Lifestyles
NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2014
a passion for health DR TIM SILVESTER DC wine & food pairings IT’S SIMPLE don’t derail your DIET being a fit FAMILY budget-friendly BATHROOM RENOS managing your holiday CREDIT Scan
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Lifestylescontents Vol 3 No 6
passion for health DR TIM
P7
wine & food pairings P9
IT’S SIMPLE
alleviating
ACID REFLUX
P10
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Welcome to LSM, Orillia’s own lifestylesmagazine.ca, dedicated to delivering articles designed to enhance a Healthy, Happy, Balanced Life. From designing and decorating your own home, to healthy eating and exercise, to just plain relaxing, travelling and building your dreams, we intend to deliver stimulating articles that lead to personal well-being and happiness.
Lifestylescontents Vol 3 No 6
being a fit
FAMILY P18
don’t derail YOUR DIET P21
budget-friendly
BATHROOM RENOS
P29
SHELLEY’S TRENDY FINDS PG6 HOLIDAY TOY PREDICTIONS PG15 DAVENPORT WINS TARGA RACE PG15 GREAT GIFTS FOR KIDS PG16 SAVE ON HIGH-TECH GIFTS PG17 ASK THE TRAINER PG19 BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME PG20 SHELLEY’S KID-PROOF TRIFLE PG22 SHELLEY’S PARMESAN ASPARAGUS PG24 GO GREEN THIS WINTER PG25 FOSTER READING IN CHILDREN PG26 TEA, THE HERBS HAVE IT PG27 DRIVE SAFE IN WINTER PG30 COVER Dr Tim Silvester DC, Grace Chiropractic, Orillia, Page 7.
Have Lifestyles delivered. Subscribe online today! R. Brock Weir Shelley Weir Linda Laforge Publisher/Editor Associate Publisher Production | Creative | Design brock@lifestylesmagazine.ca shelley@lifestylesmagazine.ca linda@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 330 2262 705 330 1026 705 728 6218 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 The information contained in lifestylesmagazine.ca may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior wrtten permission.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
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Did you know?
Shelley’s Trendy Finds!
Orillia Opera House
Check out their upcoming shows and Christmas ticket packages! A great gift idea for the music/theater lovers on your list. See ad in this issue.
Dalt’s Honda
See Mike today and test drive the totally new Honda FIT! Put a new stride in your ride. Look for the ad in this month’s edition of Lifestyles!
Home Hardware
Orillia has the new Anna Olson Kuraidori cookware line and a whole lot more awaits you at your “Home”! Cool, fun Home Décor and so much more!
Sirkka’s Kitchen & Bath
final closing out sale and the entire stock’s gotta go! Wow, 70% off! Check out her ad this issue.
Design House Hwy. 11, North has the coolest faux diamond, yes I said that, hardware for your bathroom cabinets or closet doors...bling, bling! Just Awesome! Take a look! The latest Cambria countertops as well... more sparkles! LOL
Orillia Trim & Door
has the whole King Tool Flyer available online for guys and gals who love to renovate! Everything BUT the kitchen sink!
Marcel’s
formerly Zat’s location on Mississauga St., has just opened. Marcel (of Sixteen Front fame) now has a new home, his own Gastro Diner...very cool Congrats Marcel.
Knight’s Harbour Inn
Lagoon City, has a fun filled two months ahead! Wine tastings, weekend entertainment, dinner specials, great room rates and, oh yes, New Year’s Eve plans! Call Stephen today!
Oh !!! And don’t forget! Lifestyles Magazine is online 24/7, 365 Days a Year! Look for our advertiser sales, special events and great deals each and every week. Check us out!
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Dr Tim Silvester, DC When I think back to my childhood I realize that health was on my radar from a very early age Why A Chiropractor?
Sometimes I get asked what led me into the field of healthcare and why I chose to become a chiropractor. In grade 5 when other kids were writing their school speeches on topics like Neil Armstrong landing on the moon and the Titanic, I wrote mine on obesity.
My Father’s Healthy Lifestyle
Growing up my father was a high school physical and health education teacher so the importance of a healthy lifestyle was a part of my upbringing. I still fondly remember him taking me and my siblings to the track to run laps with him when we were pretty young. I am grateful because physical activity was instilled in me as something that is just a part of your every day life. It didn’t occur to me that other families weren’t like ours and didn’t incorporate regular exercise and activity into their daily lives.
My Mother’s Battle
I also developed a keen interest in preventive health through my mother’s battle with breast cancer. As a youth I watched her battle the disease valiantly only to succumb to the illness when I was 14 years old. The experience developed a curiosity in me and I had all kinds of questions
that I wanted answered. Why did she get sick? Was it something pre-programmed in her genes or was it something in her lifestyle that she could have done differently to prevent her outcome? Was there some other form of intervention that could have made a difference in her healing?
Looking At Healthcare
I think from this experience I always knew that I was going to be involved in health care in some capacity. I also knew that I wanted to focus on a more holistic, preventive approach to health. Our current health care system does an amazing job treating sickness, alleviating suffering and prolonging life for those in crisis. However, I’ve always felt that treating sickness is a backwards approach to healthcare and it’s the reason why we as a society are getting sicker and sicker year after year. Cancer, heart disease and diabetes are rampant, and in my opinion, the cure is to be found in prevention. Not enough people understand lifestyle habits that can have an impact on reducing the risk of these and other afflictions.
Orillia & Family Roots
Having been born and raised in Orillia, it was an easy decision to come back home to practice and give back to the community that I love. After
high school, I did my undergraduate degree at Western in London before the four year Doctor of Chiropractic degree in Toronto. When I graduated in 1999 my wife Jennifer, who also grew up in Orillia, was pregnant with our first of two daughters and she was definitely excited about coming home with our families close by. It’s fun to see my daughters being taught by some of the same teachers that we had in high school!
A Bit Of Philosophy
I love the quote by the great American inventor Thomas Edison, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease”. This health care philosophy has always resonated with me, and chiropractic really is an extension of this approach. The basic, underlying tenet of chiropractic philosophy is that the human body is a self-healing organism. The nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is the master system of the body and controls the function, healing and repair of every single organ, tissue and cell in the body. In essence, your body will only function, heal and repair as well as your nervous system is functioning. For the full interview go to www.LifestylesMagazine.ca
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It’s Easy!
wine & food pairings Pairing wine with food is not always so easy. When in doubt, ask an employee at the LCBO for a suggestion.
W
alk into any LCBO store and you will likely encounter a dizzying array of selections. While wine selections were once limited to a few well-known brands, many niche and private wineries have begun to make their vintages available to a wider clientele, so now shoppers are treated to both familiar and less well-known options. To novice dinner party hosts, the vast array of wines and flavours can make selecting a bottle or two to accompany a meal a bit more challenging. But one need not be a master sommelier to find the right pairing. The following tips can help anyone select wines to go with their menu or the type of occasion. Work from light to dark. Just as you begin a dinner service with some appetizers and salads before moving to heavier courses, the wine should follow suit. Select lighter wines to accompany the earlier course before opting for deeper, richer wines as the meal progresses. Consider champagne to accompany appetizers and opening courses. Champagne works particularly well with salty foods, which is why it is often a good match for hors d’oeuvres. If your’s is a cocktail party only, you may want to exclusively serve champagne, which typically pairs well with passed finger foods and even
bite-sized desserts. Opt for sauvignon blanc when you do not want the flavour of the wine to be overwhelmed by the food. Sauvignon blanc works with early courses that pack a flavorful punch. Sauvignon blanc can be grassy or tropical in flavouring, depending on the region in which the grapes were grown. It is commonly described as crisp and fresh in flavour and is often recommended with sushi.
Match delicate seafood dishes with a light wine. Pinot grigio or chablis are delicately flavored and will pair well with seafood. Fish that is served in a rich sauce may be better matched with a heartier chardonnay. Make rosé your go-to wine when serving cheese. Although some cheeses work great with white or red, rosé is typically a safe bet when serving cheese because of its acidity and fruity character, offering the best of both worlds. Hearty meats, such as steaks and chops, pair well with rich reds. Cabernet sauvignon and bordeaux are great when paired with meat. Malbec and shiraz can hold their own if meats are spiced and extremely flavourful. Rustic wines will work best with rustic recipes. Try to find a wine from the same region from which the meal originated. Pinot noir is a light-bodied red wine that has full flavour and can work with many pasta dishes as well as earthy ingredients, such as mushrooms. Though some people follow a strict personal code regarding wine pairings, your personal tastes should dictate what you ultimately serve. Experimentation can yield an unexpected flavour combination that complements the nuances of both the food and the wine.
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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
A
cid reflux is one of the more common, not to mention painful, side effects of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Estimates are that
more than 60 million adults in the United States suffer
from symptoms of acid reflux each month, and almost half experience symptoms every day. Finding relief can be challenging, but there are a variety of treatments available, including some drug-free alternatives. There is no cure for acid reflux, but there are ways to manage the condition and prevent permanent damage to the esophagus. Many people rely on proton-pump inhibitors, or PPIs, to keep acid reflux at bay. PPIs are one of the more commonly prescribed medications for acid reflux, and while they may be beneficial for short-term treatment of acid reflux, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently cautioned against prolonged use of PPIs. Many acid-stopping medications can inhibit nutrient absorption, reduce resistance to infection and may cause vitamin deficiencies. They also have been shown to increase the risk of bone fractures and dementia. Rather than taking medication, some people might be able to make certain lifestyle changes to relieve acid reflux.
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Natural ways to alleviate acid reflux made into tea or added to recipes and smoothies. Fennel, a licorice-flavoured vegetable, may improve stomach function. Some people like to eat it after a meal to aid digestion. Parsley has been used as a medicinal herb to settle the stomach for thousands of years. Parsley can add flavour to meals and serve as an attractive garnish.
Stock up on apple cider vinegar Pay attention to the foods you eat Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits and even raisins, can increase the amount of acid in the stomach. Choose foods that are less likely to aggravate symptoms and can alleviate pain and flare-ups. Foods that will absorb acid are safe bets. For example, oatmeal is a filling, hearty food that can combat acid problems. Stick to lean poultry that is baked, broiled or grilled. Remove the fatty skin, as it may cause digestive issues.
Use natural digestion enhancers Remember those homespun remedies Mom used to whip up when you had an upset stomach? They can be equally effective for acid reflux. Ginger root has long been used to calm the stomach. Ginger can be
Apple cider vinegar has uses beyond flavouring in favourite recipes. It also can soothe acid reflux symptoms. It’s believed the vinegar plays a role in maintaining healthy bacteria in the stomach, and that this bacteria eases digestion. Try mixing one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into four ounces of water to drink before, during or after a meal. Apple cider vinegar also can be spread on salad.
Practice portion control at mealtime Overindulging at mealtime can cause intestinal discomfort, which may contribute to acid reflux. Opt for more frequent and smaller meals instead of larger infrequent ones. Also, remain upright for two to three hours after eating to promote good digestion.
Elevate your head If acid reflux symptoms tend to strike at night or while you are lying down, elevating your head in bed can help. Use pillows to prop yourself up or find another way to keep your head elevated until symptoms subside.
Shed some pounds Many doctors recommend weight loss to alleviate acid reflux. Losing 10 to 15 pounds can decrease pressure on the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle at the band of the stomach and esophagus.
Quit tobacco products Smokers have a higher incidence of GERD than nonsmokers, so quitting smoking may help alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Even if stopping smoking has minimal effect on your acid reflux, it will still improve your overall health.
Drink more water between meals Water hydrates the body and flushes out toxins that can build up in the digestive tract. Water also may help dilute stomach acid. However, do not drink tons of water with a meal, as this may stimulate the stomach to produce more acid to maintain digestion. Chewing gum when water is not available can stimulate saliva production. Saliva is naturally alkaline and can counteract the overproduction of acid. Acid reflux can be a nuisance or downright painful. Before reaching for medication, consider a few lifestyle changes to alleviate acid reflux.
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How social media can affect your career
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ocial media has become an integral part of modern society. Millions of people around the world use social media to connect with one another. But this valuable tool also can be a detriment, particularly to men and women seeking employment. What a person says or does on social media can come back to haunt them with regard to the impression they create with prospective employers. Questionable antics and comments may reflect negatively on a person without him or her even realizing it. According to a study by Reppler, a social media monitoring service, 91 percent of employers use social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to screen prospective employees. Many people are completely unaware how others view them through their social media profiles and usage, but social media profiles give away more information about a person’s character and personality than many people would ever imagine. Even seemingly innocent remarks and observations can be misconstrued. Use of profanity or offering commentary on controversial subjects may be a person’s right. However, such comments may not sit well with prospective employers. Some may think the solution is not to have profiles on the popular social media sites. But avoiding social media entirely can send the
Be careful with regard to how you use social media, which can either positively or negatively affect your employment prospects depending on what you share.
wrong message to prospective employers. It may suggest that you are not a person who is current with the latest trends in technology and may give employers the impression that you are not adept at keeping up with the changing times. The key is finding the right balance with social media. The following are a few tips to ensure your social media usage does not do more harm than good. Do not post or tweet information that should be kept private. If you would not tell intimate secrets to another person, especially an employer, do not convey these details to your group of “friends.” Recognize that it’s not always your comments that can affect perceptions of you. The friends you choose to accept and socialize with via social media can impact how others view you. If friends are prone to vulgarity and off-color commentary, employers may surmise
that this type of behavior is acceptable to you. Screen friends and block those who do not meet your standards. Know that security features on social media applications change frequently. It’s important to know just how private your information may be. For example, if you are tagged in another person’s photo, people outside of your friends’ list may be able to see that image. You have to police your sites and lock down the information as you see fit, only posting what is appropriate for the general public. Do not complain about a job or boss publicly. Even if your boss is not on your list of friends, he or she may still learn about your comments through gossip. While verbal complaints with others may not be accurately tracked back to you, text is hard evidence to discredit. Use social media as a networking tool to find other like-minded individuals in the same fields. Join industry-based groups and organizations so that you can share your ideas. Further expanding your reach through blogs and websites can also help your job hunt. Social media is here to stay, making many details of people’s lives more public, so exercise caution with social media so your career is not negatively affected.
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
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pending is synonymous with the holiday season. According to the U.S. Census Monthly Retail Trade Survey, spending rose throughout the holiday season in 2013, when consumers spent more than $300 billion in the month of December alone. If spending and the holiday season go handin-hand, so, too, does January and the financial hangover that results from having spent so much in November and December. Many consumers find themselves in considerable debt come the new year, having decided to put many of their holiday purchases on plastic when the season was in full swing. But just because the holidays are a season of spending does not mean the first months of the new year need to be an exercise in extricating yourself from debt. The following are a few ways shoppers can effectively manage their credit this holiday season. Don’t use credit just to earn bonuses. One way to fall into significant debt is to justify your use of credit cards as a great way to earn miles, points or cash-back bonuses. While such rewards can be appealing, if you’re afraid that you will overspend this holiday season if you put everything on plastic, then don’t do so just so you can earn bonuses. Credit cards should only be used when you have enough money to pay off a balance in its entirety before you incur any interest charges. Those rewards might be tempting, but they’re not as valuable if you overspend and end up paying substantial interest charges. Avoid retailer credit cards. Retailer credit cards also entice shoppers with deals. When purchasing items in-store, customers often are
healthy, happy, balanced life
Effectively manage your credit this holiday season
asked if they would like to earn a percentage off of their purchase by signing up for a retailer credit card. Such discounts may fall anywhere between 10 and 20 per cent, a deal that many men and women may find too tempting to resist. However, retailer credit cards often come with much higher interest rates than standard credit cards. Unless you know you can pay off the balance immediately, decline the offer to sign up for a retailer credit card, opting instead to pay for your items with cash or a preexisting card that carries a much lower interest rate. Use only one card. Using multiple cards when making holiday purchases is a great way to lose track of how much you have spent. Even though the Internet makes it easy to check balances on all of your cards multiple times per day, managing credit is still easier if you only need to log in to a single account to monitor your holiday spending. Make a daily effort to monitor that spending, as it’s free to view your balance online and such monitoring can greatly reduce the likelihood that you will overspend. Don’t exceed your credit limit. One of the biggest yet most preventable mistakes consumers make come the holiday season is exceeding their credit limits. Exceeding your credit limit not only means you will have a rough month of January when the bills come due, but such a mistake also has a more longterm effect, as your credit score suffers anytime you exceed your limit. Know your interest rates. Though it’s best to only use a credit card when you know you can repay the balance in full when the bill arrives, some consumers simply must carry a
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balance. In such instances, know the interest rate held by a particular card before you swipe that card to make a purchase. Some cards hold variable interest rates, which means the interest charged back in June may be far lower than the interest you will be charged in January. Before using any of your credit cards, determine which one holds the lowest interest rate and use that one when making holiday purchases. Though spending might be synonymous with the holiday season, consumers need not accept credit card debt as a harsh reality of January. Taking steps to manage credit effectively when holiday shopping can make January a more enjoyable time of year.
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Counter Culture
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Choosing the right kitchen countertop is a very confusing proposition
How do you decide if you should choose a solid surface countertop or if a laminate will be good enough? Knowing the different options and the benefits of each type of countertop will help you make an informed decision that will meet your needs and budget.
Quartz
Marble
Quartz is one of the most durable options when it comes to countertops. It is a non-porous surface that is stain resistant and requires no sealing, polishing or reconditioning, ever. Quartz is one of the most abundant and durable minerals found in nature and once it is injected with resins it makes for a strong option for countertops. Quartz countertops offer a consistency in pattern and colour that will suit many styles and designs. When it comes to budget, be prepared to spend approximately five per cent more than you would for a granite countertop.
Granite
Granite is perhaps the most recognizable option for solid surface countertops. A beautiful representation of what Mother Nature is capable of, granite is an igneous molten magma that is mined from the earth and offers uniqueness in every piece. Granite is scratch, stain and scorch resistant, but does require sealing which is usually applied during the initial installation and can be reapplied as a general preventative maintenance as required, typically once a year. This type of countertop should not be chosen from a sample and a view of the complete slab should be arranged prior to purchasing so that there are no surprises when it comes to colour and pattern.
Marble is a calcious organic material and is not as dense as granite therefore not as strong or as durable. Use of marble is not recommended in a kitchen application but can be used as an accent for areas such as bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, shower thresholds, or other areas that don’t receive as much wear. Marble is a highly polished smooth surface that comes in a variety of colours. Maintaining a marble countertop is fairly easy as long as you renew the sealer regularly and remove stains quickly as soon as they appear.
Soapstone
Soapstone is one of the oldest countertop materials and it is becoming increasingly popular as a choice of material for kitchen countertops
today. It is a durable inert material that is not affected by acid and is heat resistant. It can be easily cut and shaped and is virtually maintenance free due to its dense, non-porous characteristics. Soapstone is graded by the percentage of talc content in the stone. The higher the percentage the harder the stone. One of the main differences between soapstone and other solid surface materials is that it is quarried in smaller slabs (7’) which may lead, in some cases, to more seams. Whatever material you decide on for your new countertop, you are now armed with the basic knowledge to make an informed decision based on your needs and lifestyle. Tania Winters tania.winters@hhbcorillia.ca
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2014 holiday toy predictions
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arents often find themselves waiting in long lines to snag the hottest toys for children’s holiday gifts. Shoppers arrive at retail stores in droves to grab the newest video game consoles or must-have dolls or action figures. From Cabbage Patch Dolls of the 1980s to the Elmo craze of the 1990s, every generation seems to have its own “must-have” holiday gift. This year, holiday shoppers may want to start shopping early if they hope to land any of the following items that figure to be this year’s hot toys. “Frozen”- themed toys: Mega-retailer Walmart predicts that toys inspired by the smash hit film “Frozen” will continue to be hot commodities
this holiday season. To meet demand, the retailer already is stocking up on the popular characters and other products banking on the popularity of the film. If the special girl in your life is still enamored with all things “Frozen,” it’s a smart bet to start your holiday buying early this year. “Hunger Games” athletic items: Fans of the “Hunger Games” trilogy, be it the books, movies or both, are familiar with lead character Katniss’ prowess with a bow and arrow. Bows inspired by the movie are in demand and will appeal to both girls and boys testing their archery skills. Beats by Dr. Dre: Music-lovers still consider these headphones must-have items. They’re especially prevalent among the teen market. Available in a variety of colors, users can coordinate their Beats headphones with their clothing or accessories. Lego Minecraft: It was only a matter of time before Lego got in on the action of one of the hottest games to sweep the Internet and video game console world. Minecraft is a digital building game that has enthralled gamers of all ages. Now Minecraft enthusiasts can recreate on-screen worlds in tangible Lego versions.
Xeno: Xeno is a “friend-toy” that is neither robot nor doll, but an interactive pet. Made from nontoxic elastic material and including eight sensors, the creature is a moving, reacting companion. Xeno even can dance to music. And parents will love that Xeno does not need to be taken for walks. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: On the heels of summer blockbuster inspired by these gifted turtles, fans of the weapon-swinging shelled warriors will certainly want to surround themselves with all things turtle, so expect to see plenty of movieinspired gifts on store shelves this season. The holiday season is on the horizon, and it’s never too early to begin shopping for the toys and games experts predict will be this year’s musthave items.
Mike Davenport Wins Targa Newfoundland Race Two Years In A Row Mike Davenport, Driver and Brad Benson Co-driver, driving a 2015 Subaru WRX STI Modified, finished 1st in Open Class in both 2013 & 2014. In addition, their driving raised $37,000 for the Bob Rumble Foundation, Rally For the Kids, giving them a grand total of $387,000 since 2008. We thought you might enjoy these pictures!
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Gifts to keep kids engaged
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®
Select gifts that will have a longer shelf life, guaranteeing more opportunities for play.
tore aisles are filled this time of year with every must-have gift retailers can advertise. Children often plead and beg for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to find their requests wrapped up come the big day. But once the gift wrap is torn away and kids have played with their presents for a day, some already grow bored with their new belongings and cast them aside. Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play — no matter what the advertisements boast. No gift-giver wants to spend money on a present only to have it collecting dust days later. With that said, employing these strategies can help anyone select a gift that will continue to inspire and excite children long after the holiday season has come and gone. Don’t believe the hype. It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for ultrapopular trendy gifts. While such gifts may have popular appeal, that does not mean they’re a perfect fit for your child. When shopping for youngsters come the holiday season, choose a gift because your child will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the trendy item of the year. Focus on the play factor. Too often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances. Instead, think about how the toys will work with
imaginative play. The more a child can envision himself doing with a particular toy, the more likely he or she will exhibit a continued interest in that toy. Look for minimal bells and whistles. Kids often find toys that leave more room for imagination more interesting than toys that are loaded with gadgets. Children prefer to make up their own stories and create modes of play that are more about what they like rather than the “right” way to play or win. Choose gifts that grow. Shoppers want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during play time. But shoppers also should look for toys and activities that can be modified and grow with the child as he or she ages. A game that gets progressively harder through levels or a toy set that can be supplemented as kids grow older may make good gifts. Musical instruments also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice. Figure out the child’s interests. Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly received. It may take going the extra mile to find a gift that matches a child’s interest rather than picking up the first trendy gift you see, but the results will be well worth it.
Ceramic & Stone
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How to save on high-tech gifts
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adgets are among the most popular gifts come the holiday season. In 2013, CreditDonkey.com surveyed shoppers to determine what they planned to give during the holidays, and electronics were second only to gift cards among the most popular gifts to give. Sixty-three percent of respondents cited their intentions to give electronics, while the survey also found that 76 per cent of people planned to request electronics as holiday gifts. Gadgets figure to be popular gifts again this holiday season. Unwrapping the latest tablet or a big-screen television can be exciting, but electronics can be expensive. Those who plan to give their loved ones the latest gadgetry should be happy to learn there are ways to do so that don’t require breaking the bank. Scale back. Oftentimes people are buying more computer or data than they actually need. For example, when buying computers, it’s tempting to go for those that boast the most memory, but that extra memory is only useful to those people who truly need it. A less expensive model that suits your loved one’s genuine needs will make for an impressive and more practical gift. Determine necessity. Some gadgets are more a desire than a necessity. Decide if a particular device will be an asset to your loved one or just another trendy item that soon will be gathering dust. Look for devices that your loved one will make the most of. If the purchase is not warranted, save your money and look for something else. Consider refurbished items. Don’t shy away from refurbished items, as the discounts can be steep. Refurbished items are often just
Shoppers can employ several strategies to save money on gadgets this holiday season.
items that were returned to the store because they’re not needed or because the item was malfunctioning. Returned items are factorytested and then repackaged. Opt for refurbished items that carry a manufacturer-backed warranty for greater peace of mind. Consider open box items. Just because packaging is dented or torn does not mean the merchandise inside is damaged. Purchasing a product that’s not inside a pristine box can sometimes yield a 10 to 15 percent discount at retailers that offer open-box specials. Just verify that all cords, manuals and other accessories are inside the box before leaving the store. Peruse previous generation models. Manufacturers release a new version of their devices seemingly every year. That doesn’t mean last year’s phone, video game console or computer is any less effective than the updated version. Models from previous years likely won’t
be much different from the latest models, but they do figure to be considerably less expensive. Look for coupon codes. When researching products, search for coupon codes for desired electronics and retailers. Web-based retailers may post coupon codes that add up to significant savings. Just ensure that the total cost after taxes and shipping fees are calculated makes the purchase worth your while. Skip the warranty. Extended warranties often cost more money than potential repairs. In addition, after a few year’s time, your loved one may be looking to upgrade his or her gadget anyway, making the extended warranty an unnecessary expense. Gadgets make for popular yet expensive holiday gifts. But holiday shoppers can save money on electronics by employing a few savings strategies.
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Fun ways to be a fit family
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besity is a global epidemic affecting people of all ages. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of Americans are considered obese, while Statistics Canada notes about 25 percent of Canadians are obese. Being overweight or obese has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer, and children who are overweight are likely to be overweight or obese adults. While eating a diet that is low in fat and high in wholegrain fiber, vegetables and lean proteins is important, exercise remains one of the key factors in maintaining a healthy weight. However, many adults and children simply do not get enough exercise during the day. An active lifestyle is often hampered by the prevalence of digital devices or sedentary jobs that encourage more screen time than fitness time. But there are ways for the entire family to get fit. Exercising together is not just a great way for families to get healthy, but also a great opportunity to spend time together. The following are
a handful of ways families can work together to incorporate more exercise into their daily lives. Tackle chores. Yes, tasks around the house can count as exercise. Working together not only gets you moving but also cuts down on the time it takes to tackle tasks around the house. Mowing the lawn, vacuuming the rugs, sweeping the floor — all of these activities can get the heart pumping. Make it fun by setting chores to music or competing against one another to see who gets their task done first or the best. Compete in the pool. Swimming is a low-impact activity that works many muscles in the body. Taking a dip in the pool can be both relaxing and beneficial to your health. Compete with family members to make the most of the time spent in the water. Host relay swimming races, see how long each member of the family can tread water or create any other competitions that keep everyone in the pool moving. Create an outdoor obstacle course. Set up a series of obstacles in your yard and host your own triathlon. You can jump through tires, climb through tubes and scale trees. Make it fun by having adults try to ride tricycles or pair up an adult with a child for sack races. The opportunities for fun are only hampered by your imagination. Go for family bicycle rides. Traverse your neighborhood or blaze new trails by riding bikes together. Young children can be strapped into trailers that are pulled behind the bike or ride in seats attached to the bike itself. This gives everyone a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and hone their cycling skills. Go hiking. Hiking is another fun family activity that also happens to make for great exercise. Choose a trail that may not be level and push everyone’s endurance to the test. Stroll the beach. Walking or running on sand offers more resistance than walking on pavement. Take a stroll at the seaside. Break up the walk by collecting shells or stopping by the water to observe marine wildlife. Hit the dance floor. If you’ve been invited to a wedding or a Sweet 16 party, cut a rug and take advantage of the DJ and dance floor. When enjoying yourselves, you probably won’t even realize how much you’re exercising.
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Ask the Trainer
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About the author: Jessica Brown, CSEP-CPT, is the Member Experience Manager at Anytime Fitness in Orillia, Wasaga Beach and Alliston. She has a coaching background in competitive figure skating. She earned her CSEP-CPT certificate through Durham College’s Fitness and Health Promotion Program and is also a certified TRX instructor.
Expert answers to your health & wellness questions
www.anytimefitness.com
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soup stocks, sauces and canned vegetables. Limit the use of processed and frozen foods. Limit your intake of condiments such as dill pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and Sodium is added to everything from pasta salad dressing. And finally, when cooking, sauces, condiments, to frozen foods, so it’s no instead of salt reach for lemon juice, citrus surprise that the average adult consumes 3,400 juices, dried spices and vinegar to add flavor mg of sodium per day. Many organizations to your food. Making one (or all) of these such as the Canadian Food Guide recommend changes will reduce your daily sodium that adults should limit their sodium intake to intake by hundreds of milligrams. As a no more than 2,300 mg per day to improve bonus, become a ‘label sleuth’. It’s really as overall health. Reducing your sodium intake simple as reviewing the food labels to note can be done with a few small changes in your the sodium contained to help you make a diet. Purchase low-sodium or sodium-free healthier choice. varieties of your usual pantry items such as My physician has recommended that I reduce my daily sodium intake. What are some simple ways to do this?
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Can you please explain what circuit training is? Circuit training is a form of body conditioning where you perform an exercise for a period of time and then move on to another exercise. Typically, you’ll perform each exercise for 30-60 seconds and have 15-30 seconds to transition to the next exercise. Once you complete all the exercises in the circuit, you’ll rest and repeat the circuit again. On the fitness floor in a gym setting, a specific group of weight training machines may be set in a formation so you can move smoothly from one machine to another. In a group fitness setting, you’ll find stations of exercises placed around the room. Circuits can be strength exercises only or a combination of strength and cardio exercises and are usually set up with 8-12 stations. Circuit training is fast paced, fun, and great for anyone who is busy and wants to combine strength and cardio in one workout.
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I see kale mentioned everywhere these days. It seems to be used as an ingredient in many recipes such as soups, smoothies and even used to make potato chips. What are the nutritional benefits of kale that makes this vegetable so popular? Kale is a nutritional powerhouse! Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef, and more calcium than milk. It’s high in vitamins A and C delivering 30 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of fat per cup. This vegetable aids in digestion, provides anti-inflammatory benefits, and is heart healthy. When buying kale, look for firm, deep-colored leaves. Store kale in a plastic storage bag or container and remove as much air from the bag as possible. Kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Paint-free ways to brighten your home
Colourful flowers and throw pillows can brighten a home’s interior with minimal financial investment on the part of homeowners.
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utumn is a beautiful time of year marked by pleasant temperatures and colourful fall foliage. But as vibrant as nature can be in the weeks after summer has ended, homeowners know that the shortened days of autumn mean less light inside their homes, which can become dreary even in the weeks before the arrival of winter.
Many homeowners pick up their paintbrushes in an effort to make their homes more colourful. But homeowners need not embrace their inner Picasso to brighten their homes’ interiors. The following are a handful of paint-free ways to add some splashes of colour to your home this fall. Bring nature inside. Flowers and plants can make colourful additions to a home’s interior. Flowers tend to be aromatic, which can make a stuffy house in which windows need to be kept closed a lot more pleasant. Plants and flowers also can improve indoor air quality. Several studies, including one published in the Journal for the American Society for Horticultural Science, have shown that houseplants improve indoor air quality by filtering out volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can be harmful to human health. That’s especially important come late fall and winter, when homeowners typically shut their windows and keep them shut until spring, making it difficult for fresh air to enter a home. Invest in some colourful throw pillows. Natural sunlight brightens a room come spring and summer. But sunlight is increasingly scarce as fall turns into winter, and rooms that do not boast too many colourful accents can quickly grow drab as summertime sunlight dwindles. Instead of buying new furniture, invest in some colourful throw pillows to give a room a more vibrant look. Patterns can be mixed and matched to provide some contrast and transform a room from somewhere to spend time into a sight to behold. Paper the walls. While many of today’s homeowners prefer paint to wallpaper, those who want a less permanent solution to brighten up their homes may want to consider removable
wallpaper. Such paper is less expensive than traditional wallpaper, and many do-it-yourselfers find removable wallpaper is easy to both install and remove. Choose a colourful pattern that can turn an otherwise plain wall into a potent palette that adds some life to your home’s interior. Because removable wallpaper does not require a significant financial investment, you can experiment with various colours or change things up each month if you so desire. Add some artwork. Another way to add colour to the walls inside your home without dusting off your paintbrush is to hang some colourful artwork. Paintings that feature bold colours tend to draw your immediate attention when you enter a room, and that quality can make you forget the room is not benefitting from natural light. If you want to go the extra mile, find a painting that features colours which match throw pillows or other accessories in the room. This way your walls and your accessories are working in concert to make a room more colourful. Rug it out. A patterned throw rug is another accessory that can effectively brighten a room without much effort or financial investment on the part of homeowners. When choosing a throw rug, find one that’s colourful but does not clash considerably with existing furnishings, as you don’t want the rug to draw attention for all the wrong reasons. You have more freedom with regard to rugs if you’re furnishing an empty room, as you can choose whichever rug you look and then choose additional furnishings based on the rug. Homes tend to darken as late fall turns into winter. But homeowners can brighten their homes in various ways, even if they prefer not to paint.
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Avoiding pitfalls
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that can derail your diet
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iet and exercise go hand-in-hand for men and women looking to improve their overall health. While it can be tempting to skip a workout in favor of relaxing on the couch at home, the temptation to cheat on your diet is far more pervasive, as dieters know that a high-calorie treat or second helping is lurking around seemingly every corner. As difficult as it can seem to remain loyal to a diet, successful dieters know that anticipation plays a big role in staying true to a diet. Certain pitfalls can be expected when dieting, and knowing what those pitfalls might be and how to avoid them can make the difference between a successful diet and one that does not produce the desired results. Establish realistic and periodic goals. You should have a specific goal in mind when beginning a diet. But that goal should be realistic, and you also should set various smaller goals you
can meet as you build up toward achieving your larger goal. Your ultimate goal as well as your periodic goals should be realistic and attainable, as nothing can derail a diet more quickly than failing to meet your initial goals. If necessary, speak to your physician about healthy weight loss and how much time it should take to meet your goals without compromising your overall health. Schedule your snacks. While snacking has derailed many a diet, grabbing a bite to eat between meals is not necessarily a dieter’s enemy. It’s what you eat between meals that can derail your diet. If you grab for the nearest snack without regard to nutrition, then you’re likely to find that your snacks are unhealthy foods that are compromising your diet. Scheduling your snacks in advance allows you to bring a healthy snack along to the office instead of forcing you to eat whatever happens to be available. Make the cupboard commitment. Once you decide to go on a diet, clear your cupboards of all the unhealthy foods that contributed to your need to go on a diet in the first place. Remove fatty foods, salty snacks and sugary cereals from your cupboard, replacing them with healthier fare that won’t put your dietary goals in jeopardy. Reward your efforts. As you get deeper and deeper into dieting and meet your goals, reward your efforts. However, avoid the temptation to splurge on unhealthy food, as you don’t want to do anything to compromise your diet going forward and make all of your hard work up to that point all for naught. Rewards can include a shopping trip, tickets to a show or ballgame or any other special treat that won’t jeopardize your efforts. Knowing there is a reward on the way can motivate you to stay the course, especially on those days when doing so is particularly difficult. Rest up. Studies have shown that inadequate sleep inspires people to crave calorie-dense foods. In addition, lack of sleep compromises energy levels and makes it difficult to focus, which can affect your decision-making ability with regard to which foods you should eat. Adults typically need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night, so be sure to get adequate rest. Avoiding potential pitfalls that can derail a diet is an integral part of meeting your goals and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
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Shelley’s
Kid-Proof Trifle Healthy for grown-ups too! A great, easy low sugar/ low fat decadent holiday dessert. This trifle contains no alcohol so all ages can enjoy! Canned fruit is used as fresh will not fuse with the other ingredients well.
You will need
Large glass serving bowl One large can low sugar sliced peaches One can of pineapple (rings or pieces not crushed)
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One large can low sugar fruit cocktail One can mandarin oranges One jelly roll (white/jam filled) OR plain pound cake One vanilla instant pudding (sugar free is fine ) One tub of Cool-Whip type topping
Method Slice up your jelly roll and start a first layer in the bottom of glass bowl Mix pudding as directed using skim or 2% milk Drain all fruit Layer half of all fruits on top of first layer of jelly roll Pour pudding mixture over top of this. Layer remaining jelly roll and remaining fruit on top of pudding Cover and refrigerate at least three hours before serving Prior to serving top with your favourite whipped topping! Healthy, festive and soooo good...enjoy!
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Shelley’s
Parmesan Asparagus Healthy and Delicious!
Your Guide To A Healthy, Happy, Balanced Life Our team is dedicated to delivering articles designed to enhance a Healthy, Happy, and Balanced Life. We intend to continue delivering stimulating articles that lead to personal well-being and happiness. We are committed to bringing our readers and advertisers together to promote buying local goods and services. Our readers are demanding to know just what is available to them locally. In fact, many of our articles are authored by local merchants. Why? Because we believe they are experts in their respective fields. When you want advice, a friendly smile and genuine concern for your specific needs, shop locally and read our magazine. We are doing our very best to keep you informed and up-to-date on everything to do with your active lifestyle. FOR MORE ON THE Lifestyles Team
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Serve with your main course like a maple/mustard grilled salmon with brown rice. Delicious and different. Yummy!
You will need
1 bunch fresh asparagus 1-2 tablespoons of Becel (or any low fat margarine) 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (grated works best for heat and cheese distribution on asparagus) lemon zest to taste
fresh ground black pepper (optional)
Method
In a sauté/skillet pan heat on medium heat add 1-2 tablespoon of Becel until it melts Add 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese (low fat is available) Add your fresh asparagus bunch Over medium heat stir asparagus/parmesan margarine mixture often,adding your lemon zest and black pepper as you stir for 4-6 minutes (longer if you prefer asparagus less crunchy)
Remember the crunchier the more nutrients your asparagus maintains!
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Green ways to embrace shorter, colder days
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Turn lights off in unoccupied rooms to conserve energy.
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he arrival of autumn ushers in cooler days and less hours of sunshine. As much of the country turns its clocks back an hour, night descends that much earlier, prompting a greater reliance on artificial light and electricity. When the time comes to turn clocks back, ecoconscious men and women can employ various strategies to conserve energy. Change light bulbs. Traditional incandescent bulbs are not the most energy efficient option available. The United States Department of Energy says incandescent bulbs use a lot of energy to produce light, but a significant amount of energy to produce heat as well. Ninety percent of the energy used by incandescent bulbs is given off as heat, so it is more economical and efficient to use a bulb that cuts down on heat production. Compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, qualified by ENERGY STAR use about one-fourth the energy and last ten times longer than a comparable incandescent bulb that puts out the same amount of light. Light-emitting diode, or LED, bulbs are a much more energy-efficient option, and LEDs last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Turn lights off when rooms aren’t being used. It can be tempting to turn on all of the lights on in a home when darkness arrives. But this wastes both energy and money. Turn lights off when you exit rooms. Try to gather the family in a centralized location that is full of ambient and task lighting in an attempt to concentrate lighting usage rather than spreading it out all over the house.
Rely on timers or automated systems. Standard timers or more complex app-synced house management systems enable homeowners to turn their lights or even appliances on and off at key times. Those with a smartphone or tablet can log in and manage their homes from a remote location, turning lights on or off or adjusting their thermostats at their convenience. Turn down the temperature. The California Energy Commission says for every degree a person lowers the heat in the 60- to 70-degree range, he or she will save up to 5 percent on heating costs. Set the thermostat low at night when residents are under warm blankets and quilts, and lower the thermostat when the house is empty. Furthermore, homeowners can turn down the thermostat on hot water heaters and even dishwashers, which can help save as much as 11 percent on water heating costs. Look to alternative heat and lighting sources. A warm, inviting fire can light up a room and also provide supplementary heat. Pellet stoves, or those that burn a highly concentrated fuel source that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly, may prove a worthwhile investment. Many heating stoves continue to give off ambient heat long after their flames have been extinguished. And centrally located stoves can heat most of a home at a fraction of the cost of traditional forced-air systems. Put south- and west-facing windows to
use. Place solar-powered devices next to an open window during daylight hours to charge when the sun is at its brightest. Use solar-powered lamps, radios and even phone charges once the sun sets. Windows that get a lot of warm sunlight can be draped in dull, black curtains to incubate rooms that need warming. The black fabric will absorb the sun’s heat, naturally heating a room. Trim shrubs and trees. Make the most of sunlight when it’s available by allowing the sun’s rays to reach the interior of the home. Prune dormant trees and shrubs so that the home will get plenty of sunlight. Spend time outdoors. Make the most of daylight hours by spending as much time outdoors as possible. Read books outside or do homework at the patio table, reducing reliance on indoor lighting. Sunlight can make ideal task lighting for arts and crafts projects as well. There are many ways to conserve energy and become less reliant on artificial light as daylight hours gradually dwindle.
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How to foster a love of reading in children
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oday’s parents know that it’s not always easy to instill a love of reading in children. Whether they are watching television, dabbling with their smartphones, toying with their tablets or engaging in social media, youngsters now have more distractions at their disposal than ever before. So it’s no surprise that many youngsters may not be too enthusiastic about abandoning their gadgets in exchange for curling up with a good book. But instilling a love of reading in kids early on can pay a lifetime of dividends. Children learn at a much faster pace during their first six years than at any other time in their lives, and the right kind of stimulation during these years can provide the foundation for future learning. In addition, reading at an early age can inspire a child’s creativity and imagination. Though many parents can recognize these benefits, that recognition does not make it easier to get kids to embrace reading. No two kids are alike, so parents might need to employ different strategies to get each of their kids to embrace reading. But the following are a handful of ways parents can foster a love of reading in their youngsters. Embrace their hobbies. When encouraging kids to read, parents may find it easier to get them to pick up a book if that book’s subject matter pertains to a favorite hobby or something a youngster has expressed interest in. A seven-year-old boy with a passion for baseball will likely be more inclined to read an age-appropriate
novel about America’s pastime than he will a book about fishing. Use youngsters’ enthusiasm about a given hobby or interest to lay the foundation for a love of reading. Don’t limit reading to books. Books are not the only reading materials that can foster a love of reading in kids. Local newspapers and magazines have sparked many kids’ initial foray into reading, and such source materials can be just as inspiring as novels or short stories. Magazines made for youngsters give kids something they can start and finish reading in the same day. Young boys might want to read the sports page in the daily newspaper or visit a favorite team’s website to learn all about last night’s game, while young girls might be more inclined to read the arts and entertainment sections. Parents should encourage such exploration, even if it means leaving novels on the bookshelf for the time being. Read to youngsters. Another way to foster a love of reading in youngsters is to read to them every day. Many young kids just learning to read may be discouraged if their reading skills aren’t progressing rapidly. Reading to kids every day can inspire them to work harder at reading so they can be just as good at reading as Mom and Dad.
Discuss reading materials with your children. Many people enjoy talking about books they have read as much as they enjoy reading the books, and kids are no different. Parents who want their youngsters to embrace reading can initiate discussions about what their kids are reading, discussing the plot of novels or the details of newspaper or magazine articles kids read. Ask them what they like and dislike about a book or ask for a recap of a story they read in the newspaper or an article they read in a magazine. Extend the reading experience. After they have finished a novel, adults often find it enjoyable to watch films based on that novel. Doing so extends the reading experience and gives men and women a chance to see if their interpretations of a given story were similar or different from someone else’s. Kids enjoy such extensions as well, so reward kids by taking them to the movies to see the film version of a favorite book or to a museum that’s displaying an exhibit that’s relevant to a book a youngster just read. Though their youngsters may have many distractions at their disposal, there are still many ways for parents to foster a love of reading in their children.
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
When It Comes To Tea The Herbs Have It!
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am sure you have heard or read about the various spices or herbs that can cure, help or alleviate just about every symptom under the sun. Dr. Oz is a great proponent of herbal or natural remedies. Well, you don’t have to eat cardamom seeds to get their benefits. How about a lovely herbal tisane…all the work is done for you and the blends of various herbs and spices are designed to provide the most benefits. Did you know that most Chai blends contain Masala spices which include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and pepper? All have their medicinal purposes such as improving brain function, detoxifying, lowering blood sugar, antioxidant, relieving congestion… A blend of chamomile, fennel, peppermint, anise, caraway and oregano will do wonders for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Serenity Wellness or licorice teas work well if you are experiencing IBS symptoms. Got a migraine? Try chamomile or green tea with ginger. Also Rooibos teas and peppermint will help to fight and prevent migraines. To help you sleep, most of us know the sleepy time properties of chamomile, but also try Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, and Linden Flower and even Catnip…it is truly calming in humans…not so much with your cat! Again, Serenity Wellness contains these herbs. Lavender can help you to relax, soothe your nerves and also soothe itchy skin. Moonlight Lavender tea contains a blend of lavender, peppermint, rosemary and sage to calm and relieve a tension headache. Drink it or steep yourself in a bathtub for total relaxation. What about an energy booster that does not contain caffeine? Ginseng is the most natural energy and immune system booster. Also the ingredients in Yerba Mate will improve both your energy level and your immune system. Laurie Neill www.whitelionsteahouse.com
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Budget-friendly bathroom transformation tips
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he allure of a spa-style bathroom is something few homeowners can resist. Such bathrooms can make for a welcome retreat after a long day at the office or an afternoon spent chasing kids around the yard. But as appealing as such a sanctuary may seem, the cost of creating a luxury washroom is more than many homeowners’ budgets can withstand. Fortunately, a dream bathroom does not have to break the bank. In fact, there are several ways to make a bathroom worthy of the most comforting spa without stretching your budget. Install a wall-hung mirror. If your idea of a luxury bathroom harkens back to a time before the advent of recessed medicine cabinets, then a wall-hung mirror can give the bathroom an entirely new feel without much of a financial commitment. Flush-mount mirrors need not require the services of a contractor, but they can provide a sense of elegance that recessed cabinets cannot. Replace bathroom countertops. A countertop replacement job may sound expensive, but such an undertaking is not very costly in the washroom, where counter space is typically limited. Since the cost of countertop materials is by the square foot, you can replace bathroom surfaces for a relatively small amount of money. Granite countertops can be beautiful, but such surfaces do not create the warm feel that many prefer in a luxury bathroom. A material such as soapstone is warm and inexpensive and can quickly give the bathroom a new look. Embrace calm colors. Painting the bathroom is another inexpensive way to give the room an entirely new look. If the walls of your washroom
are currently a vibrant colour, consider a more calming tone to give the room the luxurious and relaxing feel you’re aiming for. If your bathroom includes a clawfoot tub, you also can make it a two-tone tub to add a touch of relaxing elegance. Paint the tub’s exterior in a calming tone such
as soft gray, and you will have transformed the washroom at little cost and even less effort. Transform your double vanity. Many homeowners prefer a double vanity in their bathrooms, as such a setup allows both men and women the space to get ready for bed or work without getting in one another’s way. But instead of a traditional vanity with a counter between the sinks, consider installing matching pedestal sinks to surround an antique washstand. This can give the washroom a feel of antique luxury, and such washstands can found for a few hundred dollars. Replace old fixtures. Though they are often overlooked, cabinet and door fixtures as well as towel racks can greatly influence the feel of a washroom. If the cabinet and drawer handles are old or outdated, replace them with more modern options. Such a job might be even more effective if you repaint or reface existing cabinetry. Neither task is terribly expensive, but both can give the washroom a more luxurious feel. The same goes for replacing old towel racks, which can be an eyesore if they’re especially dated. Transforming a bathroom may seem like a significant and costly undertaking, but savvy homeowners can give their washrooms a new and luxurious look without spending much money.
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How to stay safe on wintry roads
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any people will remember the winter of 2013-14 for all the wrong reasons. Record low temperatures and heavy snowfall were the story last winter. With winter now on the horizon once again, many motorists are looking for ways to ensure their daily commutes or holiday trips to visit family and friends are as safe as possible. When wintry conditions compromise driving conditions it’s best for motorists to stay home. Avoiding roadways altogether is not always an option, so motorists who must venture onto the roadways this winter can employ the following strategies to ensure they safely arrive at their destinations. Consider winter tires. Many drivers are unsure if they need winter tires. All-season tires may suffice for those drivers who live in regions where heavy snowfall is uncommon. Winter tires are designed to perform when the temperatures
control only prevent drivers from over-braking or overpowering the traction of their tires. Only better tires will improve traction. Drive slowly. Many drivers mistakenly believe they only need to drive slow when snow is falling. Winter weather can make roadways unsafe even in areas that have not witnessed a single snowflake fall from the sky. Wet roads can quickly turn into icy roads, and no ABS system or traction control device can prevent a car that’s traveling too fast from skidding out. Poor visibility is another reason to drive slowly in winter. Peripheral vision is often compromised, as dirt, salt or sand buildup on windshields and side windows and mirrors can make it hard for motorists to fully view their surroundings. Even if your vision is not compromised, a fellow motorist’s might be. So ease up on the gas pedal so you have more time to react to potentially adverse conditions. Don’t drive too closely to other motorists. In addition to driving slowly, motorists also should leave extra room between their vehicles and the vehicles in front of them. In such conditions, for every 10 miles per hour drive a minimum of four car lengths behind the motorist in front of you. So if you are driving 50 miles per hour, be sure to leave 20 car lengths between you and the car ahead of you. This gives you ample time to react and builds in some extra response time should your visibility be compromised.
Winter storms often make for unsafe driving conditions, and motorists must alter their habits when making winter trips.
are especially cold and in driving conditions featuring ice, slush and snow. Drivers who live in regions where snowfall is significant or even expected to be significant may want to install winter tires to be on the safe side. Some drivers mistakenly believe that anti-lock braking systems and traction control make their tires more capable of handling wintry roads but such features do not provide more traction. ABS and traction
Maintain your vehicle. A vehicle should be maintained regardless of the season, but it’s especially important that your vehicle perform at its peak in winter. A vehicle’s battery and windshield wipers are a winter driver’s best friend, but only if they are operating at optimal capacity. Being stranded on a roadside in winter is more dangerous than in any other time of year. That’s because driver visibility is more compromised in winter, and it can be hard for motorists to see or avoid vehicles on the side of the road. Maintain proper fluid levels and make sure your battery is charged and the gas tank is full before making any winter trips. Wintry conditions often make driving especially hazardous. But drivers who adopt certain habits when driving in winter can greatly reduce their risk of accidents.