Lifestyles
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2014
the creative life LINDA LAFORGE identifying DEPRESSION helping your kids IN THE CLASSROOM downsizing DESIGN sneak fruits & vegetables INTO RECIPES fall homes MAGAZINE INSIDE Subscribe
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Vol 3 No 5
artist & writer LINDA LAFORGE
P7
staying healthy
IN SCHOOL P8 STUDY Arts & Science, Business, Education, Social Work, and more. EXPERIENCE small class sizes and exceptional learning. VISIT US IN ORILLIA – Preview Day: Saturday, October 25, 2014 705-330-4008 | lakeheadu.ca LakeheadUniversityOrillia
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MAGAZINE
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 5
identifying
DEPRESSION P25
sneak fruits & veggies P26
INTO RECIPES
stay healthy
TRAVELLING P30 SHELLEY’S TRENDY FINDS
PG6
REAL ESTATE INVESTING FOR BEGINNERS PG20 TAKING YOUR OFFICE ECO-FRIENDLY PG21
GETTING KIDS TO GO GREEN PG22
SIMCOE COUNTY WRITERS WINNER PG24
MIX & MATCH FASHION FOR FALL PG28 REDUCING JUNK MAIL PG29
COVER Linda Laforge, writer & artist, shares her passions, 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 The information contained in lifestylesmagazine.ca may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior wrtten permission.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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The
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Gourmet Wine Chocolates are available at Orillia’s Wine Experience, 17 Norweld Dr. Superior chocolate created especially for your favourite vintage! A chocolate flavour sensation for every wine pairing. Cheers!
Your Guide To A Healthy, Happy, Balanced Life
Ladies
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.
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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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If Bling’s Your Thing! Pandora’s newest bangle bracelet and latest Pandora charms are at Town’s Jewellers, 51 Mississuga St.,East. Three-day sale starts September 17th! Don’t miss out! about town, Steve Orr’s Dapper Depot, 39 Mississauga St. East, has gorgeous Cashmere Sports Jackets and Designer Suits all in the newest fabrics and colours for Fall! See Steve and get dressed The Best!
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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
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Linda Laforge Linda Laforge Is Many Things, Including Our Very Own Creative Director Main Strength
I believe “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” My persistence has been key. When I have trouble with a painting, I find a way to make it work. When I have trouble in life, I find a way to make it work.
Pet Peeves
This could be a long list. Drivers who don’t signal or just bad drivers in general. That’s just inconsiderate. Myself, most of the time. I put a lot on my plate most days and I get frustrated when I do waste time, like walk all the way upstairs and forget why the hell I went up there in the first place, or get out to the car three times before I have everything.
My First Book
I do not remember when I was not drawing, writing or making things. When I was in grade two and three I remember writing and illustrating a story about how my dog got pregnant. I had several little pages all cut and stapled together and gave it to my Mom. That was my first book! It was called “Humping”. I also made cars out of tissue paper boxes for my barbies. I was a busy kid.
Viewing Creativity
Creativity is the one true thing we humans have that separates us from the other animals we share this earth with. It’s our birthright. We can use it to improve every aspect of our lives, from solving day-to-day problems to innovating at work or for our businesses. Taking part in activities that activate this part of our brain trains us to solve problems.
Healthy Lifestyles
Family
I don’t know what to say about family that won’t sound depressing. I have lost all of the members of my immediate family. Both my brothers passed away when they were just 29. I lost both my parents when they were in their 60’s. My husband and I have no children. I guess my legacy will be my work. Maybe that’s why I put so much of my heart and soul into my writing and visual art.
I strive for balance, but I seem to lean towards Other Projects lack of exercise. I am way more apt to sit in front How about two published books and one to of the computer or canvas than I am to work out. come. “Anyone Can Draw in Ten Sessions”, Gotta work on that! I do aim to eat non-GMO, “Ashes” (Science Fiction) and coming soon, a organic fruits and veggies and have cut down on paranormal romance! meat. Read the “China Study” or watch “Forks As well, I draw caricatures at festivals and over Knives” and you’ll know why. private events. You can see some of my paintings at the Edge Gallery and Unity Cafe in Barrie, or Biggest Turn On on my website at www.LindaLaforge.com. Funny. Intelligent humour. Slapstick comedy. I am the founder of Word Up in Barrie, Writers Joyfulness. Kindness. of all kinds come out to read their work 2nd Thursday of every month. Look for details on our Lifestyles Calendar and plan to come out.
Biggest Turn Off
Self-involved, small minded people. I feel sorry for them. They do not choose to see how big, amazing and wonderful the world outside of them is.
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
5 Tips for Staying Healthy in School
Elana Martins, Health and Wellness Facilitator at Lakehead University stresses the importance of an active lifestyle to help students cope with the challenges of a new university or college experience.
H
eading off to university or college is a stressful and exciting time. Between meeting new people, getting used to unfamiliar surroundings, and hitting the books, taking care of yourself may be the last thing you think about. Elana Martins, Health and Wellness Facilitator at Lakehead University in Orillia, offers five simple and (mostly) free tips to help you take care of your body and mind while away at school.
good food for good energy 1Eat Students sometimes have the tendency to go for all things deep fried (comfort food), but choosing these less healthy options can leave one feeling bloated and groggy. Fuel your body
with nutritious food and healthy snacks. Keep fresh snacks – like sliced fruit or veggies – in a dorm room or school bag, as this makes the choice to eat healthy a little easier.
2Move your body!
Regular aerobic exercise (the kind that gets your heart pumping and a little bit of sweat going) boosts an area in your brain that is connected to memory. Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day can increase your memory for tests, exams and tasks. A brisk walk around campus, joining an intermural recreation league or just taking the stairs, are all great ways to achieve this.
Sleep – but not too much 3
Pulling an all-nighter is something that students are familiar with during the school year. It may seem like a good idea at the time, but the effects of not getting enough sleep are detrimental. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night is ideal and will help you feel more energized,
which makes acing that exam a lot easier. Naps are great too, but make sure they aren’t longer than 15-20 minutes.
4Wash your hands
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Campuses are full of germs and the best way to combat getting sick is to wash those hands every chance you get!
Drink lots of water
5
Water from fountains is free at every school campus, so make sure to take advantage of that! While it may seem like a better idea to load your body up on caffeinated beverages like pop or coffee, water will actually provide more energy and relieve fatigue. Taking care of yourself is an important part of success in education, so follow these five tips and your body – and grades – will thank you! Elana Martins, Health and Wellness Facilitator www.LakeheadU.ca.
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
healthy, happy, balanced life
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How to help your kids in the classroom
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arents often play a crucial role in helping their kids do well in school. Numerous studies have shown the positive impact that parental involvement can have on a student’s academic career, and those studies have inspired many educators to encourage their students’ parents to take a more active role in their children’s education, including helping them with their homework. Parents can help kids with their homework in various ways, but that very involvement alone can help to establish a groundwork in which kids understand there are specific rules regarding their homework and that these rules will be enforced. Even parents who might not be able to help kids with their calculus homework are already helping by simply creating an environment in which kids know they are expected to do their homework every day and that mom and dad will be there to make sure they do. But enforcing rules about homework is not the only way parents can help their kids in the
classroom. The following are a few simple ways parents can support their children’s academic efforts as well. Contact teachers. Contacting teachers is now easier than ever before. Many teachers recognize the benefits of involving parents in their youngsters’ education, and as a result these teachers go to great lengths to make information about their classes available, whether it’s by posting a class syllabus online or emailing parents about upcoming assignments or examinations. Whereas the parents of yesteryear used to wait until parent-teacher conference sessions to learn how their child was performing in the classroom, today’s parents can email their children’s teachers for updates or questions if they notice their child is struggling with a particular subject. Help your child choose his or her coursework. The competition to get into a good college is stiff, and many of today’s high school students recognize that reality. Unfortunately, some students bite off more than they can chew. High school students don’t have the flexibility with regard to their coursework that they will have in college, but that does not mean their schedules are entirely up to someone else. When the time comes for kids to pick their courses, parents should sit down and help kids choose a schedule that’s challenging but not overwhelming. Emphasize education over extracurricular activities. Parents often marvel at the ease with which their children juggle busy schedules. While students might be deft at balancing academics with a host of extracurricular activities, many adults feel that today’s kids are overburdened, and parents who feel that way should not
hesitate to take some tasks off their youngsters’ plates. Parents should stress to their children that education takes precedence over their extracurricular activities, paying careful attention to kids’ academic performances during those times of the school year when their children’s schedule seems especially busy. During such times, parents also can contact children’s teachers and ask that teachers let them know if their youngsters’ academic performance begins to suffer. Limit distractions. Time to unwind is important, but parents should keep a watchful eye on just how much time their kids are unwinding. Too much time spent online or in front of the television can compromise academic performance. Establish limits as to how much time kids can spend online, watching television and playing video games, and enforce those limits so kids have time to focus on their academics.
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Downsizing to smaller spaces
D
ownsizing our homes can be very liberating. Simplfying your life by paring down to only items of necessity makes you realize how very little we need to function. When the size of our homes is reduced greatly, hard decisions on what to keep and what items you can live without can be difficult to make as storage is at a premium. But downsizing to a smaller space, such as a condominium doesn’t mean sacrificing good design. A smaller space can be made to feel larger and still feel dynamic with a few tricks of the trade. In many cases, condo layouts are generally open spaces, minimizing the need for interior walls. Painting these walls a lighter shade maintains a feeling of openess throughout. Try to keep changes of flooring to a minimal and if possible, laying tile on a diagonal always helps to broaden a small space. Open concept living/dining
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igher ceilings create a larger sense of volume, and are treasures if you can manage to find one, in this case a vaulted ceiling. Angled walls can be a challenge to decorate, so rather than painting an entire wall, an 8’x8’ painted backdrop wall helps to anchor the living room grouping and provide an injection of colour. To help delineate open spaces, larger scale vertical mirrors can provide separation from dining and living space.
Dining Area
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LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Artwork
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Living room armchairs instead of sofa
uilt-in seating for the dining room reduces the need for chairs around the entire table. To gain space for traffic flow and maximize seating, place a dining bench up against a wall or within a bay window opening with the table overhanging the bench just two inches, and eliminate the need for traffic to pass behind the table.
L
arger scale artwork creates impact and helps to create the opposite effect of space and volume. In this case, a larger grouping of artwork in a collage format, or a single large piece of art will accentuate the volume of the space, rather than closing it in. Smaller scale furnishings can give the impression of a larger space, while still accommodating plenty of seating room. It may be time to pass on the bulky sofa and opt for an apartment size couch with slender arms, 36� deep seat or less, and low back. In this case, the client opted for no sofa, but instead, four mid-size armchairs in a circular grouping, to keep the traffic flow open.
Contrasting colour kitchen cabinets
Dramatic entrance foyer
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his small scale 64 sq ft kitchen is big on style. Painting the base cabinets a darker colour helps to heighten a room with the lighter colour cabinets above. White quartz countertops also help by reflecting light. There is little distraction with sleek minimalist pulls, and flat faced cabinet doors. Interesting, ceiling treatments can create a sense of warmth and added custom touch even in a small space. This ceiling panel with downlights and panelling adds drama at the same time keeping things light and bright.
Nancy Lem, Interior Designer
www.NancyLemDesign.com
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irst impressions can be dramatic. In this condo foyer entrance we redesigned the typical coat closet to incorporate two separate closets and a centre artwork niche. A perfect place for fresh flowers to be placed each day.
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healthy, happy, balanced life
LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
Simple ways
to stop overeating
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any people strive to adopt healthier lifestyles. A lifestyle that includes routine exercise and a healthy diet can vastly improve quality of life and reduce a person’s risk for various ailments. Though many people find exercise gets easier the more they do it, that’s not always the case when altering their diet. Adapting to a healthy diet and smaller portions is a challenge, and many people find themselves overeating as a result. Some people overeat because they’re hungry, while others are simply accustomed to eating large meals. Regardless of why a person overeats, it’s important that people looking to adopt healthier lifestyles avoid consuming more food than their body needs. The following are a few simple ways men and women can curtail their eating habits so they aren’t going overboard at mealtime. Stay hydrated. Some people overeat because they mistake the symptoms of dehydration for hunger. It’s easy to make that mistake, as the symptoms of dehydration mimic those of hunger. For example, when a person is thirsty, his or her mouth is dry. Eating can temporarily relieve dry mouth, but that does not necessarily mean a person’s mouth was dry because he or she was
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Studies have shown that men and women who eat a healthy breakfast as part of their daily routine are less likely to overeat throughout the rest of the day. hungry. Instead of immediately responding to perceived hunger symptoms by eating, drink a glass of water. If the symptoms subside within 10 minutes, then you were likely dehydrated and not hungry. Staying hydrated by drinking water throughout the day can reduce the likelihood that you will confuse dehydration with hunger, which reduces your risk of overeating. Eat when you’re hungry. The symptoms of hunger tend to present themselves within five hours of eating a balanced meal. Ignoring these symptoms because you don’t feel as though five hours is a sufficient interval between meals is a mistake. The longer you ignore hunger, the less likely you are to make healthy choices, including eating healthy portions, when you do eat. Even a low-calorie, healthy snack like Greek yogurt or a piece of fruit four to five hours after a meal can sate your appetite and prevent you from overeating when you sit down for your next meal. Eat breakfast. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition proved that mom was right when she told you breakfast was the most important meal of the day. The study examined roughly 900 adults and found that those who ate more carbohydrates, fat and protein in the
morning were more likely to eat less over the course of the day than those who saved their biggest meals for lunchtime or dinner. Many men and women skip breakfast thanks to hectic mornings dominated by getting the kids ready for school and rushing to work. If time is limited in the morning, keep cereal or instant oatmeal at the office and eat breakfast as you catch up on email or plan your workday. Find time for fibre. Fibre is another friend to people who want to stop overeating. Fibre not only helps people feel full faster but also helps them feel full for longer periods of time. The body needs time to process a meal that’s rich in fibre, so you are less likely to feel full shortly after eating a meal that’s high in fibre. In addition, high-fibre foods tend to be high-volume as well, so you will fill up on them without eating lots of calories. That’s a benefit to people looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Overeating is a hurdle many people must clear as they attempt to adopt healthier lifestyles. But a few simple tricks makes it easy to avoid overeating without fighting constant feelings of hunger.
FALL 2014
caring for living spaces with how to avoid CERAMIC & STONE LANDSCAPING MISTAKES what to expect with TREE REMOVAL learning to TOW CARGO creating privacy SAFELY IN THE GARDEN
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The size and weight of a trailer and the cargo it’s towing must be considered before embarking on a trip.
Learn to tow cargo safely
T
here’s more to towing than hitching a trailer and hitting the open road. A number of factors come into play when towing cargo or another vehicle, including the towing capacity of the vehicle doing the hauling. The following are some safety tips for road trippers hitting the road with trailer in tow.
Tow vehicles
While many vehicles have towing capabilities, not all of those vehicles are necessarily right for the job. Review the towing capacities of various vehicles depending on the type of trailer that will be towed. A larger, more powerful vehicle may be necessary if you will be towing something large and heavy, such as a boat or a recreational vehicle. You may need more horsepower to maintain a safe driving speed when towing especially heavy cargo.
Equipment
Different manufacturers offer towing packages equipped to work in concert with your vehicle. Towing packages may include certain types of hitches, batteries, flasher systems, extendedview side mirrors, and even special axles and tires. In many areas, a trailer with a loaded weight of more than 1,500 pounds requires a separate braking system and a breakaway switch located on the tongue of the trailer that activates the trailer brakes in the event it separates from the tow vehicle. Having the right equipment can mean the difference between safely towing cargo and getting in an accident.
Ability
Having a lot of power and the right equipment is not enough to safely tow cargo. Recklessness on the road, which includes driving over the speed limit, is a recipe for an accident. It typically takes time and some practice for drivers to grow accustomed to driving while towing cargo. Driving while towing cargo requires that drivers maneuver their vehicles differently than they would in more typical conditions, and that they drive at slower speeds while leaving room for a larger turning radius. In addition, drivers must accommodate for the extra weight when braking.
Vehicle check
make sure the water level in the battery is acceptable and have the motor oil changed if it is nearing its mileage limit. It’s also a good idea to replace the air filter, examine the tires for adequate tread and test the brakes. When the trip begins, give your vehicle and the hitch a once-over to double-check that everything is in working order. This can be done during service station stops along the trip. No matter the season of recreational fun and long road trips, it pays to play it safe when towing gear and other cargo. Rick Moore, Fixed Operations Manger Davenport Subaru of Orillia
Verifying that the trailer hitch is secure is not the only inspection drivers must conduct before hitting the open road. The vehicle doing the towing should be serviced, and any repairs should be made. Check fluid levels, particularly the transmission fluid. In addition,
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Landscaping
mistakes
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hen designing their landscapes, homeowners may envision grandiose gardens and lush lawns that are the envy of the neighbourhood. Such designs can be difficult to maintain, and homeowners often find they’re not worth the time or money. Avoiding such costly mistakes allows homeowners to fully enjoy their lawns. The following are a few landscaping mistakes homeowners may want to avoid so they can spend more time enjoying their landscapes and less time working around the yard. Planting the wrong trees and shrubs. When planting new trees and shrubs around your property, choose varieties that won’t overwhelm the property by growing too large. Such trees and shrubs can mask other elements of a landscape, and they can also take a substantial amount of effort to maintain. Avoid spending too much time pruning trees and shrubs by opting for those that
to avoid only grow to a particular size. Choosing non-native plants. It’s always best to choose plants that are native to a particular region. Native plants have already adapted to the local climate, meaning they can withstand the worst weather that climate has to offer without homeowners having to put in much effort. For example, if you live in an area where drought is common, avoid planting trees, shrubs, flowers, or grass that need ample amounts of water. Instead, opt for those varieties that can survive without significant amounts of water. Exotic plants might add aesthetic appeal to a property, but that appeal is often short-lived or costly to maintain. Too much lawn. While a large and lush lawn is appealling, a yard that is all grass can be difficult and expensive to maintain. Lawns without trees are susceptible to damage from the hot summer sun, and homeowners often respond to that threat by overwatering their lawns. Overwatering not
only weakens root systems, but it also leads to higher water bills. Homeowners can downsize their lawns by planting more trees around the property, adding a garden in the backyard or even adding landscape features. Planting without a plan. When planting new trees around a property, some homeowners plant without first considering the ideal locations for new trees. This can prove an expensive mistake. Planting too close to your house may eventually threaten your home’s foundation, as roots grow deeper into the ground. Planting too close to a home also may prove a security threat down the road, when the tree has grown to full height. Such trees may threaten the home during a storm, so consult a landscaping professional when planting new trees so the trees are located in a place that does not threaten the value of your home or the safety of its residents.
FineCarpet&Flooring
Gini Stringer’s Tips
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eramic and Stone tiles have been used for centuries to design unique spaces for living. Tile is a fashionable, practical and virtually troublefree flooring and wall choice for your home or commercial business setting. It is extremely durable and naturally resistant to stains, water, fading, burns, odours and allergens.
Ceramic & Stone
have become the new ’standard’ and we are regularly seeing tiles as big as 24x48”. These large format tiles combined with small grout lines can make your room look rather large and open. Rectangular shapes are also more popular now as they help to elongate any space. One thing to remember when laying a floor with rectangular tiles is that the tiles should not be set in the traditional 50% offset or ‘brick pattern’. Rectangular tiles should be offset no more than 30% in order to reduce the possibility of an uneven surface on a floor. This is referred to as lippage. Tiles are one of the most versatile flooring choices. They can be installed With daily attention and occasional special cleaning, you can maintain on almost any surface including floors, walls, fireplace mantles, counter the beauty of your porcelain tile’s surface for years to come. Generally, all tops or accent walls. Almost any floor tile can be installed on the wall with that’s necessary to keep the tile looking good as new is a quick wipe with the help of a skilled installer. Today, more and more people are choosing a damp cloth or mop. Heavier cleaning may be required periodically to to use various types of tiles as wall coverings instead of wallpaper or paint, refresh the tile, or to clean tile that has been neglected. No special or unusual as well as for flooring. Creating a feature wall is a simple way to give a treatment should be required and tile does not require waxing or polishing. room a dramatic focal point. Feature walls can easily be created by using Carefree maintenance of your tiled floor begins before installation. To tiles with interesting designs, shapes and textures. Seal or Not to Seal? That is the question. The answer is really simple. The basic production of tile has changed very little over the years. A Flick some water from your fingertips onto the surface of any tile. If clay body or “bisque” is molded into various shapes and sizes and fired the water enters the surface of the tile at all, it should be sealed. Sealers at high temperatures into a hard body. The density of the clay bisque will work by forcing their way into tiny microscopic pores on the surface of determine its strength and durability after firing. the tile. This prevents particles from food and liquids from being able to Many people use the terms Porcelain and Ceramic interchangeably as get in and cause a stain. For the most part, glazed porcelain tiles do not if they were one and the same. Ceramic tiles can be separated into two require sealing. If your tiles are unglazed, polished, or semi polished it groups. Non-Porcelain Ceramic (‘monocottura’ or simply ‘ceramic’) and is always a good idea to quickly check. Natural stone tiles should also be Porcelain tiles. There is one very important difference between the two. sealed before installation. The amount of water that the tile absorbs. To be considered porcelain, as Tiles with highly textured surfaces should have a coating of a grout defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), it releasing agent applied to them prior to installation to prevent the grout must have a water absorption rate of no more than 0.5%. This means that from sticking to your tile. If grout is not properly removed from your porcelain is frost resistant and can be used outside. Generally, Porcelain tiles tile surface, it can cause a haze on the surface of the tile that will attract are also much more dense, harder and more durable than ceramic tiles. dust and dirt and show, sometimes weeks later, as dirty sections on your Technology has also advanced to allow the production of tiles in sizes floor. An application of a water soluble grout releasing agent prevents the and formats that we have never seen before. Tile formats are getting grout from sticking to the tile and is easily removed with water during the larger and larger. 12x12” tiles once dominated the market. 12x24” tiles normal post installation clean-up process.
Modern Classics
Grout Care • Once the tile has been cleaned and dried (shortly after installation), grout joints should be treated with a penetrating sealer if required. Consult grout manufacturers recommendations. • Epoxy grouts do not require a sealer
Routine Ceramic Tile Care
Heavy Duty Cleaning
• Use only non oil-based neutral cleaner, non-acidic, neutral PH cleaners. • Wipe glazed wall tiles periodically using a cloth or sponge dampened with a non oil-based household cleaner. • Vacuum glazed floor tiles regularly to remove dirt and other gritty particles, then damp mop or sponge with an all-purpose, non oilbased cleaner. • Do not use ammonia or vinegar, as it will discolour grout. • Clean unglazed wall and floor tiles in a similar manner using a solution of water and a PH neutral detergent or a tile cleaner following manufacturers recommendations.
• Neglected or heavily trafficked tile may require more intensive cleaning. • Clean glazed wall tile with a scouring powder or all-purpose cleaner applied to a non-metallic pad. • Rinse and wipe dry. • For glazed floor tiles, use a commercial tile cleaner, or apply a strong solution of all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner or scouring powder paste. • Let stand for five minutes, brush and scrub. • Then rinse with clean water and wipe dry. • Unglazed floor tile may be cleaned in the same way. • Though a small brush is suitable for most floors, you may want to use a scrubbing machine for large areas. • To clean badly soiled countertops, apply a solution of scouring powder and hot water. • Let stand for five minutes, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. • Soap scum, mildew stains and hard-water deposits may be removed from the tile using appropriate cleaning products. Follow manufactures recommendations. • Use all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner. • Allow to stand for 5 minutes before lightly scrubbing with a sponge. • Rinse well.
Porcelain tiles surround you every day. When you are out shopping, at a restaurant, or even taking your children to school, take a look around you: chances are very good that you are surrounded by porcelain tiles. The durability of porcelain tiles makes them ideal for high-traffic areas such as airports and shopping centres. With their ease of cleaning, impermeability, stain resistance, environmental and hygienic properties porcelain tiles are wonderful choices for not only large institutions, but also the quiet comfort of your own home.
444 West Street South, Orillia | 705.329.0202 | www.SunshineCarpet.com
What to expect with a tree removal Installation of a pool may require the removal of trees. Larger trees are best removed by a professional.
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rees serve many purposes for a landscape, providing shade and habitats for birds and other animals and serving as natural blinds between two homes. Trees are often beautiful elements of a natural landscape, adding aesthetic appeal to a property or even an entire community. But there are times when a tree must be removed, an action that, in many instances, requires the services of a professional tree service. A tree with roots invading the foundation of a home or infringing on a patio or walkway can become a safety hazard. Other trees may cast shade where a pool is planned or cause disagreements between neighbours when the tree straddles a property line. These are instances when tree removal will be necessary, and a reputable service can advise as to the best methods for ridding the property of the troublesome tree. Homeowners will need to do a bit of planning and research to remove trees safely and securely. It is best to contact a variety of different tree removal services and compare their offerings
and prices. The cost of a tree removal will vary depending on various factors, including the height of the tree, its width, the number of branches it has, its location on a property and the proximity of that location to potential hazards like power lines. Tree removal may range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. When a tree is being removed, most of the branches will be removed to make the tree more manageable. Trees are rarely chopped at the base and allowed to fall, as there simply isn’t enough room to safely take this approach. Sections of the tree will be cut, roped off and slowly lowered. A climber will scale the tree or use a cherry picker machine to reach the top of the tree to facilitate the process. The pieces of the tree will be loaded into a wood-chipper for grinding before they are hauled away. Larger, heavier portions of the stumps may need to be moved later on with machinery. Hauling trees off the property may cost extra, so it is important that homeowners read their contract thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.
Additional costs may be factored into the bill. These can include stump-and-root grinding. Trees will be cut down to the stump. To prevent eyesores or tripping hazards, some homeowners opt to have the stumps ground down into sawdust. This will not remove all of the roots but will take care of most of the above-ground portion of the remaining stump. It is usually up to the homeowner to discard the sawdust or use it as a mulching material. Expect the ground around the former tree to be soft, and there may be a depression depending on how much stump grinding took place. Some people prefer to wait a season for the ground to recover before planting something new. It may take a while for grass to sprout where a tree was once located, and there may be bare spots when grass starts to grow in. Tree removal can be an expensive venture but is necessary for different reasons. Be sure that tree-removal services are fully insured before signing a contract.
Simple ways to save energy
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educing energy usage is a good way to help the environment and save money along the way. Saving energy can be done in a variety of ways, many of which do not require significant effort and can lead to significant savings. Stop using the dishwasher to dry the dishes. A dishwasher is a modern convenience few people
feel they can live without. While you don’t need to give up the dishwasher entirely to save money, it’s important to note that many dishwashers use more energy to dry the dishes than to wash them. If your dishwasher does not automatically dry the dishes, turn the knob to the off position once the dishes have been cleaned and open the door to allow the dishes to air dry.
Go with a more traditional refrigerator freezer combination. Side-by-side refrigerator and freezer may be combinations may be more fashionable, but such units can use as much as 20 percent more energy than their traditional counterparts. If you must purchase a side-by-side unit, be sure to buy only those with an Energy Star label. Do laundry less frequently. Whether you live in an apartment or a home, having a washer and dryer is a great convenience. But frequently doing small loads can be wasteful, as it takes roughly the same amount of energy to clean a small load of laundry as it does a full load. Limit yourself to only full loads of laundry as much as possible. Do your drying all at once. When using the dryer, try to dry one batch of clothes right after another.
Many dryers require a significant amount of energy to heat up, but drying consecutive loads won’t require as much energy to get the dryer up to operating temperature as the dryer will need if you allow a significant amount of time to pass between loads. D o n ’ t g o t o e x t re m e temperatures. Arriving home to a house that’s especially cold or warm inspires many people to turn their thermostats way up or down in an effort to heat or a cool the home more quickly. This forces the unit to work harder and use more energy. Instead of taking such an extreme approach, invest in a heating or cooling system that allows you to set the temperature in advance so the temperature inside your home is pleasant when you walk through the door.
Tips On Creating Privacy
in The Garden
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hen it comes to creating privacy in the garden, homeowners are no longer satisfied with the fence around the property line. For many years, that five foot fence with the piece of lattice on top combined with a few strategically placed trees was the default method for creating visual separation from the neighbours. Then houses started to change. Bigger houses on smaller lots became the norm. More square footage on the inside meant that houses were being built taller and wider, closer to the property lines. As a result, the traditional fence was no longer enough when it came to backyard privacy.
and designers have added cutouts, vines, and even fabric panels to make pergolas even more visually dramatic in a space. The reason that these structures work so well is actually a bit of a visual trick. The pergola overhead provides the eye a distraction. It gives the eye something to focus on and even though the neighbours may still be able to see into the yard, your guests don’t notice them because of the pergola. The one down side of pergolas is the cost to install. Often I advise my clients to use natural cedar as their wood choice, but lately I’ve been suggesting a new wood called MicroPro Sienna. It’s a new type of pressure treated wood that looks like cedar but costs significantly less. This pressure So now what? treated uses a brown stain that they are able to length of your privacy hedge. The aspens fill in get deeper into the wood which protects your Trees are still a great option to create privacy, the empty spaces around the top of the conifers pergola longer which is important because you but you have to do it right! In my opinion, too and by alternating types of trees along the row, don’t want to have to climb a ladder to re-stain many straight rows of cedars have been planted it looks visually appealing in your yard. the wood every spring. in Canada. Nothing in nature grows in a straight line and yet we’ve planted these rows so much, For the last few years, privacy screens have Stand on your deck or patio and take a look that they don’t even look odd anymore. The been the immediate fix for many condo dwellers around you. Who do you see? If you can see your other big challenge with trying to create privacy and homeowners. Putting up a simple privacy neighbours, then your neighbours can see you! with evergreens is the shape of the tree. Most screen between you and the neighbours has never Try some of my suggestions at creating privacy conifers are pyramidal in shape, meaning that looked so good or been so easy. With outdoor in your space and enjoy your private sanctuary. they are wide at the bottom, and small on top… materials and fabrics, trifold privacy screens are right where you want the privacy. Instead of a temporary decorative piece that adds colour When not in the dirt with his eco-friendly planting a row of cedars, try combining them and character to any deck or balcony. The key to landscape design company, Carson stays busy with a few fast growing deciduous trees. I love maximizing the benefits of a privacy screen is to building, planting, writing or designing as a using aspens with my evergreens. Here is how I put it close to where you need the most protection featured guest on CityLine. add great privacy using a row of trees. Create a but far enough away that it doesn’t crowd your His new show line with landscape paint, string or even a hose useable space. Learn from Goldilocks, there is Critical Listings on the ground. Start at one end of your row by a spot that’s not too close and not too far away. is currently placing an evergreen on the backside of your airing on HGTV line. The next evergreen is planted 2-3’ down the A pergola is my favourite way of creating privacy Canada. row on the front side of the line. Third tree in the from those two-story houses that look down into row is the aspen, again on the backside of the your yard. Pergolas are simply four posts and line. Two more evergreens on the front, followed some cross pieces of wood that loosely create an by another aspen on the back and so on for the outdoor roof over a deck or patio. Homeowners
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Real estate investing for beginners On the heels of a recession that saw home values drop, many would-be investors have shied away from buying investment properties. But investors are often nervous as they look for their first properties. Uncertainty about housing prices aside, investing in real estate also is risky, and first-time investors need to be comfortable with such risk in order to make the most of their investments. The following are a few things potential real estate investors should consider as they decide if investing in real estate is right for them.
Personal ability
Real estate investors typically have tenants, and those tenants inevitably have needs. Investors who have experience as contractors may not find it difficult to renovate a property and make it more attractive to tenants, nor are they likely to be inconvenienced when minor issues on the property need to be addressed. Investors with no such experience will need to hire contractors to do the work for them, cutting into potential profits down the road. In addition, investors who don’t have the ability and/or the time to address minor issues like a clogged drain or a drafty window on their own will need to hire a property management firm to tend to such needs. Such firms are effective, but also expensive, further cutting into your profits. Even those investors with contracting experience may have little or no knowledge of how the leasing process works, forcing them to rely on a real estate firm to write up leases and ensure all leases stay current.
Time
Real estate is often a time-consuming investment. Tenants pay good money to live in attractive
rental properties, and those tenants will have a host of needs that must be met. Investors must be sure they have the time to address their tenants’ concerns, especially investors with no plans to hire property management firms. Potential investors who already have full plates at work and at home may not be able to devote the time necessary to make the most of their real estate investments, and therefore might be better off finding another way to invest their money. Time also must be considered when considering profits. Real estate is not the type of investment that turns a profit overnight. Even investors who are looking to invest in an up-and-coming neighbourhood must be prepared to hold onto their properties for at least a few years, if not much longer, to maximize their investments. Though real estate is a sound investment, it is not a get rich quick type of investment, so investors looking to make a quick buck should consider alternatives before buying investment properties.
Size
First-time real estate investors might be wise to choose a smaller property for their initial investment. Larger properties can be
overwhelming to manage, and investors often rely on property management firms to tend to these properties. Such firms charge more to manage bigger properties, which can eat into investors’ finances. Veteran investors can handle such overhead costs, but first-timers might find themselves caught off guard upon realizing the gravity of their financial commitment. A good rule of thumb for first-time investors is to stick to smaller properties, only moving on to larger buildings once they are fully comfortable with all that comes with investing in real estate.
Costs
The cost of a real estate investment goes beyond the purchase price of the home. In addition to the mortgage on the property, investors must pay the taxes and insurance on the property, as well as any costs associated with maintaining and managing the property. Certain tax breaks are available to real estate investors depending on where they live. Potential investors need to consider all of these costs, and might want to hire a real estate lawyer to help them make the most of their investments and any profits they yield.
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How to usher your office into the eco-friendly era
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echnology continues to advance at a rapid pace, with once groundbreaking ideas and devices becoming obsolete in what seems like the blink of an eye. Despite such advancements, many professional environments are still consuming far more energy than is necessary, proving that there is still progress to be made with regard to how we use technology and protect the planet. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 30 percent of energy consumed by office buildings is used inefficiently, while the Energy Star program notes that 17 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from commercial buildings’ energy use. That leaves ample opportunity for those who want to usher their offices into the eco-friendly era to make changes that will conserve energy. Consider new lighting. Energy Star notes that lighting is typically the most costly portion of many companies’ monthly electric bills, and that’s often because lighting is so often used in an inefficient manner. But flipping switches at
the end of each day is not the only way business owners or office managers can cut their lighting costs. Many companies prefer to have lights on overnight for security purposes, but motion detection lighting systems are more eco-friendly and can pay for themselves over the long haul by reducing energy costs. Such systems will only turn on when movement is detected in the building. This saves owners the cost of illuminating empty offices overnight but still enables them to protect buildings with lights in the case of break-ins. Encourage workers to put their computers to sleep when they are away from their desks. Screen savers might be aesthetically appealing, but that beauty comes at a steep price, as screen savers use the same amount of energy while you’re away as the computer does while you are hard at work. Companies hoping to make their office environments more eco-friendly should encourage workers to put their computers to sleep when they will be away from their desks for
20 minutes or more. When the workday is done, workers can turn their computers off completely to save even more energy. Reduce paper consumption. Hard copy documents are increasingly going the way of the dinosaur, and that’s a good thing for businesses who want to be more eco-friendly. In lieu of storing hard copy documents in filing cabinets or other antiquated storing systems, companies can encourage employees to store files digitally in easily accessible folders on their computers or on company servers. Internal memos need not be printed out and distributed as hard copies when it’s just as easy and far less taxing on the environment to share such memos via email. Reducing reliance on hard copy documents can drastically reduce paper consumption and free up space around the office. Plug leaks. Much like homeowners can save substantial amounts of money by plugging leaks around windows and doorways, businesses also can cut energy costs by identifying and plugging leaks. In fact, the DOE estimates that taking care of air leaks can save businesses as much as 10 per cent off their energy costs. Make sure air ducts and filters are routinely cleaned to ensure heating and cooling systems are operating at optimal efficiency. Many business owners and office managers have been slow to embrace various eco-friendly strategies that can benefit the planet and their bottom lines. But as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the opportunities for businesses to become more eco-friendly continue to evolve as well.
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Getting kids to go green
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co-friendly lifestyles aren’t just for adults. Encouraging kids to go green at a young age can set them up for a lifetime of making decisions with the environment in mind. The following are just a few ways parents can impart a sense of responsibility to the environment on their youngsters. Lead by example. Many kids try to mimic their parents’ behaviors, and moms and dads can take advantage of that by making sure kids see them as they recycle, conserve water or make other eco-conscious choices. If kids want to know why you’re separating trash or opting for tap water over bottled water, explain to them the positive impact that such behaviors can have on the health of the planet. Encourage eco-friendly hobbies. Today’s youngsters have a host of technology at their disposal, and parents know full well that such access can be both good and bad. While technology can enhance learning in the classroom and beyond, gaming systems and other electronic devices have made it easy for kids to forgo outdoor activities in favor of more sedentary hobbies. Many medical researchers believe that such hobbies are contributing to higher rates of childhood obesity. But they also can harm the environment. Gaming systems, whether played on televisions, computers or handheld devices, use a substantial amount of energy. Parents who encourage more eco-friendly activities, such as reading or playing outside, can get the best of both worlds, as kids will be getting out and about and embracing activities that don’t harm the planet. Ride bicycles more often. Reducing fuel consumption is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and even though kids can’t drive, that doesn’t mean they can’t pitch in to conserve fuel. Children who attend school close to home can ride their bikes rather than taking the bus or hitching a ride with mom or dad. Explain to youngsters the impact that such a choice can have on the environment, and ride bikes with your kids whenever possible, be it on trips to the park or to visit friends and family members. Many kids love to ride their bikes, and they might like it even more if they understand the positive impact that such a hobby is having on their planet. Teach kids to reuse products. Waste is a significant environmental issue, but reusing products is a great way to cut back on waste. Items that would once be tossed into the trash after serving their purpose can be repurposed when tackling projects around the house, and kids can get in on the act, too. Rather than purchasing decorations for holidays like Halloween or Chanukah and Christmas, reuse old products to craft homemade decorations. Birthday gifts or items exchanged during the holidays can be wrapped in old newspaper instead of wrapping paper. Many products that would otherwise be discarded can be reused, and kids might enjoy finding new ways to make use of old items.
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If You Say So by Martha Morris
Winner of The Simcoe County Writers Spring Short Prose Contest. Second runner-up, Kate Arms-Roberts with her entry, Revelations. First runner-up, Julie Achtermeier for Left Hanging.
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Do you want to see something? Quick! Before they get here. It’s upstairs, in my bedroom. Watch out for Father’s old boots—I don’t want you to trip. Mommy should put them away but she says she likes to see them there as she does her chores. It helps her believe that Father has just lain down for a nap in the other room and any minute he will be rising and pulling them on to go out and work in his garden. That photo? My aunt and uncle. They live in a country called ‘Canada’. Father was arranging for us to emigrate there when they came to the door. Now he is an officer, as it should be. Yes—isn’t that a pretty gown? My flower-girl dress. She wasn’t going to get that. Bad enough that Mommy gave her my best sweater, the cashmere. And my favourite shoes. That’s all right, I have something of hers. In exchange. They are coming up the walk? This way. We mustn’t dawdle. Oh, but this. Mommy calls it my “gypsy” skirt. Isn’t it whimsical? I was wrapped in it, when she and Father found me on the front steps. I’m adopted—didn’t I tell you? The next room is mine. The one on the right. My teacher, Mrs. Haart, says there’s no such thing as a “good” secret. The other day, when I was staying after school to help, she told me I am special—not like the others. Then, she laughed and said, “But that’s no secret.” Mommy and Father say she is special. And that we must be very brave because we are at war. He wasn’t, though, was he? Very brave, I mean. Mrs. Haart says the other stories aren’t true. Her people have paid gobs of money to be taken to a mountain resort to sip champagne and swim in azure pools far from the fighting. But, you understand, they have to make it look like her people are being taken against their will. After all, some civilians might consider it unfair. It’s in the top drawer of my dresser. Yes, here it is. Her gold necklace. She gave it to me one night. When I told her about the resort and asked her if it wasn’t unselfish and generous of me to give her my things. No, it didn’t hurt her when I pinched her arm. Her kind don’t feel things the way we do. Mrs. Haart told me. The wallpaper is breathtaking, don’t you think? Époustouflant, oui? It’s from the north, imported before they closed the border. Such a beautiful floral pattern. “Art is a lie that helps us to realize the truth.” Picasso said that. I pride myself on knowing such things. Knowledge is important. Sometimes, it is everything. Work with me now to pull the dresser forward. You see it, yes? The wallpaper hides it so well. Now, shall I tell them or will you?
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Get on the road to recovery by
identifying depression Nearly everyone feels down at one point or another. But when feelings of sadness stretch on and are accompanied by other symptoms, normal sadness might have given way to depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate depression affects one in 10 American adults at different levels, while Statistics Canada says around five percent of Canadians have reported symptoms that meet the criteria for a mood disorder, including depression. Many sufferers of depression believe it is a personal weakness and something they should be able to control, but mood disorders are recognized mental illnesses that say nothing about a person’s strength of character. Often brought on unexpectedly, mood disorders like depression cannot be traced to a single root cause. Many within the medical community believe depression is genetic. Doctors treating patients for depression often discover a history of depression among their patients’ immediate family members.
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any different genes may act in combination to cause a mood disorder. In 2011, a British team isolated a gene that appears to be prevalent in families in which multiple members suffer from depression. The chromosome, 3p25-26, was found in more than 800 families with recurrent depression. External factors also can play a role in the onset of depression. According to the CDC, certain groups are more likely to meet criteria for depression than others. These include women, people ages 45-64, African-Americans, Hispanics, and people with less than a high school education. There are unique symptoms associated with depression. Not every person with this mood disorder will exhibit each and every symptom, but the following
symptoms appearing together is often an indicator of depression: • feelings of sadness and loss • feelings of irritability • loss of pleasure in usually enjoyed activities • changes in sleeping patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping too much • difficulty concentrating • frequent headaches • noticeable lack of motivation • anxiety and panic attacks • withdrawal from friends and family • inability to make decisions • recurring thoughts of suicide or self-harm People exhibiting symptoms of depression should first reach out to their primary care physicians, who can begin a preliminary diagnosis and look for symptoms indicative of depression. A doctor also can
perform blood work to rule out other conditions that may be contributing to problems with mood, such as hormonal changes or illnesses. Some doctors may refer patients to a mental health professional who is much more qualified to treat mood disorders. A mental health professional will likely conduct an interview with the patient and pay considerable attention to the patient’s medical history. Gaining a stronger grasp of a patient’s symptoms enables doctors to prescribe the most effective courses of treatment. Treatments range from medication to talk therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy. Those who do not respond to more conventional treatments can discuss further options with their doctors. Patients who are prescribed an
antidepressant medication should expect several weeks to pass before the medication is fully effective. Antidepressants are not universally effective, and people being treated for depression or another mood disorder should not grow discouraged if one course of treatment is ineffective. Many treatment options are available to people with mood disorders. Those who think they may be suffering from depression should first remember that they are not alone. Millions of people have depression at points in their lives or may experience recurrences of the condition. Visiting a doctor promptly can help sufferers of mood disorders address their conditions more quickly.
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Great Places to Eat
...your favourite local restaurants
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How to sneak fruits and vegetables into any recipe
F 3 Course Dining
$20 - $30
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Lifestyles
ruits and vegetables are the building blocks of a healthy diet. But many people do not eat the recommended number of servings of produce. That’s especially true among growing children, who can benefit greatly from the vitamins and nutrients fruits and vegetables provide. According to the latest data from the NPD Group, a market research firm, Americans eat a little more than half a cup of fruit and a cup of vegetables per day. This is less than half of what the government recommends. The data is similar in Canada, where researchers at Concordia University found that Canadian adults ages 30 to 60, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, aren’t consuming the daily recommended levels of fruits and vegetables. Anyone who eats roughly 2,000 calories per day should strive to consume between two to three c u p s of vegetables and two cups of fruit per day. Produce helps to fight disease because it contains healthy antioxidants, fibre, minerals and vitamins. Eating four cups per day may seem difficult, but there are many ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into everyday recipes.
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• Substitute pureed fruit, like figs, pears and apples, for oil in recipes for cakes and cookies. This will ensure the baked goods are moist but with a lot less fat. • Add fresh berries or raisins to breakfast cereals and oatmeal. • Add cauliflower or squash to boiled potatoes before mashing them to increase the nutritional punch and flavour of mashed potatoes.
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• Blend fruits and vegetables to create smoothies for breakfast or lunch on the go. • Bake hearty muffins or breads with sweet potato or carrots in the batter. • Mix stewed tomatoes in with your broth soup base to make a vegetable or chicken soup even more nutritious. • Opt for vegetables piled high atop a slice of pizza in lieu of meats or extra cheese. • Divide your dinner plate into quadrants, filling half of the plate with vegetables, one quarter with meat and the remainder with a whole grain. • Replace lettuce on a sandwich or burger with a fresh leaf of spinach. While you’re dressing your sandwich, add a slice of tomato, too. • Substitute fresh vegetables and fruit slices for chips when serving dips and salsas. Kale chips are growing in popularity. • Give children a cup of sliced grapes with their lunches as a refreshing and healthy snack. • Shred vegetables into a hearty
“slaw” and top it with a vinaigrette or a typical mayonnaise-based dressing. • Blend other vegetables into your pasta sauce. • Use vegetables instead of pasta in traditional dishes. Layer eggplant slices to make a lasagna. Or use a spiral slicer to slice zucchini or carrots when making homemade noodles. • Fruit salad is often a refreshing snack or dessert. Having fruit already diced in a large bowl makes it more convenient to eat and possibly more enticing to children. • Make a vegetable roll-up, filling pizza dough with broccoli or spinach and shredded cheese. • Mix together an avocado, 1⁄4 cupof cocoa powder and 1⁄4 cup honey to create a healthy alternative to chocolate pudding. • Use pureed vegetables to thicken cheese sauce for macaroni and cheese recipes. • Shred vegetables and add them to beaten eggs for omelets or scrambles.
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Mix &Match
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his season fashion is accommodating everyone – at long last. Women are well versed in what works and doesn’t work for them. They want style and fashion choices available to them. Comfortable classics are a staple. Add a pop of print or an unexpected detail for interest. A good quality pair of black pants should be in every woman’s closet. Mixing and matching gives you so many more options as opposed to dressing in outfits only. A silk blouse paired with Cambio dark denim jeans, completed with a knit biker jacket by Vince is casual, yet sophisticated. Knits are huge this season. A chunky long cardigan and an oversized scarf with skinny pants is a fresh look. A short tweed fringed cardigan by Autumn Cashmere can be layered with a sleeveless dress or a pair of jeans and tee shirt. Choose what works for your body type. Our lifestyle is more relaxed than ever before and our clothes must suit that lifestyle. You should be able to dress up or dress down, depending on the occasion. Accessories are the key to elevating your image from nice to fabulous. Layer a classic sweater with a scarf by Tilo or a necklace by Michelle Ross. Eileen Fisher’s black crepe dress is so versatile, add pearls and a shawl for evening or black tights and flat shoes for daytime. It is important to be flexible with your wardrobe. “Seasonless” dressing is a hip concept. Mix your pieces up in bold and interesting ways. Comfort is the key. If something doesn’t feel good, you won’t feel good wearing it. Natural fabrics – cotton, silk, linen and cashmere are wear well and feel so luxurious. Fads come and go, but personal style stands the test of time. Find a boutique and salesperson whose opinion you trust. This will make your shopping experience a positive one. Elaine Francoz Just Elaine’s | www.justelaines.com
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How to reduce junk mail finding its way into your inbox Reduce junk emails as much as possible by filtering email and being selective with whom you share contact information.
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mail correspondence has completely changed the way people communicate on a daily basis. Handwritten letters have become a relic of the past, as most people now take to their keyboards or touchscreens to tap out messages and send them instantaneously. In addition to general correspondence, email has become a method for businesses to contact prospective consumers. Once a store or service provider has customers’ email addresses, that business now has a direct avenue by which to reach potential customers. While providing businesses with your email address has its benefits, most notably making it easier for consumers to learn about upcoming sales or even special discounts offered only to email subscribers, offering such information also makes men and women susceptible to junk email. Few things can be more annoying than an inbox overrun with junk mail. Some retailers sell subscribers’ email addresses to other businesses, so consumers who initially only provide their email address to a specific retailer may soon find themselves inundated with emails from a bevy of retailers. In addition to being a nuisance, junk mail also can make a person who isn’t careful more susceptible to identity theft. Eliminating junk mail may be impossible, but there are ways to cut back on all of that unwanted
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content in your inbox. Filter your messages. Run a search in your inbox for the word “unsubscribe.” Doing so should narrow down all of the messages that have instructions to unsubscribe from notifications. Go message by message, and follow the links provided to remove your email address from mailing lists. Although this can be a timeconsuming process, it can substantially cut back on the amount of junk mail in your inbox. Create a designated junk mail account. Who says you have to have just one email account? Establish one account that you will use for correspondence between friends, family members and other important people while reserving another account to use when stores and businesses request contact information. This way all of the spam will funnel into one account and won’t interfere with the account you use to correspond with friends and family. Avoid publicizing your email address. Junk mailers have robot programs that can grab email addresses from a website and enter them into their systems. If you manage a website, do not list your email address among the contact information. Use a secure “contact us” form or replace the email address with a QR code. Don’t conduct business with a junk mailer. Despite how annoying they can be, unsolicited emails are effective. A certain number of
people will follow a link within a junk mail advertisement and ultimately conduct business with that company. Make it a point not to purchase a product or service from a company that sent you an unsolicited email. Utilize email filters. Many email programs enable users to filter their messages and automatically redirect them to specific folders so they never reach a user’s primary inbox. Use these filters and tags to keep unwanted junk mail out of your inbox and in a folder where all unwanted messages can be deleted in a single click. Beware of unsolicited messages on mobile phones. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to ignore unwanted marketing text messages. Not only does this alert a junk mailer that a number is a working number, but also it opens the door for more messages. Depending on your data plan, this can end up costing you a substantial amount of money in overage charges. If unwanted texts are getting out of hand, file a complaint with the Canadian Anti–Fraud Centre. Junk mail can be a nuisance that interferes with business and personal communications. But there are several ways men and women can make themselves less susceptible to these unwanted daily emails.
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Travel and stay healthy at the same time
Though they may need to put in some extra effort, travellers can stay true to their diet and exercise routines even when they are on the road.
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ealthy habits are often put aside when men and women travel. Whether travelling for professional or personal reasons, even the most ardent proponents of healthy lifestyles may find themselves making less than healthy choices when they’re away from home. Though part of the joy of travel is experiencing other cultures and cuisines, such experiences should not come at the expense of your overall health. Fortunately, there are many ways men and women can travel and still protect their personal health. Be sure to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to a host of consequences, none of which are very good for your overall health. While it might be fun to burn the candle at both ends on a business trip or vacation, such an approach will almost certainly weaken your immune system and leave you susceptible to a host of ailments. Business travelers should keep in mind studies that have shown lack of sleep impairs alertness, concentration and reasoning, which can make it hard to make a good impression on professional colleagues. Lack of sleep also makes it difficult to maintain adequate energy levels, making it difficult for vacationers to make the most of their time away from the office. When travelling, try to get as much sleep as you would if you were home. Adults typically need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night to operate at full capacity, and that rule should not be forgotten just because you’re away from home. Book a room with a kitchen. Business travellers may find it difficult to enjoy healthy meals on the road. In lieu of dining out each
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night, travellers can book a room with a kitchen so they can prepare their own meals, which gives them more control over what they’re putting in their bodies. Without a kitchen in your room, you’re at the mercy of restaurants near your hotel, which may or may not have readily accessible and healthy restaurants nearby. Don’t abandon your exercise routine. Whether travelling on vacation or for business, you can still exercise even when you are away from home. When booking a hotel, look for one with its own exercise facilities, which you should be eligible to use the moment you check in. If you are travelling for work and your room has already been booked, then you might have to improvise if the hotel has inadequate exercise facilities or no facilities at all. Pack some jogging outfits and bathing suits so you can squeeze in a run or swim some laps while on your trip. Both
exercises make for great workouts that can act as your fallback plan should you find yourself in a hotel with no exercise facilities. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Just because you’re on the road does not mean you should relax all of your rules regarding diet and exercise. If your current diet and exercise routine is producing great results, try to stick to that routine as much as possible while you’re travelling. Many people struggle to find a successful balance of diet and exercise, so if you have managed to find that balance, don’t be quick to abandon it just because you’re on a business trip or enjoying a vacation. When vacationing, afford yourself some dietary spoils, but keep up your good habits as well, being sure to eat your nightly helping of vegetables or your morning fruit with breakfast. Such an approach will make it easier to maintain your diet when you return home, and might give you the energy you need to have a more enjoyable vacation. The same goes for business travellers who should not abandon healthy eating habits just because they’re dining out or ordering room service. The more you can maintain your healthy habits away from home, the more likely you are to embrace those habits when you are back home and away from the temptation of the road. Employ the buddy system. The buddy system, in which you and a friend, coworker or family member, resolve to exercise and/or diet together, can be just as effective when travelling as it is at home. Having someone there with you to sweat and make healthy dietary choices when out on the town can make it much easier to adhere to a healthy lifestyle when away from home.