In Our Space: Helping You Live in Balance by Sonya Stell

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...we want each and every one of our readers to be able to enjoy the benefits of a healthier and well-balanced lifestyle liveinbalance has now joined the very successful InOurSpace family, and is proud to introduce two quarterly publications, now known as:

InOurSpace InOurSpace HOME DECOR & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

HELPING YOU LIVE IN BALANCE

Focusing on sharing our local professionals knowledge, services and products for your homes, your families and your lifestyle. Promoting living, working and playing in these amazing regions! liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

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THE HIBERNATION EDITION!

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THE HIBERNATION EDITION HALTON HILLS, HEADWATERS & CALEDON

BRIDAL FEATURE

MID-WINTER 2016

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liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Learn how to have fun and enjoy the cold days of winter until spring is back!

In Our Space magazine Helping You Live in Balance MID-WINTER EDITION

2016

CONTENT FEATURE: THE HEADLINES 06 Hibernating until spring HEALTH & PREVENTION 12 Breaking bad habits 13 Hormone free foods 14 Energize your life with a cleanse 16 The “winter warrior” 16 ENTER OUR CONTEST NUTRITION & RECIPES 17 Keeping our seniors healthy 18 Vegan chocolate avocado pudding 19 The world’s healthiest food? The avocado 20 Sweet and tangy grapefruit SUCCESS & HAPPINESS 21 Making powers of attorney

22 Screen time vs. play time HOME LIFE & RELATIONSHIPS 24 Getting your home “market-ready” 26 Keep your money in your kitchen 28 Buying and selling your home 29 Purchasing your home in an active real estate market

30 Pantone colours of the year 32 Unpretentious organic warmth BEAUTY & SELF CARE 34 Scrubbing with coffee 35 Saying “I Do” bridal feature 36 The dress 38 Fantastic finds 40 Wedding checklist 42 Get glowing for your wedding 43 Just add wine

The world’s healthiest food? The Avocado 19 4

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

44 Hydrating vs. moisturizing 45 “Colour of the year” in fashion 46 “Colour of the year” in beauty PET HEALTH & WELLNESS 47 Furry coats 48 More than just a friend FITNESS & RECREATION 49 Business directory 50 Online reviews

Great of

Interest

Saying “I Do”

bridal feature ...for all of the newly engaged couples and bridesto-be, check out what is hot this year in the bridal world!

Getting your home “marketready”

Pantone Colours of the Year

+ Writing | Nancy Stell

+ Writing | Sonya Stell

Price: Everyone has heard the stories, bidding wars that got the seller over asking by...

“A softer take on colour for 2016: For...

More than just a friend 48 6 liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Feature

The Hibernation Edition

Hibernating

until

spring surviving the cold winter

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

+ Writing | Sonya Stell & Nancy Stell

Feature

The Hibernation Edition

“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” - Anton Chekhov

ith the days being shorter and the temperatures a lot colder, it’s not uncommon for the winter blues to set in. All you want to do is stay inside, curl up in a warm blanket, and eat comfort foods. But there are some great ways to brighten your mood this season that we would like to share with you: Have your bedroom lights turn on a half hour before you are supposed to wake up. One of the symptoms of winter blues is increased difficulty getting up in the morning, even if you have had plenty of sleep. Plugging a bright, fluorescent lamp into a timer and having it turn on before your alarm goes off will help simulate an artificial dawn. Expose yourself to sunlight as early in the morning as you can. You will want to maximize the number of hours you experience daylight. Wake up early and open the curtains to let the natural sunlight stream in. Take a brisk walk first thing every morning so you can take in the rays and get some exercise. Admire how beautiful and clean your world looks when there is fresh snow on the ground. Getting outside away from the artificial warmth and snuffling companions for company can help fight off getting sick over the winter too. Use artificial light. Many people invest in a light box, which simulates the sun’s natural rays, emitting 2,500 to 10,000 lux (a normal light fixture emits 250 to 500 lux). They work by reducing the release of melatonin in the brain. For best results, use a light box daily, in the early morning, and for 30 minutes to two hours at a time. Most will see an improvement in about two weeks. You can also use the light box to effectively lengthen the day: use it before daylight, after the sunsets, or a combination of the two. Increasing the day length by two hours should be very effective in helping you get out of the “winter blues”. Talk to you doctor about light therapy, and what he/she recommends for personal use. It is best to get a professionals help to be sure you

are using something that is both effective and safe for everyday use throughout the season. Exercise is another crucial aspect to keeping healthy this winter. Did you know that one hour of aerobic exercise outside (even when it’s cloudy) has the same therapeutic effects as 2.5 hours of light treatment indoors? This is because it raises serotonin levels, which tends to get low when you have the winter blues. Watch your cravings! When your serotonin levels are low, one of things your body tends to do is to crave foods high in carbohydrates, especially high-sugar foods like junk food and soda, because they raise serotonin levels. Take a multivitamin containing vitamin D-3 daily. Vitamin D is created by the sun’s rays on the skin, and therefore declines during the winter. Although studies on the effect of vitamin D supplements on seasonal depression have come up with varied results, it is proven that a good multivitamin will also help with energy levels. Explore the many great winter sports that will help you look forward to the season every year. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, winter hiking and cycling, ice skating, sledding, tubing, winter photography, winter nature observation, or astronomy, are all excellent ways to enjoy winter! A snowy, icy cold day can be beautiful and often has sounds and smells all its own. As an artist, these often striking and different colour pallets will provide inspiration. If you not creatively inclined, simply watching a winter scene from the warm and cozy comfort of your home can be pleasant and relaxing on a weekend afternoon. Embrace winter and all of its wonderful opportunities that will soon melt away as the season comes to an end. Continue setting goals, which can be anything you want it to be. Buy a calendar with fun snow-free photos and mark the first day of spring on the calendar. Then, every free day that you have after that, write down a fun, outdoors activity that you can only do in the warm

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Feature

The Hibernation Edition

â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.â&#x20AC;? -Albert Camus

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Feature

The Hibernation Edition

“While I relish our warm months, winter forms our character and brings out our best.” - Tom Allen

weather. For instance, commit to taking a camping trip one weekend, go on a hike another, or have a backyard party on another. During the winter, set short-term goals too, such as going to the gym three times a week, improving your education, or tackling a hefty novel series. Start browsing the seed catalogs and plan out your garden. You can even start some plants indoors under artificial light. Before you know it, spring will be in the air and planning that camping trip will be a reality. In the winter, where often the days are cloudy and cold, it is easy to fall into a mundane routine. Shake things up with ease by wearing a bright and bold colour of makeup, styling your hair a totally new way, or by reaching out to a lost friend. This way you can help to break out of that unfortunate rut you have fallen into. Be sure to always dress for the cold, many people say they “hate winter” simply because they are cold all of the time. If this applies to you, then re-examine your wardrobe and make sure you are

appropriately dressed. Make sure your hands, feet and head are kept warm. Wearing leggings or long undergarments can also work warming wonders, underneath a second layer of pants. Consider painting your walls with warm, vibrant colours to freshen up your home. Change a sterile, white kitchen into a sunny, yellow retreat or transform a drab beige living room into an inviting haven. Hang colourful artwork and toss around whimsical pillows. A few little touches can really help you cope with the winter blahs. Don’t forget to accept the season! With winter comes many great holiday celebrations, new television shows along with the return of your tried and true favourites including sports like basketball that are only played between November and March. Sledding, snowball fights, snowmen, hot chocolate, blue jeans, and roaring fires simply aren’t the same in the scorching heat of July. Keep a positive attitude, and the cold months will fly by.

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Publishers' Note

Live in Balance practice positive

Insight

hibernating habits

e are well into winter and many of us at this time of year find it always a challenge to get the vitamins and nutrients that we need from our foods. This year is especially difficult with the Canadian dollar being so low when we have gotten used to depending on our neighbours from the south providing us with fruits and vegetables. And everyone knows that it is better to eat produce that is ‘in season’ because it simply tastes better. Produce shipped in the winter is often picked unripe so that it can ripen on its way here. When harvested prematurely, it often doesn’t ripen fully which means it can lose its nutritional value. Fruits that are readily available at this time of the year in Ontario are apples and rhubarb. Not a very long list, but there are many more vegetables: Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cucumber (greenhouse), Garlic, Leeks, Lettuce (greenhouse), Mushrooms, Onions (cooking & red), Parsnips, Potatoes, Rutabaga, Sprouts, Squash and Sweet Potatoes. Some of these foods are packed full of vitamins like cabbage, which is inexpensive and most nutritionally rich when eaten raw. Make up some delicious slaw to accompany any meal. Brussels sprouts are another great supper food and are easy to cook. Remove the outer leaves, cut them in half and toss with olive oil. Pan roast for about 10 minutes, season with salt and pepper and you have a delicious side dish packed full of cancerfighting antioxidants. Winter squash offers another tasty and fairly inexpensive vegetable loaded with carotenoids, vitamin A and potassium. And of course the good old potato that often gets a bad wrap for being starchy, but they also offer potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C and even protein, and the sweet potato is considered to be a healthier choice as they are loaded with betacarotene, vitamins A and C, and fibre. So don’t give up on taste just because it’s winter, utilize the delicious ‘in season’ vegetables we have right here at home and you will not only eat well, but save a

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

few dollars on those very expensive imports right now. The wintertime can also be a difficult time for people who suffer from S.A.D. as the limited amount of sunshine takes its toll. Remember to take extra care in getting outside during the daytime, enjoying some fresh air and natural sunlight. It can make the world of difference in how you are feeling. Also use this time of the year for setting some goals for the rest of the year. Spring is not that far off and if you are planning to sell your home, we have shared some great tips on getting your home market ready. And even if you are not moving, maybe just freshening up your home is something that you would enjoy doing while spending more time indoors. It’s also Bridal Season with December being the most popular time of the year for couples to get engaged, we have put together a special Bridal Feature for this issue to help those newly engaged couples navigate the wedding process. Remember, you want to do everything in balance, and that especially applies to planning your big day, as it is all to easy to get caught up in the hype and go way overboard. We’ve also included some great ideas on how to look after your skin during these cold months, create a delicious and healthy desert, plus some food for thought when you are evaluating those online reviews that have become so popular today. This is our sixth issue of Live In Balance and we are proud to have taken you on this journey with us as we have transformed it to a more mainstream approach for everyone to benefit from, making healthier and happier lifestyle choices. This issue is our all-encompassing transition as going forward we will be presenting you with this quarterly publication under our successful and sought after magazine format, In Our Space. Known as a local resource guide and designed specifically to promote working, living and playing in our great region, we hope you will continue to support the local businesses who make our lives so rich and fulfilling. Be sure to pick up our next issue, In Our Space: Home Décor & Lifestyle magazine that will be on our racks this spring followed by another issue of In Our Space: Helping You Live In Balance. Nancy & Sonya Stell

Publishers' Note

Insight

Giving every member

THE HIBERNATION EDITION MID-WINTER 2016 PUBLISHERS AND EDITORIAL DIRECTORS Sonya Stell and Nancy Stell

DESIGN AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sonya Stell

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY Sonya Stell & Nancy Stell

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS HEALTH & PREVENTION

NUTRITION & RECIPES

SUCCESS & HAPPINESS

HOME LIFE & RELATIONSHIPS

Nancy Stell Naturally Bulk Judy Longstreet

Nancy Stell Sonya Stell

Sweatman Law Firm Nancy Stell

Nancy Stell Sonya Stell

BEAUTY & SELF CARE

FITNESS & RECREATION

PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

SAYING “I DO” BRIDAL FEATURE

Sonya Stell

Georgetown Chevrolet Buick GMC

Sonya Stell Nancy Stell

Nancy Stell Sonya Stell Carla Furfaro

TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE CONTACT: PUBLISHER/MARKETING:

Nancy Stell nancy@inourspacemagazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

Sonya Stell sonya@inourspacemagazine.com

of the community the opportunity to live a healthy, positive and balanced life. EDITORIAL: We welcome our professional participants to share their expert knowledge and photographs. However, all content is subject to editorial review and becomes the property of Our Space Publishing. Contact us at info.ourspace@ gmail.com for more information on how you can participate. EDITORIAL NOTE: The information provided in this magazine is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified and licensed practitioner or health care provider. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Our Space Publishing, its affiliates, or divisional companies. Different views may appear in feature articles and publications that may not be the opinion of In Our Space and its affiliates. Articles in In Our Space magazine are copyrighted and must not be reprinted, duplicated, or transmitted without permission. Printed in Canada by Our Space Publishing Copyright © 2015 by In Our Space magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine, including photography, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed on 30% post-consumer paper with vegetable oil based ink. 100% recyclable. Please share this publication with friends and family and recycle when finished.

OUR COMPANY HEAD OFFICE

PUBLISHED BY

P.O. Box 482 Erin, Ontario, N0B 1T0 | (647) 522-7157

Our Space Publishing

nancy@inourspacemagazine.com | sonya@inourspacemagazine.com

DESIGN + MEDIA COMPANY

www.inourspacemagazine.com | liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Health

Prevention

breaking bad habits + Writing | Nancy Stell

With the New Year, often we promise ourselves a new resolution to look after ourselves better. According to Public Health Ontario and a few other institutions, bad habits such as smoking, too much alcohol, bad eating habits and lack of exercise can result in loosing 7.5 years off of your life. Maybe not a lot when you are in your 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s but as your approach retirement age, that is a lot! Here are some common bad habits we all would love to break and some ideas on how to achieve them. 1. Stress can be the main reason why we fail at trying to quite a bad habit. Proper diet, rest and exercise all work together in helping us achieve overall success. This also applies when trying to break a bad habit. 2. Any habit consist of a cue, so recording where, when and why you have given into your bad habit can be the first step in stopping you from doing it again. For example, say the cue is stress, the routine is sitting in front of the television and the reward is eating sweets. Your next step is to change your reaction to the cue. 3. Often our actions are unconscious, so once you have identified what yours are you can now consciously make changes. For example, again with stress being your cue, change the routine to a 15-minute walk, and the reward will automatically come with you feeling rejuvenated. 4. Avoiding your triggers is another great way to break a bad habit. For example, if you find you are drinking too much alcoholic avoid going to places that encourage over consumption, like bars and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep it on hand at home, instead have a healthier alternative like herbal teas or flavour infused waters that are still low in sugar. 5. Beware of the miracle cure. Kicking a bad habit is hard work and anything that suggest you will do it easily by simply taking a pill or eating a magic bar, is just a marketing promotion. On average it was found that smokers would quite 3.6 times before they succeed for good. 6. Lastly, expect some failure. Beating yourself up for being human and giving up on your goals is not the answer. You need to learn to forgive yourself, learn from your mistakes, and get right back on the horse, as they say. This year, make it your year! Set yourself realistic goals, take some time to step back from your hectic lifestyle and enjoy just being you! Success will likely follow.

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Health

Prevention

hormone

free foods

+ Writing | Nancy Stell

Is rBGH allowed in Canadian dairy milk? In our previous issue, The Aspiration Edition, we discussed Hormone Free Meats and also how dairy cows can be given rBGH, which can result in cows developing utter infections subsequently needing antibiotics. rBGH is a genetically engineered artificial hormone injected into dairy cows to make them produce more milk and is a controversial subject as to its safety for human consumption. In 1998, an assessment by Health Canada determined that the results of a brief study conducted on this artificial growth hormone, provided reason for review before being approved. Consequently it was not approved and Canadian Dairy Farmers do not use it. This should mean that Canadian consumers are not being exposed to this hormone; however, that is not always the case. What has changed in more recent years is the Canadian government has slowly begun to change Canadian dairy regulations allowing American dairy products freer access to Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s markets. Often presented as dehydrated products and commonly listed in the ingredient labels of processed foods, such as: Milk Ingredients, Concentrated Skim Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate and Milk Protein Concentrate. And found most often in foods such as: ice creams, cheesecakes, mousse, puddings, cottage cheese, yogurts, cream cheese, sour cream, salad dressing, cooking sauces and Whey proteins. This loop hole is exposing Canadians inadvertently to rGBH and; therefore it is best to purchase organic hormone free products and be conscientious to the fact that these imported processed foods from the US maybe from cows that have been treated with rGBH. liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Health

Prevention

What Canadians need to know about cleansing. Let’s face it; we live in a toxic world and we cannot deny it. Here are the facts: • Today, there are between 300 and 500 chemicals in the average person’s body that were not present before 1920. • There are more than 75,000 synthetic chemicals on the market today and each year there are thousands of new chemicals sold or used in new products. • Each and every second 310 Kg of toxic chemicals are released into our air, land, and water by industrial facilities around the world which amounts to approximately 10 million tons each year. Of these, over 2 million tons are recognized carcinogens. Ideally, it would be great to avoid all of the pesticides and other chemical pollutants however this is simply not feasible. Therefore it is up to us to take responsibility for our own health and well-being and the first step towards optimal health is cleansing and detoxification. Most people in Canada start out with vibrant health, but by age 30 begin to develop ‘minor’ irritations. These small problems become more serious, causing our health to fall into further decline. Eventually, chronic disease sets in and even everyday activities can cause pain or suffering. There are countless benefits to total body cleansing. After completing a cleanse many people report increased energy, improved digestion, weight loss and a feeling of better overall health. 14

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Detoxification is the body’s natural process of elimination or neutralization of toxic materials from cells, organs and the bloodstream. The body processes these toxins through the liver, kidneys, urine, feces, exhalation and perspiration. Cleansing is the action of helping your body to perform detoxification more thoroughly.

How do you eliminate toxins? The body has seven channels of elimination which are directly utilized to eliminate toxins: The Liver - changes or detoxifies harmful toxins into substances that can be safely eliminated from the body. The Colon - eliminates toxins from the liver as well as the waste which has accumulated in the intestines. The Blood - flows through the vascular system and carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body while removing harmful waste. The Lymphatic System - eliminates poisons from cells through a network of vessels that extend throughout the body. The Skin - eliminates waste and toxins through perspiration. The Lungs - expel toxins through breathing (ex. Carbon dioxide). Deep breathing stimulates lymphatic flow to eliminate toxins. The Kidneys - receive water-soluble waste from the liver, so that they can be further filtered and finally eliminated through the bladder.

Health

Together, these vital organs and organ systems work nonstop to purge and eliminate harmful toxins from deep within the cells and tissues. It is a process that occurs continuously and naturally. The issue is that our toxic load is heavier than ever before. Add to this our processed diet and stressful lifestyle and it stands to reason that our body’s natural processes could use some assistance from time to time. Natural cleansing formulas are designed to support the innate processes by which the body gets rid of toxins and waste. Cleansing your body of toxins, 2-4 times per year, is one way of helping your body to work more efficiently and reduce your risk of disease.

What should you look for when choosing a total body cleanse?

Prevention

and lead to a lazy bowel. It is better to use products that contain gentler options such as magnesium hydroxide or triphala. Last but not least, you do not need to fast, drink strange juices or follow a restrictive diet. A good herbal cleansing program should be formulated to work regardless of diet or lifestyle. Renew Life offers a line of cleanses that fit all of these criteria and more. When performing these cleanses customers report results ranging from weight loss, increased energy, improved health and vitality, clearer thinking, and an increase in bowel movements (quantity and volume).

Always look for products that are “clean” meaning free from binders, fillers or excipients. You also want to ensure that the products are free from harsh ingredients. Herbal laxatives such as cascara sagrada and senna are commonly used in herbal cleansing products. These can become addictive over time

Key Features & Benefits

First Cleanse

CleanseSMART

Rapid Cleanse

  



Includes Magnesium Hydroxide which works to draw water into the colon through osmosis. This helps to soften up old hardened material allowing it to be removed more easily. Magnesium Hydroxide also increases intraluminal pressure resulting in an increase in intestinal motility.



The organ detox has a strong focus on the liver



Does not require customers to follow a strict diet Easy to use with only a few capsules to take Includes an organ detox Includes peristaltic herbs such as rhubarb and triphala, which help to increase the muscular movement of the colon.

15 day gentle yet effective cleanse for customers who have never cleansed before or are sensitive to cleansing 30 day advanced cleanse. Best-selling total body cleanse in North America!

 

7 day cleanse perfect for those who want to perform a shorter cleanse but still demand results.



Includes a soluble fibre supplement (acacia) to absorb toxins for removal from the body. This is extremely important as unabsorbed toxins can be recirculated back into the body. This also helps to avoid cleansing reactions which often occur in the first few days of cleansing.



Use this chart to determine which cleanse is right for you.

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Health

Prevention

the “winter warrior” + Writing | Judy Longstreet R.R.Pr., CH.

The “weekend warrior” is a common client type to turn up in a reflexology practice for sports injuries, muscle strains from home improvement projects, or just physical fatigue from an unordinary amount of work. Avid skiers, snowboarders, curlers, skaters and snowmobilers may encounter repetitive use and other forms of injuries. Often, ones much loved hobby(s) can cause them a great deal of back, neck, shoulder, arm and leg pain. Reflexology is extremely effective for any type of pain, whatever its origin. When the corresponding areas of the feet or the hands are treated with the right amount of pressure, the results are truly amazing. Nerve flow to the area of the back, neck, or shoulders causing the pain is improved and, over several sessions can even be optimized. The same goes for the blood and the lymph, which flows to the problem areas of the body. With Reflexology treatments, increased circulation and lymphatic action revitalize the muscles and remove lactic acid. Less muscle stiffness due to increased elimination of

ENTER

lactic acid, improves recovery time. You are less likely to suffer soft tissue sprains, strains, tears, and ruptures as a result of less muscle fatigue. Inflammation and pain, sprains, strains and injury may be reduced quicker with less need for medication as reflexology accelerates the body’s own healing process. Those who routinely go for a reflexology session experience less pain in the body and are able to maintain full flexibility when doing daily activities. Reflexology can be added to a weekly, biweekly or monthly routine to maintain endurance and flexibility as well as to cope from the body-strain. The Golden Rule of Reflexology is that the closer together the sessions are in the beginning, the faster the recovery. Often, after a few weeks of intensive treatments, a patient will experience great improvement in the health of their overall body. Reflexology relaxes, detoxifies, and revitalizes the body. Treatments are safe, calming and unobtrusive.

OUR CONTEST ...for a chance to win a 60-minute Refelxology Session valued at $65.00 with Judy Longstreet in Georgetown

Draw to be held March 31st, 2016 Email us your name and telephone number at info.ourspace@gmail.com 16

Contest details, rules and regulations are also posted online on the In Our Space magazine website: www.inourspacemagazine.com. All those who enter any Our Space Publishing contest(s) must be over the age of 18 and live within Canada. Those who enter may only enter each contest once, and must enter prior to the date listed.

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

Nutrition

Recipes

Keeping our seniors healthy + Writing | Nancy Stell

As our loved ones age, often we have worries about them getting the proper nutrition. Dental pain, upset stomach or dry mouth can contribute to mealtime difficulties, but often with a few small changes they can continue to enjoy their meals. Lincoln Catering understands the importance of helping our aging population meet their nutritional needs with deliciously prepared foods made in a professional kitchen, seasoned to perfection and always made with love. Understanding why our loved ones are not enjoying their food is the first step. Are they having difficulty in chewing, are they suffering from dry mouth or are they frequently getting an upset stomach? Once you have a clear understanding of what the problem is, addressing it becomes simple. So Lincoln catering first will sit down with either the senior themselves and/or one of their family members to discuss what the dietary concerns are. They talk about what foods appeal to them and often find that the reason the senior is not eating well is simply because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the food that the caregiver is providing them.

With a clear understanding of what the actual needs are, Lincoln Catering creates a meal plan that incorporates a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein and fats. They also offer gluten free, reduced sodium or sodium free meals, as well as vegetarian, vegan and organic options. Something to suite every pallet! Next you choose which option best works for your situation, have the food frozen and delivered weekly or have it delivered fresh everyday. Customer service is always number one, so Lincoln Catering always encourages the seniors to sample a meal on them to make sure that they are satisfied with the way the meal is prepared. With a passion for seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and nutrition, Lincoln Catering is committed to providing them with a well balanced diet that not only consists of fresh food but also food that they will enjoy. For more information on Lincoln Catering visit their website: www.lincolncateringco.ca where you will find a complete list of all the catering services they provide.

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

vegan Chocolate Avocado Pudding

Nutrition

Recipes

+ Writing | Sonya Stell

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 ripe avocado, skin and seed removed 1 ripe banana, peeled 3-4 tablespoons cacao/cocoa powder 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, optional 1/2 cup water, plus more as needed

Blend all ingredients in blender until creamy scrapping down the sides as needed to incorporate everything. Add more water as needed for desired consistency. Taste for flavour and adjust accordingly. Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and shaved dark chocolate, cacao nibs or vegan chocolate chips.

liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

You can serve at room temperature, but it is best when chilled in the refrigerator for a couple hours. Store leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Nutrition

Recipes

the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s healthiest food?

the Avocado Incredibly Nutritious

With a high nutrient value in Vitamin C, K, B5. B6, E and Folate.

High in Fibre

Avocado contains 27% of your recommended daily amount of fibre in a 100g serving.

Better Than A Banana? Avocado contains more Potassium than bananas.

Good For Your Heart

Avocado is loaded with heart-healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids.

Lowering Cholesterol & Triglyceride Levels Eating avocado regularly can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Live A Healthier Lifestyle

Makes Other Foods More Nutritious

Avocado encourages a healthier lifestyle, with easy recipes for all meals of the day.

Protect Your Eyes

Avocado may help to prevent cancer (researchers are actively studying the topic further).

The fat in avocado can help you to absorb nutrients from plant foods.

May Prevent Cancer

Avocado has tons of powerful antioxidants that can protect your eye health.

Promotes Weight Loss

Eating avocado helps to keep you feeling full for longer, encouraging weight loss.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Throw Away The Seed!

Allow your body to soak up the maximum nutrient potential an avocado has to offer, by grinding the large seed into a powder and adding it to smoothies.

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Nutrition

Recipes

sweet and tangy High Levels of Antioxidants

Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains a high concentration of Vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant.

Prevents Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition of the arteries which is marked by the accumulation of fat, cholesterol and other compounds in the inner lining of arteries. The presence of the ingredient Pectin in grapefruit is known to reduce this accumulation or deposits in the arteries.

Protection From Tumors and Cancer

Grapefruit contains a high amount of lycopene that is carotenoid phytonutrient and has anti-tumor property.

Reduces Inflammation

Grapefruit is a rich source of antioxidants like Vitamin C that protects from inflammation. Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen that repairs and heals blood vessels, tendons, joints, and bones.

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Alleviated Acidity

Grapefruit has a sub-acid taste, but the PH factor of its acid is lower than the acid in our stomach. Therefore, its juice neutralizes the excessive acid in the stomach because it has an alkaline reaction after digestion.

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Powers of Attorney + Writing | Sweatman Law Firm

An estate plan should include powers of attorney, documents where you grant one or more persons the legal authority to make decisions about your property and personal care for you. Why Make a Power of Attorney for Property? A Continuing Power of Attorney for Property can become as important as a Will. This document appoints a person or persons of your choice to manage assets for you during your lifetime. A mentally competent person may give a continuing power of attorney for property to another person (the attorney). Such document enables the attorney to do anything in respect of property on behalf of the person giving the power of attorney (the “grantor”) that the grantor could do himself or herself if capable, except make a Will. A power of attorney ceases to be effective upon the grantor’s death and cannot be used to carry out the functions of an executor. If you grant a continuing power of attorney for property without restriction, it can be exercised anytime, not just if you become incapable of managing property. Such a document can be used for all types of transactions and property management, but these dealings should be to your benefit. The law even authorizes, subject to certain conditions, the attorney to make gifts and loans on your behalf to your friends and relatives and charitable gifts. The attorney is entitled to reasonable compensation for undertaking the role unless the document says otherwise. A power of attorney may be given to one or more persons and can require multiple attorneys to act unanimously. A power of attorney may be general or limited to deal with specific assets. Whether general or limited, it may contain restrictions such as an expiry

date or a provision that the power may only be used in conjunction with a certificate from a doctor attesting to a donor’s incapacity to manage property. What happens if you are legally unable to manage property and have not put a continuing power of attorney for property in place? If you become incapable (and there is no certification by a psychiatrist), then you could be assessed and, if found to be incapable, the Public Guardian and Trustee will step in on a temporary basis to manage your property. A family member can then apply to take over from the Public Guardian and Trustee by submitting a management plan and posting a security bond or bring a court application to make a judgment of incapacity and appoint a person to manage your property for you. A valid power of attorney for property that names at least one attorney and an alternate as a backup is the best way to avoid the intervention of the Public Guardian and Trustee (even if temporary) and/or court proceedings. A backup is especially critical where spouses and friends appoint each other as attorney but travel together. In addition, if you wish, you may authorize the named person to withhold consent to medical treatment if you have an incurable illness, death will result, and the application of treatment will only artificially prolong the dying process. These wishes are referred to as a “living will”. Estate planning enables you to consider all of your life’s acquisitions and arrange their disposition or management currently, if you become incapable or upon your death. This client information bulletin is provided for information purposes and under no circumstances can be relied upon for legal decision-making. Please visit a professional before pursuing any of these actions.

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screen time vs. play

time

+ Writing | Nancy Stell

Digital and media literacy is an important aspect of our children’s development today; but how much time spent on devices like computers, tablets and smart phones is too much? These concerns are often in the forefront of parent’s minds as studies have continued to show there are adverse affects on spending too much time in front of these devices. The Canadian Pediatric Society along with the American Academy of Pediatrics both agrees that for children under two there should be no screen time. This is the area of greatest concern and to date there is no evidence that exposure to these devices provides any educational benefit at all to this young and vulnerable group. More useful activities for kids under two needs to focus on developing their cognitive skills - practicing the alphabet and counting, sing-a-longs and learning about shapes and colours, are all more effective tools to help our little ones develop. Interacting with other people in the physical world is optimal for brain development, so experts agree that a blank piece of paper with a crayon is better than an iPad. Once your children reach pre-school to adolescents, they can benefit from online content, particularly if it is educational. But you need to remember, devices are tools and like anything else, tools do some things well and other things not so well. So always consider the task first and determine if the tablet is the best tool to get the job done. The amount of time spent in front of these devices, whether you are three or fifteen, still needs to be monitored as they only play a partial aspect in your child’s overall health and development. The lack of physical activity is still a major concern today. The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Youth recommends a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day and statistics are showing that only 5 percent of children today are actually achieving this. The benefits of physical activity at any age are huge. Science has shown that when your activity goes up so too does 22

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the overall quality of your life. You sleep better, you decrease your chances of developing many different diseases like heart disease and type-2 diabetes, and with children, and statistics show an improved academic performance and increased self-esteem. So what is a parent to do? The following are the recommended guidelines for how much screen time your children should have: • For preschoolers: no more than 30 minutes per week and never in a childcare or early education setting. • For pre-school to adolescence: limit the screen time to 2 hours or less per day. Some of the major concerns about our children spending too much time in front of screens everyday are: • It makes it harder for your child to get to sleep at night • Increases the risk of attention problems, anxiety and depression • Increases the risk of obesity as your child spends less time participating in physical activities We are in the age of technology and its’ purposes are many as we all know, but with it comes a responsibility that parents need to understand. Become ‘screen smart’ and together watch TV shows, play video games and surf the net with your children. Talk to them about what they are watching and help kids to question the messages communicated by the screen content. Don’t forget that all eyes are on you, so be a good roll model. Put your phone away at dinnertime and utilize the technology we all enjoy by recording adult TV shows and watching them after your children have gone to bed. And lastly, don’t forget the tried and true pleasures of yesteryear, reading to your children, playing a family board game or creating works of art that you can post on your refrigerator for everyone to enjoy. Plan daily activities that also incorporates outdoor fun and socializing and your child will grow up to be a well diverse individual enjoying the benefits of all that the world has to offer - technology included!

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Getting your home

“market-ready”

+ Writing | Nancy Stell

The spring real estate market is just around the corner and in today’s competitive market you want to make your home stand out amongst the rest. How to do this is not as difficult as you might think. Here’s some of the tricks to help you put your homes best foot forward making a great first impression to potential buyers. Price: Everyone has heard the stories, bidding wars that got the seller over asking by sometimes-huge amounts. How do they do it? Find out what your house is worth on todays market and then shave off a sizeable amount making your home stand apart from the others. This results in more traffic and a bidding war driving the price up and over what it’s worth. It takes courage, but if you have the stomach for it, it is the single best strategy in selling your home in today’s market. Storage: We never have enough storage and your prospective buyers are taking a hard look at what your home has to offer. Remove half of the stuff out of your closets and then neatly organize what is left creating the impression of lots of space. Light: Let the sunshine in! Everyone loves a bright cheerful home so take care to clean the windows, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and pull back the drapes so the sun will shine in. On the exterior, if any of your bushes have grown up covering the windows, be sure to cut them back. Hire the right agent: A tech-savvy agent has many tools available to them today to help get your home sold. Make sure they are informed and constantly monitoring the MLS so they know what properties 24

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are going on the market and the comps in your neighbourhood. Remove the Pets: You want your home to look well cared for, clean and ready for the new home owners to enjoy. If you are planning an open house, send your pets to a pet hotel for the day and remove all feeding bowls, litter boxes and pet hair. Depersonalize: You want prospective buyers to see themselves living in your house, so take down personal items like family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes. Then arrange your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space. Upgrades: You don’t need to spend a lot to get a good pay off. A fresh coat of paint still goes a long way; new curtains and minor home repairs like fixing leaky faucets and making sure your closet doors are on the track will definitely pay off. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware and any broken or damaged switch plates to freshen up your space. De-clutter everywhere including the garage, basement and attic. If you have too, rent a storage unit to keep your extra stuff in until you sell. Make sure each room has a distinct purpose, rearranging the furniture if necessary. And don’t forget the exterior of your home. It’s the first thing prospective buyers will see so clean up and repair anything on the outside that needs it. Mow the lawn and make sure the sidewalk and driveway are free of clutter and debris. If there is still snow on the ground be sure to clean them off well.

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Keep your money

in your kitchen

+ Writing | Nancy Stell

The number one room that will sell your house is your kitchen! So attention to this room is of utmost importance if you want to sell your home quickly and get the best price possible. Prospective homebuyers will check out everything; they will open the fridge and dishwasher, check inside the cupboards and consider the overall usability of the space. A kitchen can actually make or break a deal so this is where you will want to spend some money and make it as appealing as possible. Clean, clean and clean some more. Scrub every countertop, clean every visible mess and remove any clutter. You want to optimize the area so your potential buyer can visualize their things in the space. Focus on these four areas of the kitchen: • Countertops • Cabinets • Paint • Lighting Today there are so many affordable choices for your countertops and backsplashes, so if you have the funds available, it is a very wise investment to make in your kitchen. At the very least you can always change up the faucets to help modernize the space. Clean your appliances both the inside and out or replace any that are not working well. Re-facing your cupboards can be another inexpensive way to update your kitchen. Clean and organize the insides. A fresh coat of paint, in a neutral colour, works best as it makes your kitchen look bigger and brighter. Lastly, lighting, especially in the evenings is vital. Install lights underneath the cabinets to highlight work areas and put higher watt bulbs in your overhead lights. Remove any clutter from the space both inside and out. Wellorganized cupboards suggest lots of space, so remove anything that is just cluttering them. Put in some finishing touches like fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit on the counter. It’s ok to leave your toaster and coffeemaker on the counter but everything else should be out of sight. Buy some new tea towels to add a splash of colour and pattern, especially if you have a white kitchen. Bright, clean and fresh is the overall look you want to achieve making your kitchen the best feature of your home. 26

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buying and selling your home + Writing | Nancy Stell

Should you do it on your own or should you hire a professional? Over 88% of all homebuyers rely on a real estate professional to help them buy or sell their home. Why? Because the rules regarding home sales are always changing and it is your realtor’s job to stay on top of them passing them along to you, their client. Your realtor can be a great resource to you, directing you to the best lending options; a great contractor who can help you make any necessary repairs or upgrades, to providing you with an unbiased voice of reason helping you to see outside of your personal connection to your home. A good agent will also be able to set a price on a home the minute they walk through the door. They know how well a neighborhood holds its value and whether a home is overpriced or underpriced. One of the challenges of purchasing a new home is the delicate dance of requesting repairs. Stipulating an inspection by a qualified home inspector will often result in a lengthy and detailed report. An experience realtor can help you determine which repairs are important and reasonable to request that the seller have them fixed. Navigating the paperwork to prepare and/or accept an offer to purchase is another important aspect your relator will guide you through. With time sensitive counters and specific repairs and inclusions, this is one of the major reasons most people choose to use a realtor. A levelheaded negotiator ensures you will secure the deal you want without sabotaging it over ‘little things’. Now that you know why you want to use a realtor, how do you choose the right one? Remember that buying or selling a home

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should be looked upon like any other business transaction so don’t leave it up to your friend or family member unless you are confident they also have the proper credentials to do the job. And don’t go for the agent that will just “tell you what you want to hear”. Often a homeowner has an over inflated value on their home and agreeing to use an agent simply because they agree with your selling price could stop you from actually selling. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression; so hitting the market with the right price is most likely to get you the results you want. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and check to see what other people have to say about the services they received. It’s not just the quantity of listings your agent has had but also the quality of them. So ask your prospective agent: How many of their listings did not sell last year? How many were reduced before they sold? And, How long were they on the market for? You want to choose the agent that you feel will best market your property, negotiate the terms and conditions, and communicate well with you to make the process as smooth as possible. A competent realtor will be able to articulate well the strategies they will engage to market your home. Find out if they work with a team or will all your dealings be directly with them. What commission will they charge; keeping in mind cheap isn’t always best. You get what you pay for so if your realtor is way below the market rate, there is likely a reason why. With all that being said, you want to ensure that you have a good rapport and comfort level with the agent you choose.

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Purchasing your home in an active real estate market

+ Writing | Nancy Stell

If you are planning to purchase a new home in this upcoming spring market here are some tips on how you can have the winning offer. Remember this is the busy home-buying time of the year so you will have a lot of competition going up against you on your dream home so you will want to use some of this strategy to securing the winning bid. Fair market value: Before determining your offers price make sure you know the market, getting comparable sales from your real estate agent so you can establish a fair market price. Sellers are much less likely to respond to low bids with a counter offer than a fair market one. Limit what you ask for: The more conditions you request the less attractive your bid will be. Make a clean offer including only necessary contingencies and keep the timelines short. Understand your sellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs: Use your realtor to find out what motivates your seller. Are they under a tight deadline? Do they already have another home purchased? When you understand what they need you can tailor your offer accordingly. Get pre-approved: Make sure you have your mortgage financing in order so your seller is confident you can go through with the purchase if they accept your offer. This not only ensure you can close your deal in a timely manor but it also shows that you are a serious buyer. liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

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Pantone Colours + Writing | Sonya Stell

of the Year

To help welcome us into 2016, Pantone Color Institute has once again chosen their “Colour of the Year” but this year they had a big surprise in store for us… instead of just one colour of the year, they have chosen two beautifully soft-toned colours to represent 2016. Here is what Pantone has to say about Rose Quartz - Pantone 131520 and Serenity - Pantone 15-3919: “A softer take on colour for 2016: For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the PANTONE Colour of the Year. As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colours that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of colour association. In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted colour trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to colour is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using colour as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to colour usage.” Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute describes the relationship between to the colours as: “Joined together Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.” Have you ever wondered why Pantone chooses a “Colour of the Year” or what is it supposed to represent? Those at Pantone explain that these colours are: “A symbolic colour selection; a colour snapshot of what we see taking place in our culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude. For the first time Pantone introduces two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity as the PANTONE Colour of the Year 2016. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times” 30

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Pantone also share various recommendations for colour pairings to inspire you when designing your home, your wardrobe or anything else colourful this year. Pantone suggests: “Whether in soft or hard surface material, the pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity brings calm and relaxation. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, the engaging combo joins easily with other mid-tones including greens and purples, rich browns, and all shades of yellow and pink. Add in silver or hot brights for more splash and sparkle.” Visit www. pantone.com to learn more about these colours, amongst previous “Colours of the Year”.

throw pillows, blankets, and trinkets in these shades. Pick up some large runners to set out on your dining room table to sit below your everyday plates and bowls. This will add a pop of colour and keep you on-trend, without changing the entire decor within your home.

Incorporating This Years Colours of the Year into Your Home Adding a splash of colour, especially with these beautifully subtle, calming and versatile shades of Rose Quartz and Serenity, will be very simple this year. Choose to add in hints of these colours with

In the bathroom, add some trendy hand towels and some candles with coloured wax that fall in trend with this years colours of the year. This way you can ensure that your decor is both timeless and on-trend, without going overboard.

The same rule applies for the rest of your home; do not throw out everything you bought last year and replace it with a complete set of blues and pinks. Instead, pick up a new sheet set in one of these shades that compliments your bedding; add in some decorative pillows and some fresh flowers to pull the look together.

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Unpretentious

organic

+ Writing | Nancy Stell

warmth

With unpretentious organic warmth, the earthy colours and natureinspired textures of this beautiful home feels both fresh and real. It is a one of a kind three story home located in beautiful Erin, just minutes from town and on a fabulous one-acre lot. One of the reasons we love nature so much is our innate connection to the outdoors and to natural elements that are living including dĂŠcor that was living like cotton, leather and wood. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s options are limitless allowing you to create the perfect nature inspired home as shown here with exposed wood beams; hardwood plank flooring and naturally finished wood trim throughout. From the moment you arrive, the gorgeous stone entrance draws you into this spacious 3500 square foot home that offers oversized rooms, an open concept office space on the second floor and a third story loft space. The incredible master bedroom has a 5-piece ensuite and a walk in closet allowing you a haven all to your own.

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Granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom and earth toned ceramic tiles, embellishing the floors of these rooms augment the plank flooring. Easy to care for and striking to look at, enjoy entertaining guests and family in the sizeable eat in kitchen complete with breakfast bar. The spacious family room offers a propane-burning fireplace for those cold winter days and a walk out to a large wooden deck where you can enjoy the warm spring evenings or bask on a hot summers dayâ&#x20AC;Ś offering relaxing and calming elements for every season. Brick can also serve as a focal point in your room, and has been incorporated both in the built in bar in the lower level rec room and the fireplace in the family room. Providing a uniform pattern, adding both texture and colour to the rooms and staying true to the character of this rustic home. The combination of brick, natural wood and contrasting trim creates the dramatic floor to ceiling fireplace. An open canvas for the nature-inspired homeowner, 2016 hottest trends in home dĂŠcor incorporate greenery offering a more eco-friendly vibe and acting as a calming presence. Living plants, a bubbling Zen fountain and organic sheets and bedding can help nature find a space in your home. Live edge furniture, throw in some metallic pieces to spice up your space, and statement lighting with an industrial influence are all prevalent in this year designs and compliment this style of home. A double car garage complete with a walk up finished loft and loads of parking, situated across from a golf course and backing onto a conservation area, this home offers the best of both worlds. If you think this is the perfect home for you, you are in luck! Available for sale through Tanya Bottomley of Coldwell Banker Ronan Realty. Be sure to visit her website at www.tanyabottomley.com and take the virtual tour to learn more about this amazing home.

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scrubbingwithcoffee

Beauty

Self Care

+ Writing | Sonya Stell

How to: Get your caffeine fix in the shower Are you looking for a way to reduce your household waste and experiment with all-natural products? Then stop dumping your coffee grinds into the garbage and save them for the shower. Cellulite’s number one enemy is caffeine, which tightens and provides antioxidants to the skin when applied topically. When applied regularly, it has been show to reduce the appearance of cellulite, especially over time. You can create your own exfoliating coffee scrub by combining the grounds with moisturizing, skinsmoothing coconut oil and a little bit of sea salt for an extra exfoliating kick. By massaging this onto any “problem” area, you will stimulate blood flow, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. There are a number of coffee scrubs, sugar scrubs, as well as a combination of both, available on the market. However, if you are an avid coffee drinker, you will have almost all of the ingredients you need in your kitchen to create your own. 34

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Here’s the recipe: - 1 Cup Dried Coffee Grounds - 6 tbsp Coconut Oil - 3 tbsp Sea Salt or Sugar - Empty Jar Measure out the dry ingredients and combine in a large measuring cup or bowl. Be sure to melt the coconut oil in the microwave if solid, and add to mixture. Mix well and transfer contents into a waterproof jar or container. In the shower, apply your scrub and massage onto the skin in a circular motion before rinsing. Repeat every time you shower for best results. Coffee and sugar scrubs can also be used on the face to exfoliate your skin and remove dry patches, but be sure to rub gently and avoid the under eye area, as this area of skin is extremely sensitive. Use once to twice per week to maintain a healthy glow.

Beauty

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Self Care

Beauty

Self Care

the dress

Beauty

Self Care

You’ve said “Yes” to the love of your life... Now it’s time to say “Yes” to the dress + Writing | Nancy Stell

Spring 2016 bridal trends won’t disappoint you. Body contouring, corset-topped ballgowns and slinky slip dresses are hot for this season. Details like extra lace, delicate appliques and a little sparkle dresses them up for the occasion. Not only low sexy backs are popular, but so too are adventurous plunging next lines. Not your cup of tea, some gowns have reached new heights with lacy and tulle-ruffled mock turtleneck collars; and some designers incorporating both looks into one gown. Motifs like ivory landscapes of dreamy florals or playful butterflies fluttering on layers of silk tulle add another dimension to the traditional dress. Designers also fully covered traditional ball-gown skirting with feathers for an extra dimension; Vera Wang going really outside the box with a solid black bandeau crop top and feathered covered ball-gown skirt for a wedding look that you can wear again. Soft pastels are still going strong with pretty watercolours offering another non-white option. And a must have ‘little white dress’ for your rehearsal dinner, reception or city hall type wedding, was present in every collection. But perhaps the most dynamic look for this year was PANTS! A welltailored trouser gives the bride that extra swagger and can be just as chic as a formal ball gown. Angel Sanchez even offered a strapless chiffon-topped jumpsuit and a metallic lace one. The latest trend to hit the bridal boutiques is all about sheer! Creating an illusion of an angel standing in the room, these daring and dazzling gowns range from slightly revealing to barely there. Some designers creations include open backs, sheer sleeves and a few strategically-place single layers of tulle throughout their gowns, while others show a much wider array of revealing pieces with see-through arms, legs, chests and stomachs. With a style for every bride, here are a few tips on buying your gown: 36

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• Everyone is excited about your big day and is anxious to help you choose the gown of your dreams, but too many opinions can actually make it that much harder for you to choose the gown YOU actually want. Experts recommend that you only bring two people dress shopping with you. Perhaps your mom and maybe a sister or best friend. • Don’t shop too early. Once you have all your wedding details in place you are ready to find the gown that suites the theme. Most dresses can take anywhere from five to eight months to come in so be sure to allow yourself enough time as you will need to incorporate some fittings in too. • Most brides try on four to seven gowns as many more can become overwhelming and difficult to make a decision. When you find it – buy it! •Designer gowns are sometimes offered for as much as 70% off enticing you to make online purchases that can lead to disappointment. These are often sample gowns that have been tried on by hundreds of brides and might be torn, stained or damaged during the process. Always double check your gown before buying it to make sure it is in the condition you are expecting. • Wedding gowns typically run one or two sizes smaller than street clothes so make sure you purchase the gown in the size that matches your measurements. Planning on loosing a few pounds? It’s better to order the size that fits your current body as it can always be taken in, but trying to add to a gown that is too small can be a challenging task. • Stay within your price range! Falling in love with a gown that you cannot afford will just make it that much harder to find one that you can. Let the salon know what your budget is as soon as you arrive and stick to it! Remember, alterations typically cost extra so don’t max out your budget on the gown. • Lastly, buy the gown that YOU love, not the one that others have convinced you to buy. It’s your day. If you are not sure, sleep on it as you can always go back the next day.

Beauty

Self Care

A Wedding in Your Future? Civil Marriage Ceremonies

The Town of Orangeville offers civil marriage services. Ceremonies can be conducted in the Council Chambers on Fridays, from 8:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. A marriage officiant may also conduct services outside of regular business hours, including weekends, at off-site locations or in the Council Chambers based on availability.

All couples must obtain a marriage licence. The Town issues Marriage Licences that are valid anywhere in Ontario for a period of three months. For further information call 519-941-0440 Ext. 2223 or email slankheit@orangeville.ca liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

fantasticfinds

Beauty

Self Care

...calling our brides and brides-to-be, we have found some amazing items to incorporate into your wedding plans!

Affordable, yet elegant, halo-style multi-diamond engagement ring perfect for saying “I Do”. Designed from 14K white gold, with a total weight of 0.46CT diamonds. Be sure to see if this ring is “the one” at Fire & Ice Jewellery, located at 310 Guelph Street, Unit #5 in Georgetown.

Create a custom wedding cake for your big day, that is both beautiful and delicious! With many different flavours of cake and frosting to choose from, you and your guests will be going home satisfied. Utilize the design experts who will help you to coordinate your theme and colour scheme into an awe-inspiring cake. Stop into Traditional Taste Bakery & Cafe at 211 Guelph Street in Georgetown, to see what they can create for you.

This beautiful deep red heel is designed by France Mode and referred to as the “Parade” in the colour “Carmin”. Known for their style, passion and originality, France Mode creates traditional, yet modern pieces with expertise and value. Perfect for a formal, unique addition to your wardrobe or as a unique take on the average wedding day shoe. Add a pop of colour and sparkle with this stunning handmade heel, built from the finest craftsmanship to ensure the highest quality. Available at Mi Giovi Shoe Boutique: 51 Main Street South, Georgetown. 38

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Beauty

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Self Care

wedding

Beauty

Self Care

checklist

+ Writing | Sonya Stell

A wedding can be one of the most exciting days of your life and one of the most stressful. Here is a helpful list of things to keep in mind while planning your big day, after you say, “I will” and before you say “I do”. Planning: If this entire process leaves you more stressed than pleased, you should consider the idea of hiring a wedding planner to ease some of your worries. Be sure to do your research and find a reputable event planner that specializes in weddings. Getting referrals from friends and family who have previously use the planner is another great way to ensure that you will be happy with the services you receive. At the very least, ask for references and be sure to check them!

Guests and Wedding Party: The number of guests will directly impact your budget and with today’s social media sites encouraging us to have hundreds of friends, deciding on who makes the cut is more challenging than ever. Create a master head count database with all the people you think you should invite then start cutting it using these simple rules. Don’t include people who otherwise you wouldn’t see outside of events, work or through your friends. Depending on who’s paying for the wedding determines how many invites they get; if the bride and groom are paying they should get equal invites; however if the brides parents are paying, they get more. Likewise, if your family wants to include friends that you don’t know, they should be prepared to cover the cost of these extra people. Now that you have your list, make columns for contact information, RSVPs, gifts, and any other relevant information. Also be sure to pick your wedding party relatively early in the planning process, as soon as you are engaged, your friends and family will start to wonder who is in. About eight months before your wedding date, be sure to reserve rooms at various hotels for out-of-town guests to stay in, if need be. It is recommended that you pick three hotels at different price points, all close to the reception venue. As well, be sure to register at a minimum of three retailers to help your guests determine their ideal wedding gift for the newlyweds.

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Beauty

Self Care

Catering: If your wedding venue does not offer a catering service, you are going to want to look for your own and hire the service within seven to eight months before the wedding date. Be sure to sit down with your caterer and discuss various preferences and any allergies or dietary restrictions well in advance. Also, ensure the caterer let’s you sample some of their dishes, so you and your significant other are not surprised on the day of. Photography, Videography & Entertainment: Around the eight-month mark, you will want to hire a photographer and/or videographer who are open to doing the shots and footage that you will want. There is no need to talk specifics just yet, leave that until you are closer to the actual date, then be sure to show examples and look through their own work to ensure you are going to have all of the memories you want. If you are planning to have some entertainment at your wedding you will want to attend the gigs of potential entertainers to see how they perform; then be sure to reserve your favourite early. Venues: You will have to decide whether to have separate locations for the ceremony and the reception, almost immediately after getting engaged, as venues often get booked up well in advance. Once you have decided, you should factor in travel time between the two places and how you will be arriving there; or be sure that the venue of choice has everything you need under one roof and that it will accommodate the number of guests your inviting.

The Rings: Choosing your wedding rings is a huge decision. If you already have your engagement ring, you will want to ensure that your wedding band coordinates well with it. Sit down with a jeweler and browse through their collections, if you have not found the perfect one for you or your partner, consider a custom design that will forever be exclusively yours.

The Cake: Cakes are elegant and a statement piece at your wedding. Choose a bakery where you feel comfortable with the staff and like the work they showcase on their website. Three to six months is enough time to plan your cake so once you have chosen your colours and the venue, it’s a good idea to get going on your cake design and get it ordered. Don’t forget to taste the cake before ordering it, keeping in mind that exotic flavours might alienate guests. The Honeymoon: Where should we go? Start thinking early about what kind of honeymoon, and more importantly where you will be honeymooning. You will likely need up-todate passports and depending on the location, you may need more up-to-date vaccines. Todays’ couples Jet set all over from the rain forest of Costa Rica to the sexy city of New York or the rugged terrain of the Serengeti. Amazing destinations await you; so don’t be disappointed by not having all your documentation and shots in order.

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get glowing for your wedding

Beauty

Self Care

+ Writing | Carla Furfaro of Calm Waters Day Spa & Laser Clinic

Get your skin in its best condition before your wedding day. To get your skin glowing and looking its best you should start early. We recommend a year in advance, but don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a year. It is never too late to start a good skin care routine. Schedule professional facial treatments every 4-6 weeks to refresh, nourish and deep cleanse your skin. Your esthetician will be able to recommend a home care regime to best suit your needs and support your professional treatments. This combination will improve tone, texture and bring about overall radiance. Remember you are what you eat. Limit your consumption of alcohol, processed and high sodium and saturated fat laden foods. Enjoy a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, by eating plenty of vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates to look and feel your best. Don’t forget about water, getting 8 glasses of water a day is best. Exercise and get plenty of rest. Regular moderate exercise is a true fountain of youth bringing oxygen to the skin by increasing circulation and eliminating toxins through perspirations. Exercise

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also helps to manage stress and promote restful sleep. Try to get the required 7-8 hours of sleep a night to allow the body and mind to rejuvenate. Wear an SPF of 30 or higher. Sun damage is the number one cause of skin damage and premature aging, leaving the skin dehydrated, unevenly textured and pigmented. As the old saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure “. If you still desire that sun kissed glow bronzers are wonderful, or you can go with a faux tan. Minimize the appearance of sun damage and large pores. It is true that we cannot change the actual size of pores but we can greatly reduce the depth of the pores. When the skin is exfoliated through microdermabrasion and or glycolic or chemical peels, layers of dead cells are exfoliated reducing the depth of the pores thus reducing the surface size. This process also greatly reduces the darker dead cells of sun damage, leaving a more even tone and texture to the skin, promoting newer cell growth and increased collagen production. Use a good quality skin care makeup. Makeup should be an extension of your skin care, we recommend Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup, 100% mineral makeup all natural ingredients provided naturally occurring anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and completely noncomedogenic. You will likely have many social events surrounding your wedding from engagement parties, showers, bachelorettes just to name a few when you will want to look your best, investing in a great quality makeup and even maybe a makeup lesson will leave you feeling confident to put your best face forward. For the big day you may want your makeup professionally done to ensure long wear and perfect pictures. Best wishes to you at this truly magical time in your life and “Get Your Glow On”

just add Beauty

Self Care

Beauty

Self Care

WINE + Writing | Nancy Stell & Sonya Stell

As you and your guests enjoy your beautifully catered dinner and chatter about how amazing your wedding has been, it will be a lovely touch to add a bottle of hand-picked wine to each table. Making your own wine has many benefits, including the convenience of having great wine on hand for any occasion, being able to enjoy wine store quality at a fraction of the price, and having fun with friends and family as you bottle your chosen wine and meet new winemakers just like you. Every kit makes approximately thirty bottles of wine and is available at a price point for every budget. It’s simple: just pick a wine, give it some time, bottle and enjoy! And it gets even better… instead of using the company labels, you can create your own beautifully personalized wine bottle labels, custom to your event. What better way to add that extra special touch to your wedding, that creating your own custom wine labels unique to your big day and your love for one another? Plus, it is just a easy as bottling your own wine! With stunning templates already available, you can simply add the finishing touches and have gorgeous bottles of wine ready to be enjoyed at every table. To begin, look for a design that compliments your personalities and will fit the mood of your wedding. Be sure to decide whether you are looking for elegant labels to match your wedding theme, joyful and fun labels to represent the couple, or a sentimental design to encompass the joining of love on this day. Once you have found the one that you would like, you will have to consider what you would like to include on it. Couples can include whatever they choose on their custom labels; you are only limited by your own imagination. But for starters, you can have your names, the date, a saying that represents the big day or your beliefs, and even a photo… perhaps an engagement photo or meaningful photo of the two of you. This is the perfect way to make your wine truly unique and add that personalize touch to this already very special day. liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

hydratingvs.moisturizing Beauty

Self Care

+ Writing | Sonya Stell

Cleanse, tone, moisturize–it is a process skin care companies have engrained in our minds. And with the onset of the cold, dry winter months, it seems more emphasis is placed on the final step than ever before. While most simply accept this three-step formula as gospel, others seek a better solution. With an emphasis on correction, professionals and their products work with the skin’s natural physiology to restore balance and encourage healthy, normal hydration free of unnecessary assistance. After all, if everyone’s skin is different, how could one method fit all? It all begins with moisture balance. In normal skin, the sebaceous glands—oil-producing glands that naturally lubricate the skin— maintain a healthy level of sebum, or natural oil. This serves to keep the skin properly hydrated by preventing excessive water loss or absorption. Marked by a supple feel and moist (but not greasy) appearance, normal skin gains little, if anything, from added moisture. But what about other skin types? While oily, dry and sensitive skin types can and do benefit from topical hydrators, a moisturizer can only do so much and is not a solution to any condition by itself. If your skin is properly balanced, it really shouldn’t need a regular moisturizer. Moisturizers generally work in two ways. Many prevent water loss by coating the skin with an oil-based substance to trap moisture in— essentially replicating what a healthy sebum balance already does. Common among store-bought brands, staple ingredients include petroleum, mineral oil and lanolin. While somewhat effective, such products run the risk of clogged pores and contact irritation due to their oil content. Other products attract moisture to the skin using hydrophilic (water-friendly) substances like glycerin, lactic acid and certain vitamins. In addition to replacing moisture already lost, products containing these ingredients are enjoyed by more skin types for their non-greasy, non-irritating properties. Topical hydrators should support the skin’s natural hydration process rather than simply supplement moisture, which sidesteps the real issue at hand—the condition. A moisturizer is only useful if it effectively targets the source of a condition. If you’re constantly applying and reapplying moisture, you’re only covering up the condition, not working toward correction. That bigger problem could be the result of any number of things. From poor dietary and lifestyle choices to hormonal imbalance and UV over-exposure, skin conditions arise in different people for different reasons. Dry skin arises from distress or damage to the skin’s lipid barrier—a permeable outer layer of fatty substances that shields skin cells from harmful elements while allowing in moisture and nutrients. Combined with a decrease in sebum production, this structural deterioration exposes skin cells to external threats and contributes to what is known as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) as cells become dehydrated and the skin visibly starts to suffer. While a moisturizer may offer temporary relief, until the source of the cell 44

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disruption is isolated and corrected, dry skin will continue to be a problem. However, dry skin is not the only casualty of moisture imbalance. Oily skin occurs when sebaceous glands are prompted to produce more sebum than normal, causing the skin to appear shiny or greasy. Although nearly opposite in appearance, oily and dry skin often arise from many of the same core causes. In fact, most oily conditions are really issues of dehydration in which the skin counteracts with an increase in sebum production. While intuition may suggest a needed decrease in hydration, this thinking often does more harm than good to the skin. Combined with daily degreasing efforts and harsh topical agents that strip away the skin’s lipid barrier, weak moisturizers are merely an attempt to control the symptoms of a condition through chemistry and do not target their source. The goal, therefore, should not be to replace the skin’s natural hydration process, but to regain balance. A skin care program should be focused on correcting the problem at hand. Moisturizers play a part, just as cleansers and balancers do. Together, their goal is to correct the core of a condition and return the skin to a more normal state. For this purpose, it is important to consult with a skin care professional to determine the source of the condition and create a treatment strategy customized for your skin. Don’t self-diagnose. Skin care professionals know the skin best and know which steps need to be taken on a case-by-case basis to improve the overall health of the skin.

Beauty

Self Care

“Colour of the Year” in Fashion + Writing | Sonya Stell

Rose Quartz and Serenity Take the Fashion World by Storm In previous years, it may have been a little difficult to incorporate the all-new trendy “Colour of the Year” by Pantone Color Institute, but this year, with two colours to choose from, we are confident that you will be able to easily introduce these stylish shades into your wardrobe. Both equally, soft and subtle with a dose of a beautiful light pink and sky blue, you’ll be finding gowns, jackets, skirts, bags, shoes and accessories adorned with these colours this year.

Handbags You can never have too many handbags, am I right? Our closet space and significant others may disagree, but we can’t help but argue. This year designers across the globe are utilizing these hot colours within many of their 2016 collection handbags, wallets, wristlets and totes. Considering these colours are both very subtle, they will transition into nearly any outfit with ease. So go ahead and add just one more bag to your collection, it will be worth it!

Now, the ladies here might be going a bit overboard with the trend for some of our tastes... but if you carefully select unique pieces to compliment your outfit, you can have fun playing with these colours and still utilize your current style.

Shoes & Accessories Another amazing way to incorporate these colours into your everyday life, is by picking up a new pair of shoes with either Rose Quartz or Serenity as the focus colour. Some popular brands, including “Hunter” have begun designing boots and shoes within this colour scheme for this years fashion lovers. You can even find a pair of Rose Quartz rain boots!

Gowns If you are a big fan of one of these colours or both, you can wear it from head to toe with a beautiful formal gown or light, breezy dress that is either one solid shade of Rose Quartz or Serenity, or a pattern of both. If you are going for a dress in one shade, add a neutral coloured belt and some trendy jewellery to complete the look. Hint: Rose gold jewellery blends beautifully with the Rose Quartz colour, and silver, white or yellow gold compliment Serenity as well.

Last but not least, get ready for some blingy, beautiful accessories with this years “Colour of the Year” in the spotlight! Add a simple watch, bracelet, necklace, hair piece or headband featuring these colours to any outfit. Watch designers have blended Rose Quartz with rose gold and have created stunning high-fashion pieces.

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Beauty

Self Care

“Colour of the Year” in Beauty + Writing | Sonya Stell

This year, something amazing happened in the cosmetic industry... Sephora paired up with Pantone Universe to create two brand new lipsticks in the shades: Rose Quartz (right) and Serenity (left). Sephora boldly introduces their new shades, stating “No rules are the new rules. Delight in the gentle pink of Rose Quartz; blaze beauty trails with the unexpected blue of Serenity. Wear each colour individually or break all the rules and pair them together.” Sephora+Pantone Universe Colour of the Year Matte Lipstick in Serenity is described as: “A modern lipstick that dresses up the lips with bold coverage and unmistakable attitude.” This high-end, high quality lip colour is formulated to: “Get a hgih-coverage, pigmentloaded pop of colour that catches your eye with this exclusive Colour of the Year shade. Break the monotony of sheer pastels and go bold with a high-coverage light blue meant to layer and be mixed with other shades. A high concentration of ultra-thin pigments incorporated into a rich blend of emollient oils and waxes offers a radically intense, satiny finish on the lips.” With sensitive skin kept in mind, this lipstick is formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Sold exclusively at Sephora, this new shade is limited edition and available online only at www.sephora.com. 46

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And if one wasn’t enough, check out this second shade: Sephora+Pantone Universe Colour of the Year Layer Lipstick in Rose Quartz, described to us by Sephora as: “A rich, velvety, ultrahydrating lipstick that delivers a dramatic punch of colour.” With a very similar formula to the Serenity shade, Rose Quartz is formulated to: “Get a high-coverage, pigment-loaded pop of colour that catches your eye with this exclusive Colour of the Year shade. Break the monotony of sheer pastels and go bold with a high-coverage pastel pink meant to layer and be mixed with other shades. A high concentration of ultra-thin pigments incorporated into a rich blend of emollient oils and waxes offers a radically intense, satiny finish on the lips.” Once again, those of us with sensitive skin were kept in mind, as this shade is also formulated without parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. As well, Rose Quartz is sold exclusively at Sephora, is limited editional and available online only at www.sephora.com. If used together, these tones create the perfect balance between warm and cool tones across the lips. With one matte and one satin finish, these lipsticks are ideal for every skin type and can be used in conjunction with balms and primers to help keep your lips hydrated all day long.

Furry coats

Pet Health

Wellness

+ Writing | Sonya Stell

Do dogs need clothes? While this may at first appear to be a light concern to those who would scoff at the idea of dressing a dog, there are still many dog owners who have seen their dogs shiver violently after exposure to winter temperatures but hesitate to put clothing on their dogs for fear of appearing odd. Well, have no fear. If you are concerned about your dog being cold, there is certainly no harm in putting clothing on him/her. If you are still on the fence, consider this: Sure, dogs come equipped with their own external layering system, but some dogs have lighter layers of fur than others, and some are not genetically suited to the environments in which they find themselves transplanted. So your dog may in fact be extremely uncomfortable with the winter temperatures — as uncomfortable as you would be if you went outside without clothing. A sweater or jacket can be helpful during the cold seasons, especially if your dog is reluctant to go outside in the snow to relieve himself, but also if you tend to keep your home’s internal heating system set low, depending instead on blankets and sweaters for your human occupants. How warm your dog is able to physically keep himself may depend on his breed, size and even age, but if he just doesn’t have a heavy hair coat, there is only so much curling up he can do to conserve heat. Smaller, light bodied breeds, toy breeds, and breeds that naturally have very short or thin hair coats benefit from a warm dog sweater for when they need to go outside, or for just hanging around the house. A sweater can make a significant difference in your dog’s feeling of well-being. Of course, short, thin hair is not the only prerequisite for outer clothing. Dogs that tend to have shortcropped hair — like poodles, which may grow thick hair but which owners tend to keep short to avoid matting — should also be given a sweater to protect them from very low temperatures. Also, older dogs with weaker immune systems and dogs with diseases that impair hair growth typically need an extra source for warmth, and this can be easily provided by a sweater or jacket, even indoors. Conversely, larger dogs with dense hair coats do not have a need for additional insulation, and would be very uncomfortable if they were forced to wear outer clothing, possibly to the point of physically overheating. Their fur is already genetically designed to protect them from extreme winter temperatures. The Siberian Husky, Malamute, and Saint Bernard breeds are all excellent examples of dogs that are perfectly suited to cold temperatures, while the Chihuahua, Greyhound, and many terrier and pinscher breeds are good examples of dogs that would do well with a little extra outer insulation. Once you have decided to get a sweater for your dog, you will need to begin by considering material. While wool is very warm and one of the best insulating materials, take into account how often it will need to be washed, and whether it will make your dog more uncomfortable due to itching. A good blend of washable wool and cotton or acrylic may be the best bet. Second, just as you would measure your own neck, chest and waist before buying a piece of clothing, measuring your dog is the best way of assuring the best fit. Why do you want it to fit? So that your dog cannot easily pull the piece off, so it doesn’t drag on the ground, and so it doesn’t get caught on anything during normal movement. You want the piece to be snug, not tight. liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

friend

Pet Health

Wellness

more than just a + Writing | Nancy Stell

“Anxiety: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” We all can experience this to a certain degree at some point in our life, but for some, this overwhelming feeling can almost paralyze us from getting on with our daily tasks and we need some real help on coping with it. Medications can have side effects and often they don’t really get rid of the problem entirely, so what can you do? Look into an ESD, otherwise knows as an emotional support dog and they might just literally save your life. Not everyone understands anxiety and many times when you try and discuss your concerns with friends or family the think they can ‘fix’ you when in fact all that you really need is someone to listen. This is why an emotional support dog can work so well along with many other services they offer that you may or may not be aware of. With an incredibly acute sense your dog will notice if your breathing becomes quicker or heavier, often a sign that an anxiety attack is pending and well before you yourself may recognize you are becoming panicked. This allows you to get intervention before you are in a full on attack. An unlike a human companion, your service dog only has your wellbeing in mind and won’t take no for an answer. They will keep at you until you take care of yourself keeping your attack from getting too bad. So if this means sitting down in the middle of a busy mall, your ESD will make sure that is exactly what you do. We all know that a dogs presence is automatically relaxing, even non-service dogs are known to provide comfort for their owners by calming them and helping them to relax. It is a fact that people’s blood pressure will lower while peacefully stroking their dog-reducing tension and improving their overall mood. 48

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For people with heightened anxiety, often being in public adds to this discomfort. When you have a dog at your side it automatically shifts the attention from you to them reducing the feeling that people are staring at you. They also bring more opportunities for easy conversation and can bridge the awkwardness of social chitchat. Emotional Support Dogs can also remind you to take medication, lead you out of a building, find and bring you your phone and keep people away from you if need be. The list goes on making them a true lifesaver in every sense of the word. Anxiety can be a crippling condition that so many people today are finding relief from by utilizing a service dog. Giving you back an independence, which truly provides a higher quality of life, they help you feel safe and alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. How do I choose my service dog? Well technically any breed of dog can be a service dog; however there are certain breeds that better suit the job. So first you need to make a list of what services you want your dog to be able to help you with. This will help you better determine if you should be looking at a larger breed, especially if you are looking for help with stability, where as a smaller breed can be less expensive to feed and take up less room still alerting you and providing physical stimulation. It really is no different than choosing a pet for yourself, with the major consideration going first on what your service dogs fundamental roll will be.

Fitness

business directory

Recreation

Below is a complete list of all of the participants in this issue of In Our Space magazine, including what page number they are on and their telephone number so that you can easily contact them. We truly hope that you will support our local businesses just as they have supported us. Enjoy your mid-winter issue! 47 25 23 42 25 33 2 13 43 31 52 51 16 17 37 25 15

27 27 23 29 37 39 37 49 39 37

Bold Canine www.boldcanine.com Caledon Fireplace Ltd. www.caledonfireplace.ca Caledon Tile, Bath & Kitchen Centre www.caledontile.com Calm Waters www.calmwatersdayspa.com Carpet Barn Carpet One www.carpetone.com Coldwell Banker, Tanya Bottomley www.tanyabottomley.com Dufferin Windows Limited www.dufferinwindows.ca Family Foot Care www.familyfootcare.net Fire & Ice Jewellery 905-873-4405 GP Carpentry www.gp-carpentry.com Garden Foods www.gardenfoodsmarket.com Georgetown Chevrolet, Buick, GMC www.georgetownchev.com Judy Longstreet 905-702-7846 Lincoln Catering Co. www.lincolncateringco.ca Mi Giovi Shoe Boutique 905-873-8778 Mountainview Mortgage www.calleroteam.com Naturally Bulk 905-857-6767

Pine Meadows www.pinemeadows.ca Remax, Kari Clark www.kariclark.com Royal LePage, Denise Dilbey www.ddilbey.com Royal LePage, Gillian V&Co. www.gillianv.com Stone Edge Estates www.stoneedgeestate.ca The Club at North Halton www.northhaltongolf.com Town of Orangeville www.orangeville.org Tocher Pianos 519-855-4984 Traditional Taste Bakery & Cafe www.traditionaltastebakery.ca Winexpert www.winexpertorangeville.com

View a copy of our current issue and previous issues online at www.inourspacemagazine.com. If you are looking to participate in an upcoming issue, please contact Nancy Stell at (647) 522-7157 or email nancy@inourspacemagazine.com for more information.

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Watch for our next issue of In Our Space: Helping You Live in Balance this coming Mid-Spring 2016 liveinbalance | The Hibernation Edition

online reviews

Fitness

Recreation

The Growing Importance of Online Reviews for Businesses and Consumers

+ Writing | Georgetown Chevrolet Buick GMC

There are a growing number of statistics confirming that consumers are increasingly turning to online reviews for guidance when making purchasing decisions. So what does this mean in our marketplace? To a seller, it is more important than ever to manage their reputation both physically and virtually, as it is often the first point of contact a customer will make with a business. Negative reviews will directly affect customer acquisitions. As a consumer, it is important to share your experiences in the online marketplace as it can help a business you appreciate excel. A 2014 study on consumer purchasing showed that 88% of online shoppers trust an online review just as much as a referral from a friend or family member! We all know the power of referrals and online reviews are seemingly the new â&#x20AC;&#x153;word of mouthâ&#x20AC;?! Georgetown Chevrolet Buick GMC takes this aspect of their business very seriously, because statistics in the car industry show that the majority of consumers do extensive research online prior to making their purchase. By the time a car buyer is done with their research, they are on average only visiting two dealerships before finalizing their purchase. There are excellent platforms online today in regards to dealership reviews, the topmost being Google reviews and DealerRater. Google reviews can be difficult to obtain because the reviewer must have a Gmail address, but it also happens to be the most influential to consumers because it is oftentimes the first impression an online consumer will see. DealerRater is tailored to the automotive industry and allows consumers to see which dealers are the best to deal with in your area. With a multitude of special features, DealerRater also 50

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allows individual salespeople to stand out and become a familiar face before customers even come in to the dealership. These are great tools for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consumer, allowing you to make a very informed purchasing decision; however, one also has to remember the downsides of online reviews. One downside for example, is that online reviews can cause you to have a biased view of a business based on a couple of unhappy customers. Traditionally, unhappy customers tend to be much more vocal about their experiences which can sometimes result in consumers getting a skewed perspective if the many happy customers have not chimed in. Secondly, it can be very difficult for businesses to dispute or remove a review. This is especially true of Facebook reviews and even if the review was made on the wrong page, the business is stuck with it. Georgetown Chevrolet Buick GMC has been implementing new policies to help encourage all of their employees to ask their customers to review them. Creating a large database of reviews allows YOU, their valued customer to get a really great snapshot of what you can expect when you choose to do business with Georgetown Chevrolet Buick GMC. Working hard to provide the best customer experience possible, Trevor and Alana Stroeder are dedicated to being an intricate part of the community and creating programs and policies to make sure each and every department provides the kind of service that keeps their customers coming back for life. Visit www.georgetownchev.com to learn more about the team!

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED GEORGETOWN CHEV IS YOUR HALTON HILLS TRUCK CENTRE!

THE NEW FACE OF STRONG Introducing the newly redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.

You don’t become Canada’s fastest growing pickup brand of 2015 by resting. You achieve it by constantly reﬁning, improving and raising the bar. Now the truck with high-strength dependability features a bold new look with the introduction of the new 2016 Silverado.

DEDICATED TO QUALITY. BUILT ON SERVICE. OUR FAMILY IS HERE FOR YOU. VISIT US TODAY, WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU.

www.georgetownchev.com

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