amounts of money. Others are with fresh soil daily to control odor, the buried encouraged to adopt eco-friendly habits because trash is unable to decompose properly or promptly. of the impact that such lifestyles have on nearby These landfills end up preserving the trash rather than helping it to break down. If packaging says wildlife. Regardless of what motivates an individual biodegradable, bring it to a composting company to be more environmentally conscious, adopting that will properly break it down. Forgetting to weatherproof a home Many such a lifestyle is an effort worthy of praise. But even the most well-intentioned men and women homeowners know to install programmable thermostats to control their home heating may be making certain mistakes as they attempt and cooling costs. Programmable to live more eco-friendly lives. The following thermostats are ideal but can be rendered are some mistakes you may be making as ineffective when you fail to seal up leaks you adapt your lifestyle in an attempt to in a home. According to the “Solar be more eco-friendly. Living Sourcebook,” unweatherized Failure to unplug Electronic devices homes leak air at a rate equivalent to tend to be the biggest energy hogs in having a four-square-foot hole in the wall. a home. While you may go room to Sealing and insulating ducts, insulating the room turning off devices when a space is home properly, caulking leaks around doors unoccupied, unless you actually unplug the and windows, and finding any other areas device, you are not doing all you can to save where indoor air can exit a home is essential. energy. Televisions, computers or video game Poor driving habits Hybrid cars are a consoles are still consuming electricity even when they have been turned “off,” as clocks and other hot commodity, and drivers of such vehicles components still need energy to operate when the rightfully feel proud to know they are doing devices are turned back on. This phantom load, their part to reduce fuel consumption. However, often referred to as “vampire power,” can consume if you drive your hybrid improperly, you may be a considerable amount of energy. Some estimate wasting some of that saved energy. Accelerating standby power energy consumption accounts for quickly and then coming to a quick stop is a roughly 10 percent of the electrical energy used recipe for wasting fuel and burning a battery.
A
To conserve fuel, gradual acceleration and deceleration is required. Slowing down may be challenging to get used to, but once you do, you can rest assured you’re saving energy and money. Recycling before repurposing Recycling is a great way to protect the environment, but even recycling consumes a lot of energy. So before you recycle, think about ways you can repurpose things to give them new life. Glass jars and other containers can hold candles, pencils and many other items. Repurposing inspiration can come from anywhere, and the Internet is home to many websites offering ideas on how to repurpose items big and small. Going green requires some awareness of what you’re doing right and what you may be doing wrong.
Did you Know? Plastic bottles are routinely recycled into other plastic items and new bottles, but they can be turned into much more. When you were sipping water from that bottle, you probably never thought of the possibilities of wearing that very plastic. However, fabric innovators are turning disposed plastic into durable garments. When compared with producing virgin materials, recycling plastic products helps save up to 70 per cent on energy costs. Recycled bottles can be broken down into pellets of pure recycled plastic that is virtually indistinguishable from virgin plastic. Then the pellets are turned into yarn, which can be woven as-is or mixed with other yarns to produce polyester clothing. According to Waste 2 Wear, a recycled clothing company, anywhere from 12 to 20 bottles can be saved per garment and transformed into anything from robes to shirts to uniforms. Recycled clothing presents yet another way to turn trash into treasure.