Lifestyles
July August 2015
meet JESSE COLLINS “lounge-y” BACKYARD spicy Salsa pool landscapes conquer clutter small LIVING SPACES Scan
weekly for more
online!
y, h t al fe e H Li A o ced T e lan d i u Ba G ur ppy, o Y Ha
Did you know? Shelley’s Trendy Finds! Moving this summer?
Dial Movers will make it a great experience! Yes, moving can be fun...think outside the box! Call Dale today! 705-326-2215
Check out
Home Hardware’s Garden Centre at 5 King St.,Orillia 705-326-7371, for very trendy metal wall art, solar fountains, a rainbow of coloured Muskoka chairs, abundant flowers and solar chandeliers! John is always on trend no matter the season!
Road Trip!
Gravenhurst Opera House has concerts, live theatre and various events all summer...perhaps a weekend getaway? Located at 295 Muskoka Rd.,S., Gravenhurst or call 705-687-5550.
Home Decor
on a Shoestring can be found at your local GT Boutique! A small but trendy home decor section with faux silk drape panels, outdoor carpets, scented and citronella candles, throw pillows, patio dishes, placemats, all for any budget! If it gets rained on, your wallet doesn’t take a soaker! That’s Giant Tiger.
Latest Beer trends?
Fruity beer! Green apple, grapefruit, raspberry, pear and orange all available this summer to cool and refresh. Vitamin C and suds! “Hop” to your nearest Beer Store and give them a try.
Lifestyles Check out our new website!
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Check Out Our New Website For All The Articles & Information That Didn’t Fit Into This Issue!
Try
a refreshing summer dessert of strawberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar and black pepper. Delicious! Oh and whipped cream NOT optional.
The newly renovated
Water Closet at 85 Commerce Rd., Orillia, has the latest in kitchen and bath, designer faucets, finishes, bathtubs, vessel sinks, spa styles and the latest bath accessories all right here in Orillia. A great trendy store to “tap” into! 705-325-7225
Take in
a waterfront boat show or event. Enjoy the delicious, warm breezes our lakes and rivers provide. Usually free admission. Fun for the whole family!
Check out
the Lifestylesmagazine.ca interview with Jesse Collins, actor/director in town this summer for two productions at Orillia’s Opera House! Call today for tickets 705-326-8011 or orilliaoperahouse.ca Lifestyles Magazine is online 24/7, 365 days a year! Remember... “Weir Happy at Lifestyles Magazine.ca”
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contents July August 2015
| Vol 4 No 4
FeatureStory
CoverPhoto
7 JESSE COLLINS How
does
a
young
boy
from
Cannington, Ontario, who aspired to be a singer become a successful Canadian Theatre Director? Via the University of Toronto of course, and a not so popular refusal to attend Law School ... a very memorable family dinner table discussion!
In this Issue 4
Shelley’s Trendy Finds
6
Gini carries the torch
9
Bike upkeep
11 Virtual photo mistakes 12 Bathroom trending 12 A moving experience
This Summer The Orillia Opera House Welcomes Director Jesse Collins
15 Conquer clutter 16 Small space decor 19 Dishwasher tips 22 Outside the cereal box
Features “lounge-y”
BACKYARD
13
spicy
Salsa
17
pool
LANDSCAPES 21
6
healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Gini Stringer Carrying The Torch!
R
ecently I had the pleasure to chat with Gini Stringer about her Pan Am Games Torch Bearer selection and how it all came about. Having been a past president and an active member of the Orillia Chamber of Commerce for many years, the Chamber bestowed this honor on Gini this spring. Gini, humbled and overwhelmed by this extreme gesture was excited and nervous about the event. “I love this community so much, Gini said, with unbridled enthusiasm.” “I feel there are so many people who deserve and share this honour with me from the Orillia community.” Twenty four years ago, when my husband Trevor and our young family arrived in Orillia, the community was so embracing and warm to us. We could not help but establish our flooring business here and give back to this amazing community. Giving back and helping each other is just the way a community should be and Orillia certainly does that.” The Pan Am Games Torch Run was June 8th with many cheering Gini on! Watch for our in-depth personal interview with Gini in an upcoming Lifestylesmagazine.ca issue. Shelley Weir, Associate Publisher
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7
Meet Jesse Collins This Summer The Orillia Opera House Welcomes Director Jesse Collins We met with Jesse to chat about the plays, his ideas and thoughts on the theatre, the people who attend, having a good laugh and, well, life in general. How does a young boy from Cannington, Ontario, who aspired to be a singer become a successful Canadian theatre director? Via the University of Toronto of course, and a not so popular refusal to attend law school ... a very memorable family dinner table discussion!
in the film and television industry. A good buddy of mine and one of my favourite people, Donny Bowes and I opened a small theatre in my native Port Credit, Ontario. After four years we realized we were losing money at breakneck speed, unable to compete with the country’s most successful live theatre in Morrisburg, Ontario, which, even today, has a 96 per cent box office...phenominal for a 275 seat venue!
Your Start?
What do you enjoy about each production?
My good friend Tim Finley (Tiff), was instrumental in giving me my start in theatre. An agent asked me to put off my education for a year and give theatre a try thinking I could make a whopping $6,000 my first year! Six thousand or a million dollars, when you have no experience seemed a pretty lofty goal! My mentor, Alan Scarfe, director extraordinaire, guided me in my various decisions in my budding career, particularly when I wanted to go to the London Actors and Directors Academy in London Ontario. A quick, why bother, from Alan took me on a tremendously rewarding journey that I still live with passion today ... a very cool four to five years in stage directing and many years
Seeing stories about everyday people in extra ordinary situations. Whether its a comedy, a social issue piece or heavy drama and watching the audience take away the delightful entertainment feeling!
Favourites?
My favourite plays are comedies, which sounds simple. Funny enough a comedy only can work from a good base of humor and acknowledge it is funny and “mine” the humour through the production. It has been said comedy is like a frog in science
class, you can dissect it, but it usually dies in the process. My favourite alltime play Norm Foster’s Melville Boys. I have seen it many, many times and always enjoy the full experience of the show.
Why Orillia?
Two Norm Foster plays I will be directing. One, a western called Outlaw, written about ten years ago, an unusual western about a Canadian farmer travelling thru the American midwest falsely accused of a crime. It’s a “take” on the then American/Canadian frontier justice system. The other, The Ladies Foursome a delightful show about a group of ladies all reuniting after the fourth in their golf foursome has recently passed away. A new fourth, who ran the lodge where the former friend, now deceased, had spent two weeks every summer is welcomed into the group. All have different memories to share.
Favourite Person to work with? Donny Bowes. He completely understands how democratic theatre can be! ...continued on page 8
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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Meet Jesse Collins Continued from page 7
What would your Dream Play look like?
Small theatre, great actors, good script and a short run! This may seem surprising but some great actors are only available to you for a short period of time due to their own work demands, so you snap them up for the best run possible!
Explain “Sense of Connection” with the Audience?
The moment we all share the same breath. After someone has jumped out of a closet. We are all in the exact same moment at the exact same time. Very cool. Never gets old!
Critics?
Be careful how much room you give them in your theatre experience. Go for yourself and enjoy!
Some people are afraid of the theatre, why?
Various reasons, I suppose whether a play is about a current socially sensitive issue or racial, or political, society has sort of positioned it as a “high brow” activity when truthfully it is, in fact, everyday people on a stage telling extraordinary stories!
What’s next for Jesse Collins? Maybe a Christmas Production.
Downtime?
At the Muskoka cottage with my wife and son! Have had it for 25 years and initially really didn’t enjoy it, as a country boy from Cannington. I loved the city life, then married a city girl who, you guessed it, loved the country and cottage life. Now you can’t keep me away! We also love to travel, with our favourite place to visit being Botswana, Africa. My wife and I have been four times and love being totally off the grid.
Unfinished Business for Jesse?
Funny you asked that. Writing a great comedy! Don’t laugh, I really, really want to! Shelley Weir, Associate Publisher
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
healthy, happy, balanced life
9
How to keep your bike in top form the performance of the bike. Regular washing ensures that the bike will operate at peak capacity whenever you decide to go for a ride. High-pressure hoses may damage sensitive bearing systems, so it’s better to use a damp rag to carefully clean the icycle riding is one of the best things bike. Brushing or buffing away debris can a person can do for the environment be handy as well. Consider how frequently and his or her personal health. you ride the bike and where you ride it when Riding a bike requires only the power of determining how often to clean the bike. the body and does not produce any noxious Maintain proper tire pressure. Much emissions. It’s quiet, and bikes are able to like with car tires, air pressure in bicycle gain access to places where cars are not tires can impact the ride and likelihood of permitted. damage. According to the CARE Exchange, According to Glumac, a full-service a group of riders involved in fundraising engineering company specializing in cycling events, too little air in tires can sustainable design, using one gallon of increase the likelihood of punctures to the gasoline in a car produces about 20 pounds inner tube. Low air pressure can put more of carbon dioxide emissions directly, or 26 pressure on bike components and accelerate pounds if you account for processing the wear and tear. Plus, it can make for an fuel. Opting for a bike instead of a car can uncomfortable ride. Similarly, too much pressure can cause the tires to blow out have profound environmental benefits. Bicycles are most useful and efficient or provide a less enjoyable ride. Always when they are properly maintained. Failing keep tires at the pressure rating listed on to maintain a bike means it could be the tire’s sidewall. relegated to a dusty corner in the garage. To Keep the chain well lubricated. One of keep bikes in ideal working order, consider the most crucial steps to maintaining a bicycle these bike maintenance tips. is to keep the bike chain and other moving Keep the bike clean. A bicycle is a parts lubricated. This reduces excessive wear collection of moving parts. Over time caused by friction and can prevent gears from mud and debris can get lodged in gears, ceasing up. Lubricants also can help prevent tires and other components, impacting rust and corrosion. Apply lubricant to the
B
chain, brake and derailleur levers and cables. But too much lubricant can be a bad thing, attracting dirt and reducing performance. Use only as much as the bike needs and wipe away the excess. Get a tune-up. It’s beneficial to periodically have an experienced bike mechanic look over your bicycle. Bearings may loosen slightly, and brake and gear cables can stretch. Take the bicycle into a bike shop so the staff can give it an overhaul, addressing any areas that may need a little fine-tuning. Bike shop employees typically are knowledgeable in bicycle maintenance, and they can provide a wealth of information on other cycling-related subjects. Bike riding is a popular pastime and an activity that is beneficial to the environment. Maintaining a bicycle is a great way to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible. Maintenance is a part of keeping bikes on the road and ensuring they operate efficiently.
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healthy, happy, balanced life
since 1895
Summer Concert Series
David Clayton-Thomas July 29 Replay - Beatles Tribute July 25
Part of the Orillia Beatles Celebration
LIGHTHOUSE Aug. 19
Call the Box Office 1-888-ORILLIA 705-326-8011 or on-line at
orilliaoperahouse.ca 20 Mississaga Street West Orillia, Ontario, L3V 3A6
follow us The Orillia Opera House @OrilliaPRC
The Orillia Opera House is managed by the Orillia Parks, Recreation and Culture Department
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
11
Selling Your Home...
Don’t Forget Virtual Curb Appeal
T
hey say a picture is worth a thousand words. In real estate a picture can be worth thousands of dollars when it comes to selling your home and attracting the right buyer. Why is it that so many bad photos end up on real estate listings? You want to stand out in a crowd, get your home noticed and give a great first impression online. This is not always the case and it is quite common to see bad or really bad real estate photos. Recently, I saw a photo of the front of a local house and wondered what an arch was doing in the corner. I finally realized that the person taking the photo hadn’t gotten out of their car to take a front photo of the house and they likely used their cell phone. This is not an isolated incident, bad real estate photos can easily be seen on Facebook and websites like www.badmlsphotos. com. Although you might chuckle at the time, bad photos when showcasing your property are no laughing matter.
Stand out from the crowd
Standing out from the crowd is a must in selling. As the owner of PropertyGuys in the Muskoka and Orillia area, I have invested hundreds of hours (and many dollars) in my quest to perfecting amazing photos. When it comes to highlighting the features to potential buyers, I knew how important this investment would be in order to make my client’s properties stand out from a sea of others online. Attracting buyers starts with putting your best foot forward online. Great real estate photography starts with these five simple rules.
decluttering, depersonalizing and enhancing curb appeal.
2
Hire a professional. This starts with owning professional equipment, including a DSLR camera, wide angle lens and tripod. It will be easy to see right away if the person you hire knows what they’re doing and you deserve the best, regardless of the value of your house or how much you invest to sell it.
3
Proper training. Equipment is important, but you have to know how to take a good picture. Your photographer doesn’t need to own the best of everything, but having an understanding of basic photography rules, angles, and a great eye for capturing the best shot is much more important than top of the line equipment. A photographer using a $5,000 camera but taking a horrible picture, only gets you a high quality horrible picture.
4
Realistic photos. I myself shoot homes with a process called high dynamic resolution (HDR) and use a wide angle Prepare your home in advance. If you have been following my series of lens to capture a home at its best. However, there articles you know this means focus on cleaning, is a fine line between showcasing a home and
1
being unrealistic. Nothing will disappoint a potential buyer more than showing up and the house looks completely different than the photos. Imagine going on a date with someone you met on the internet and you show up only to find out they have photo edited their picture or used a picture from 10 years ago. Disappointing.
5
Proof your photos. It is okay to not get the perfect photo every time, but it is always better to realize mistakes before they go live. Make sure the photos of your property don’t showcase the family pet in the background, embarrassing items left out or an unintentional mirror selfie in the master bathroom picture. With most of today’s buyers starting their home searches online, it is more important than ever to make a great first (virtual) impression. Jason Schlegel ~ www.PropetyGuys.com
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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Bathroom Trending
Chrome & Glamour Brizo Faucets by Jason Wu...
I
recently had the opportunity to meet with Diana DiCarlo, Marketing Manager of the Water Closet, Orillia, to visit their newly renovated showroom to discuss and view the latest trends in kitchen and bathroom fixtures - all price ranges for the budget minded and most discerning of tastes! A couple of trends caught my eye.
A study in refined glamour, the Brizo RSVP bath collection combines stately curves and luxurious flourishes. With a full complement of accessories and lighting, including optional crystal finials made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, RSVP adds new elegance to any bath.
His & Hers Performance Showers With a breadth of finishes and configuration possibilities, including optional H2Okinetic® Technology body sprays and jets for an unmatched sensory experience, Sensori is the Shelley Weir ultimate expression of Brizo’s vision for the shower. Associate Publisher
A Moving Experience! We have all done it ... some more than others!
R
ecently we moved from our year round home to our summer home on Georgian Bay. We thought this would be a great chance to further enjoy a different landscape and the many amenities the area has to offer. We didn’t however, plan on quite as much adventure! Our closing date came and went, came and went, came and went each time with a further time extension and all the numerous changes this entailed. Our purchaser requested an earlier than scheduled closing, two weeks early actually, to which we agreed. Three gruelling weekend contents sales later we were ready to pack!
Day 1 went fairly smoothly thanks to Dial Movers of Orillia. Having used Dale and Ben Wiggins for a prior move, we knew we were in good shape, we just didn’t know how good! Day 2 it became apparent we had a lot of “precious, cannot possibly part with” stuff to keep and store. So off to our storage unit we went with our gem/junk in tow ONLY to find our rental storage unit under water! All our prized processions on the Dial truck with nowhere to go. Time for Plan B. Dial Movers had a storage space for us to use in the meantime which turned out to be more permanent than temporary. Heated, no less! Day 3 ummm not so much. Day 4, how do we get rid of this stuff!
And, by Day 5, divorce court and junk dealers were now the focus on both our minds! A local charity scheduled to pick up our precious cargo declared, at the very last minute that they could not possibly take our stuff. Our junk removal backup plan was now not showing up either...keep in mind this is our closing day! Dial Movers to
the rescue once again! They would remove our now notso-precious items for us, never to be seen again! Long and short of this tale... Stay Calm and let Dial Movers move you on! Shelley Weir, Associate Publisher
healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
13
3 Tips To A “lounge-y” backyard
I
t’s a classic homeowner habit everyone can relate to: pouring lots of dollars and many hours into the interior of your house and barely giving a second thought to the outside. New cabinets for the bathroom, lights for the kitchen… yet you barely have time to cut the grass! I may sound like a broken record here but I’ll say it again: do not overlook the potential of your backyard. After all, when summer hits, our backyards become the social hub for any household. Warmer weather (and no chance of frostbite!) means more opportunity to spend with our families and friends in the beautiful outdoors. So why not give you backyard aesthetic a little thought, care and attention? It’s not as hard as you think. You don’ have to be professional landscape architect to create a backyard oasis… you just need some crafty thinking and a bit of innovation. Here are my top three tips for making your lawn as “lounge-y” as your living room…the perfect spot for unwinding without sacrificing on design or comfort.
Rethink the fence
1
Let’s face it, sometimes living in an urban centre leaves you wanting to put some distance between you and the folks next door. Unfortunately, fences
go-to is MicroPro Sienna, a pressure treated wood that’s not only eco-friendly and durable, but has a gorgeous rich-brown hue that doesn’t require initial staining. Plus, it minimizes the runoff of chemicals, so I have peace of mind that my flower, herb or veggie gardens will stay healthy!
Add different textures
just aren’t cutting it anymore. It’s time to think outside the box. I recommend planting small trees instead of big ones as small roots mean you can plant them closer to your deck to minimize exposure. If you’re looking to add a bit of extra style, I love up cycling old doors or fence panels to a fun retro piece.
Build a deck for entertaining
2
When it comes to boosting your backyard potential, I’m a huge fan of useable space. Whether it’s enjoying a coffee and the morning paper in the sun or hosting a long weekend barbeque, a deck is an ideal way to achieve that even surface perfect for dining furniture. For outdoors projects, my
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Adding a variety of fabrics is an easy way to give your space depth, personality, and texture, while also creating cosy outdoor space that allows you to treat your deck like your favourite room. Worried about dirt? Browns and dark colours feel like safe options, but patterned fabrics are also great because they hide grass stains well, but still give that extra touch of style. Carson Arthur is an international landscape designer with a focus on environmentally friendly design. His HGTV series, Critical Listing, teaches homeowners how to raise the value of their homes through outdoor renovations.
The Real Estate Page Beautiful Family Home
In-law Apartment
Well priced at $264,900 Centrally located, with large fenced lot on bus route and easy access to Hwys. 11 and 12. Walking distance to schools, parks and downtown!
On the water!
Great asking price of $349,000!
Two story 3 bedroom 2 bath plus a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom in-law apartment. Main floor living room, formal dining room, upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances. In-law apartment boasts a bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and sauna, plus a private entrance ensuring complete privacy and independence.
This Lagoon City property boasts 85 feet of waterfront with shoreline docking and lovely treed yard. Park your boat out front and enjoy the view! This lovely 1400 sq. ft. home has 3 bedrooms, 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, an oversized 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
Check out LifestylesMagazine.ca to view our new Real Estate Section!
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15
Conquering the clutter
Cleanliness with kids is possible
F
amed comedienne Phyllis Diller once said, “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shovelling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.” Many parents realize that having children means their homes will be filled with a vast assortment of toys, clothing and other items that seemingly spend more time scattered across the family room floor than in children’s bedrooms. Homes where young children lay their heads at night may not be as tidy as the photos lining home decorating magazine spreads. But while lived-in family homes may never be spotless, they do not have to be overrun with clutter, either. It’s possible to find a happy balance with the right strategy and by investing in a few organizational products. Work one room at a time. Cleaning up cluttered homes can seem like a monumental effort when looking at clutter as a whole. But parents can do themselves a favour by choosing a starting point and tackling the project one room at a time. Find the room that needs the most work or a space where clutter causes the biggest headaches. Once you clean such rooms, you may discover extra motivation to move on to the others. Resist the urge to wander. One of the obstacles many people face when attempting to declutter a home is the tendency to remove an item from one room only to add it to the existing clutter in another room. For example, if a child’s toy is in the living room, you may walk that toy up to the bedroom and get involved in tidying up the bedroom, leaving the mess behind in the living room. When organizing a home, stay in a particular room until that room is clean. Have designated bins or bags for items that need to be carried into another room, but only transfer such containers after a room has been cleaned. Cull twice a year. Children accumulate the greatest number of new toys on birthdays and holidays. Set a schedule to go through existing toys prior to these events and sort out the broken, old or seldom used items.
Donate these toys to preschools, afterschool programs, family support centres, or babysitting centers at your office or gym. Whatever can’t be salvaged should be put into the trash or recycling bins. Invest in storage cubes and bins. Toys that are easily accessible and seen are easier to find and put away. Develop a storage system that works for your family. Labelling bins with words (or pictures for children who can’t yet read) helps children identify where things belong. Find a system that will have long term functionality and grow with the family. Many stores sell storage bookcases that blend with home décor. Tame the toys. Making too many items available at any given time can become overwhelming to children. Rotate toys rather than always buying new ones so that items will be fresh and interesting. Toys out of the rotation can be stored in a basement or attic. Belongings that are not requested or missed can be given away. Another idea is to create wishlists for birthdays and holidays. This way friends and relatives only buy what kids want, rather than an array of toys that may just end up taking up space. Get items off of the floor. Any organizational system that can move items vertically is beneficial. Children will become accustomed to hanging things up rather than leaving belongings on the floor. Hooks, hangers and shelving mounted on walls, will free up precious floor space. Choose furniture that serves double duty. Beds with drawers underneath or a toy chest that doubles as a bench can work well in spaces that need some clutter control. Establish a school memory box. Parents can give each of their children a plastic bin where they can store memorable items from school. Not every assignment or drawing sent home needs to be kept. Reserve the memory box for those special things that have the most meaning. Kids and clutter often go hand in hand. However, there are ways to keep the mess under control.
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Make the most of small living spaces
T
iny houses are a recent phenomenon and have spurred many businesses — from builders to decorating experts — looking to connect with consumers who want to go small. The small house movement advocates for living simply in small homes, some of which can be as small as 100 square feet or less. Although living in a tiny house is not for everyone, many people prefer small-space living to living in larger, more spacious homes and apartments. For those looking to make the most of their small living spaces, there are ways to make such living arrangements feel larger. Light is your friend. Establish adequate lighting in a room that includes at least three working lights. Varied light sources from different angles will eliminate dark corners and shadows that can make a space feel smaller. Lighting also can draw the eye where you want it and distract attention from the room’s flaws. Make use of vertical space. Homes where space is at a premium may have limited storage
areas. An often overlooked storage option is vertical space. Space above doors, shelving, and areas above cabinetry are ideal places to store items. Use hooks on walls to keep belongings off the floor. Choose lighter paint. Choose lighter hues for your home furnishings and wall colours. You do not have to limit this to white (unless landlords require white walls). Pale colours will help reflect light and can make the room seem larger than it really is. Using a dark colour on the flooring can make other lighter shades really pop in contrast. Conceal the clutter. If you cannot keep personal belongings to the utmost minimum in a home, experiment with clever ways to keep items out of sight. Furniture that serves dual purposes can help with this task. Storage ottomans will conceal small toys or linens and also provide seating options in a room when guests come over. A dresser can be used as a dining room buffet piece, and the numerous drawers can hold knickknacks or silverware. Furniture with builtin, hidden storage is well worth the investment when living spaces are limited.
Create dual-purpose rooms. Lack of space means getting creative with the space you do have. A nook in your bedroom can be devoted to a miniature home office. Perhaps you can establish a crafting centre in a portion of your laundry room. Garages have long served as catchall spaces in homes. Apart from storage, they can be subdivided for home gyms or even a place to gather and watch a ballgame. Hang mirrors to “expand” rooms. Mirrors can trick the eye into believing there is more space in a room. Mirrors melt away room borders and can accelerate the flow of light. Hanging them throughout your home can make spaces seem larger. Think about built-in furniture. Traditional furniture may not be practical for small spaces and can waste a lot of room. Custom-built furniture is often the way to go to maximize the area you do have. Employ a little do-it-yourself initiative as well, customizing items for the perfect fit. Work with a designer. If you’re having difficulty making a small space work for you, consult with an interior designer or a contractor for some ideas.
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Try your hand at homemade salsa
healthy, happy, balanced life
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2015 SUMMER SEASON
OUTLAW
June 25 - July 4
by Norm Foster
directed by JESSE COLLINS
On GOLDEN POND
July 9 - July 25
T
ortilla chips just aren’t the same without salsa, a spicy sauce that has many variations. Many people enjoy store-bought salsa, but home chefs and foodies might want to try their hands at homemade salsa, which can be just as delicious as a restaurant quality variety. If you like your salsa to come with a little extra kick, consider the following recipe for “Fiery Corn Salsa” from Kelley Cleary Coffeen’s “200 Easy Mexican Recipes” (Robert Rose).
Fiery Corn Salsa
Makes 2 cups ¼ 3 2 3 1½ 2
cup olive oil tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice teaspoons minced fresh cilantro tomatoes, seeded and diced cups corn kernels to 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced salt and freshly ground black pepper In a large bowl, combine oil, lime juice and cilantro. Add tomatoes, corn and jalapeño to taste. Mix well until corn mixture is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or up to 2 days. Tip: In place of the corn kernels, you can used canned corn, drained; frozen corn, thawed; or corn from the cob, cooked on the stove top. For a smoky flavour, use corn grilled on the barbecue grill.
by Ernest Thompson
The Ladies FOURSOME July 30 - August 8
by Norm Foster
directed by JESSE COLLINS
The Vaudevillians August 13 - 29
a musical by Peter Colley
Individual show Tickets or Flex-Pacs on sale now
Tickets : $29.00 each Group Rate: $27.00 (10 and over) Flex-Pacs: 4 shows for only $100.00
Call the Box Office 1-888-ORILLIA 705-326-8011 or on-line at
orilliaoperahouse.ca 20 Mississaga Street West, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 3A6 follow us The Orillia Opera House @OrilliaPRC The Orillia Opera House is managed by the Orillia Parks, Recreation and Culture Department
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
How to make your
healthy, happy, balanced life
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dishwasher
work better
T
he dishwasher is an unsung hero of many a kitchen. When a dishwasher is working properly, it can make fast clean-up of scores of dishes, silverware and glasses. As handy as dishwashers can be, sometimes they seem to lose their cleaning power. While inadequate cleaning may indicate the time has come to replace the dishwasher, many times all the appliance needs is a little maintenance and TLC. Begin by investigating the interior of the dishwasher. Check for any visible food particles or debris, cleaning out any food traps at the bottom of the dishwasher. The matlike item at the bottom is called the coarse filter and is meant to catch big particles that could prevent your tub from draining. Don’t forget to clean the rubber seals around the perimeter of the dishwasher where the door meets up with the tub of the dishwasher, as this is a prime location for debris to gather. Running an empty dishwasher with a clarifying rinse can help wash away any residue and improve performance. Plus, this maintenance task can remove odors and refresh the dishwasher. Put two cups of white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher so that it will distribute through the appliance during the cleaning cycles. White vinegar will naturally break down old dishwasher soap and scale buildup inside of the unit. Consider a short rinse afterward with some baking soda to remove odors and scour the interior of the appliance as well. Baking soda and vinegar are popular
cleaning substances and are safe to use around food items. For more intense cleaning, create a bath of vinegar and water in your sink basin. Remove parts from the dishwasher, such as shelving and the utensil holder, so that they can soak in the solution. Some dishwashers have removable spinning cleaning arms. Take these off, if possible, and let them soak to dislodge any residue that has clogged the water jets. Use a pipe cleaner or another flexible device to carefully remove any debris from the water holes. You may be amazed at what has built up in these small holes. You also may need to inspect the drain line, which is often made of plastic and connected to the trap under the kitchen sink. On occasion, this tube can get blocked and prevent the dishwasher from draining effectively. In addition to these cleaning techniques, using a rinse agent may help the dishwasher work better. According to Jet Dry, the maker of a popular rinse agent, rinse agents help your dishwasher rinse away residue that causes spots and film on dishes and glasses. They are designed to lower the surface tension of the water, causing it to sheet off the dishes during the final rinse. This prevents the formation of droplets of water that can remain on the surface of the dishes and form spots and film. Maintaining a dishwasher with regular cleaning can help it perform better during each and every load.
D b
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Ideas for pool perimeter landscaping
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Homeowners have many options with regard to landscaping the areas surrounding their pools.
Mulch And Stone
W
ith the rise of the “staycation,” more and more homeowners are turning their backyards into their own private oases. The centrepiece of many such retreats is a refreshing and inviting pool. Whether above ground or in ground models, pools make for welcoming spots to enjoy warm days and nights. A new pool can quickly turn a yard into the “it” spot to spend vacations or cool off at the end hot summer days. While pools are often the focal point of a backyard, many homeowners want their pools to blend seamlessly with the rest of their yards. When transforming a yard with a pool, homeowners should consider a few factors to ensure each afternoon spent poolside is as safe as it is fun.
be erected around pools). Consult a landscaping contractor, who should be knowledgeable about safety codes, or speak to the permit-issuing department at town hall. There should be a list of requirements to ensure pool placement as well as any surrounding touches are legal and within code.
Nonslip Surfaces
Concrete, brick and pavers and decking are popular materials used to surround a pool. Installers can make recommendations on materials and finishes, but one suggestion is to choose a rough finish. Pool water can make surfaces slippery. Concrete that is stamped or scarred provides extra traction than a smooth surface. The same can be said for brick patios and pavers. Avoid smooth stones or pavers with shiny surfaces, as these may only increase the risk of falls. Homeowners who have chosen wood or composite decking to surround a pool should talk to their contractor about nonslip protective Safety First Although the goal may be to soften the lines of coatings. Such coatings typically are acrylicthe pool and/or create sight barriers that will based liquids applied like a paint or sealer. Some provide some measure of privacy for swimmers, composite decks may be crafted with texture or homeowners must put safety above all else. Before a built-in coating to reduce slipping. In addition, any decorative touches are added, it’s important use nonstick mats on decks and patios to provide to surround a pool with a slip-resistant surface a little extra footing where people enter and exit and fencing (many communities require fences the pool.
Homeowners often prefer a combination of mulch or stone to serve as a transition between the pool, concrete or paver hardscape and the lawn. Stone may be more practical for those with inground pools because it will not easily blow onto the water surface. With an above ground pool, mulch or stone can do the trick, serving as a barrier so that pool water does not overly drench the surrounding lawn or damage grass after exposure to pool chemicals. Mulch and stone also provide drainage from water runoff from the pool and rain. Another advantage of having an additional barrier between the pool and lawn is that lawn clippings will not be shot into the pool when mowing. Stone and mulch can be dressed up with statues, lawn ornaments and tolerant plants.
Finishing Touches
Plants can provide the finishing touches for a poolside landscape. Pools are not often shaded from the sun, so plants placed around the pool will need to be sun and drought tolerant. Various ground covers will work. Moderately growing grasses will offer a privacy barrier. Keep trees and flowering plants far enough away from the pool’s edge so they do not contribute to debris that falls into the pool, which can complicate maintenance. Also, flowering plants may attract insects and other wildlife that may interfere with your enjoyment of the pool. It’s better to create a friendly environment for wildlife further away from the pool. Homeowners who need some advice planning the landscaping around their pools can rely on the expertise of landscape architects as well as employees at lawn and garden centers. Pool companies may work with landscapers and offer recommendations to people unaccustomed to working around pools.
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Think outside the cereal box at the breakfast table
T
he breakfast table is where many families gather on weekend mornings to start their days with a hearty meal and some equally
hearty conversation. Families who have grown tired
of cereal or scrambled eggs can forgo traditional breakfast fare in favor of something a little more flavourful and unique, such as the following recipe for “Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices” from Betty Rosbottom’s “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books).
Pan-Fried Eggs & Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices Serves 4 Mushroom Sauté 1¼ ounces mixed dried mushrooms 1½ cups boiling water 3 tablespoons olive oil 8 ounces sliced brown mushrooms 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary kosher salt freshly ground black pepper Toast and Eggs 4 ½-inch-thick sourdough slices, halved if the slices are extra large 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 eggs olive oil kosher salt freshly ground black pepper rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
1. For the Mushroom Sauté: Place the dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and cover with the boiling water. Let stand until softened, 20 minutes. Strain in a sieve lined with a double thickness of paper towels and reserve the soaking liquid. Coarsely chop the mushrooms. 4.
until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the toast and cover loosely with foil. When the pan is cool enough to handle, wipe it out with clean paper towels. Add the butter to the frying pan and set it over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam, break an egg into a saucer, being careful to remove any shell fragments, and gently slide it into the frying pan. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cook, basting the eggs with some of the butter in the pan frequently, until the whites are firm and the yolks are still soft and runny, 3 minutes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot, add the brown mushrooms and sauté, stirring often, for 6 minutes. Add the reserved mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt; stir for 1 minute. Add the mushroom liquid and cook, stirring until it has evaporated, 4 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and several grinds of pepper. Remove the frying pan from the heat and cover with foil to keep warm. (The 5. While the eggs are cooking, arrange a toasted bread slice on each of four plates. Mound the mushrooms can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, mushrooms evenly over the toast. cover and refrigerate. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.) 6. Remove each egg with a spatula and arrange 3. For the toast and eggs: on top of the mushrooms. Season with salt and Brush both sides of the pepper and, if desired, garnish each serving bread slices generously with a rosemary sprig. Serve immediately. with olive oil. Set a Cooking note: If you can’t find dried crushed 10- to 11-inch by 25- to rosemary, crush regular dried rosemary in an 28-centimetre nonstick electric spice mill, or place it in a self-sealing frying pan over mediumplastic bag and roll over it with a rolling pin. high heat and, when hot, add the bread and cook