March/April 2013

The Sword Swallower

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March/April 2013

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www.simplifiedlivingmagazine.ca publisher editor in chief, Melissa Anwatin

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EDITORIAL Editor, Chantal Poitras ProofReader, Lisa A Johnson

contributors Chantal Poitras, Penny Bowman, Lucie Stephens, R.H.N., Julie Dupuis, Elya Anne Lane, Melissa Anwatin

photography Melissa Anwatin, Penny Bowman, Mikhail Pogosov, Stacey

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editor’s note

Melissa Anwatin, Editor-In-Chief

Odds are, we have all set out our resolutions by now, and some of us might still be in good standing with last year’s, but is there anything else we can do to accomplish our goals for the new year? Yes, making a list is the first step, but once that list is compiled, what next? Do we just go forth hoping to conquer these items one by one, checking them off as easily as a grocery list? I think not. More help and motivation is needed for success, and this issue will provide you with just that.

We will offer you articles on simple foods that lead to a healthy heart. February is Heart Month, so be kind to yourself and your heart. We will also show you some ways to jump-start your body and soul for a new and improved you. After all, we all thrive in love and other matters when we feel better about ourselves. We can conquer all odds!

There are also some other creative ways to help keep us motivated. For example, last year I met with an inspiring artist named Danielle Daniel who took on her year’s challenges in a way I hadn’t seen before. She dedicated a single word that would guide her for the entire year. This word was set to remind her of her goals and how she would accomplish them. This word was also emphasized throughout every project or situation she undertook, and was the means to fulfill them. “Focus.” Simple, yet truly powerful, don’t you think?

Just do it! This small but inspiring quote will guide me in 2013. I am going to stop putting up barriers for myself this year and “go for the gusto”. I am going to put every ounce of effort I have into everything that I do. It is important to place this quote or word, whichever you choose, in your viewing range. Somewhere where you will be reminded of it as often as possible. (In your office, bedroom or on the fridge.)

Whatever your choices may be, make sure to take care of your body and soul this year. Be a positive change for your family, and remember to open your heart and help make your mark for the greater good. It’s all worth it!

contributors

What does the new year hold for you?

I am determined to make 2013 a year of writing. I have novels that have been lingering on the back-burner and short stories I have been nervous about beginning. As my Bachelor of Arts degree draws to an end, a Master of Arts Degree looms on the horizon, and it too will challenge me as a writer and force me to step beyond my limits.

Chantal Poitras, Editor/Writer

Upon ringing in past new years, I’ve made lists and set many goals (“resolutions”). However, I have found that these goals often just don’t happen or simply fizzle out before the end of January even approaches.

For 2013, there is no list...just one main goal of “living in the present”: to not live in the past or the future, as living in the future can make a goal/ goals seem daunting...and for me, living in the past is more than likely digging up past failure. I look forward to soaking in every last bit of laughter from my children, being inspired by the young students I work with every day, and spreading my smiles and love to those near and dear to me.

Pretty simple, but I still believe the best things in life are indeed free.

Lisa a Johnson, proofreader

Last year I realized my long awaited dream of living on the water. When I reflected back to see how, after so many years I finally achieved my goal, I was surprised how simple the answer was; I simply acted on it! This year I am going to begin taking small steps to make some of my other dreams come true!

Penny Bowman, writer

Every New Year, the wishes we send, the songs we sing, and the greetings we call express hopes for future health, happiness, and prosperity.

But once a year isn’t enough. Every day should begin with such hopes.

For me, that means striving for balance, for I’ve learned that there is no happiness without health, no true prosperity without happiness. These hopes for ourselves and our loved ones only come in a Value Pack—it’s not possible to mix and match the bundle, so achieving balance is all the more important.

Julie dupuis, writer

2013 is my year. I was born on the 13th and I know this will be a year full of accomplishments and successes.

I will embrace life, embrace my family, and spend time recognizing my importance in the world.

Lucie Stephens, R.H.N., writer

This year I hope to let go of the little worries in life, and enjoy each day more without rushing through it.

Spending time with my family and friends-the people in life who matter the most. Doing more of the things that make life worth living; family camp-outs, swimming, fishing, hiking and star gazing. I’m also going to make more of an effort to actually invite friends and family over for dinner instead of keeping it to well intentioned thoughts!

Elya Anne Lane, writer

in this issue

18 The Art of Sword Swallowing This spring Science North will be hosting an exciting exhibition by The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® with a wide variety of acts and sights including the sword swallower.

12 Canadian Shield Consultants St Charles, Ontario is holding a secret for they have one of the leading wastewater, construction and all around engineering firms in the world.

A Healthy Heart The Sport of Cross Take a leap this year and take Country Skiing care of yourself and your heart. We offer you a list of some foods to incorporate into your diet making it an easy task to accomplish.

You still have time to experience one of winter’s best known outdoor sports. Feel the fresh air at your back and enjoy the sights that surround you.

28 Danny Turcotte This rising photographer is well on his way to becoming an influential artist. His body of work speaks volumes, and with the many projects and endeavors he takes on, we are sure to see his inspiring future unfold before our eyes.

22 Freshen-Up!

Chirp Chirp

Within the Bowl

We offer you some quick tips to help your home’s decor rid itself of those winter blues.

From garden inspired linens to light and airy curtains, who knew it would be that easy to encourage spring ?

Have fun putting together these quick and inexpensive bird silhouettes made from beautifully printed card stock. Add a simple frame and voilĂ , instant art.

This is a great time of year to fill up on some hearty meals made specially to fit inside your favourite size bowl.

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health

10 Uplifting easy ways to feel better fast...

Feeling better does not have to be a difficult process. There are fun, simple things we can do every day that can have a powerful impact on our health. With some conscious effort, we can not only improve our physical, emotional and spiritual well being but we can avoid serious health issues. If you are like me, you are probably doing many of them already, unaware of the host of hidden benefits! Knowledge is power, so read on and get motivated!

1

Smarten Up

Become educated about the health benefits of the foods you eat Making wise choices in the foods we eat can be a powerful way to boost our mood, improve our health, and prevent disease. For example, eating foods rich in antioxidants (molecules that fight free radicals that damage cells) is important for cellular health and strength. Five servings of fruits and vegetables a day are a good source of antioxidants as well as green tea, olive oil and garlic. A smart choice like this can help reduce the chance of heart disease, cancer, and lowered immunity. To make it fun, try starting your day with a delicious fruit and veggie smoothie...Don’t tell anyone there are veggies in it and it could become a family hit!

2

Liven Up

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

Walk more Walking has a long list of amazing benefits for something that is so easy to do! It strengthens muscles, lowers blood pressure, increases blood flow to the brain and helps build bones. Just 30 minutes of walking, five times a week, will help

lower stress, improve mental capacity, prevent heart disease and improve insulin sensitivity. Wow, why are we not walking more? To add some fun, go on a weekly scavenger hunt with family or friends, or start a km club and involve others in the spirit of friendly competition.

3

Suck it up

Breathe deeply and consciously

Our family history gives us all predisposition to certain diseases; how we handle stress can be a big factor in whether it manifests in our life. Whether you listen to relaxation CD’s, meditate or engage in activities you find relaxing, make it a priority to give yourself this gift every day.

5

Give it up

Do something for someone else To get the full benefits of breathing, we need to breathe deeply into our abdomen. Experts recommend inhaling slowly (5 count) through the nose, expanding the belly, holding (3 count) then exhaling slowly through pursed lips (5 count). Deep breathing increases the amount of oxygen our body receives which in turn makes our lungs more efficient, strengthens our heart, as well as improving circulation, digestion and detoxification. Deep breathing is also very calming and centering.

Try incorporating it into a routine, between sips of your morning coffee, on your walk, or whenever you find yourself tense. I use it when I am stuck in traffic or waiting in a long line. It really does make a difference.

4

Soften Up

Learn to relax One of the most important keys to good health is relaxation. If stress is a killer, then relaxation is a life saver. Common benefits of relaxation include released muscle tension, better sleep, calmer thinking and a general feeling of wellness. If practiced regularly, it can strengthen the immune system and ward off some diseases by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

When we reach out to others, we are not only helping them but ourselves as well. Giving makes the heart stronger, reduces stress, and increases feelings of contentment.

Helping others releases the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, which decrease the intensity and awareness of pain. To make it fun, volunteer in a school, visit a senior’s residence or do random acts of kindness in your neighbourhood anonymously. Robin Hood must have felt great!

6

Raise it up

Lift up those glasses and drink more water Most people do not drink enough water. Keeping our bodies well hydrated is vital to good health. Water aids in digestion and elimination, helps keep our joints lubricated and regulates our body temperature.

Drinking water can assist in weight loss by flushing out the fat breakdown and curbing the appetite. Water also improves brain function, helping us to think more clearly and focus. So if you want another quick way to feel better, fill up a thermos in the morning and let your day flow by with regular hydration breaks.

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7

Lighten Up

Get out and enjoy the benefits of moderate sun exposure Sunlight happens to be one of the most natural healing remedies available to us. One of the major benefits is that it increases the production of endorphins and serotonin in your brain, which boosts your mood and leaves you feeling better. Exposure to natural sunlight will also increase melatonin output at night. Melatonin improves sleep and slows down the aging process. Double bonus! Sunlight can also improve the liver’s ability to break down toxins that could lead to disease. It only takes an average of 10 minutes a day year round to soak up these rewards, so get out there!

8

Spice it up

Do something different, that you want to do Taking the time to do something we really want to do each day can be a wonderful way to acknowledge our worth, enhance our self esteem, relax and let go of stress. Self care not only contributes to our emotional well being, but improves our physical health as well. Make it simple, take the time to read a book, have a bubble bath, build, sculpt, or knit.

If you want to be adventurous, do something you have secretly longed to do. Write that book, skydive, or plan a special road trip. Whatever you choose, know it is important for your well being and you deserve it!

9

10

Wind it up

End your day with a gratitude list Having a sense of gratitude means appreciating all that is good in your life. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude helps maintain a positive mood and contributes to greater emotional well being. People with higher levels of gratitude have stronger relationships, sleep better, and are more productive and successful in life. The more we practice being grateful, the more our mind’s natural tendency towards optimism becomes stronger. Starting or ending your day with a list of things you are grateful for is a great way to begin. To add a little fun and share the joy, leave random notes for your kids, partner, or co-workers telling them why you appreciate them.

Good health is a vital part of enjoying our lives fully, yet most people take their health for granted. There is no better time than now to begin to honour our bodies and make little changes that can translate into big results. As a survivor of stage four cancer, I know this from firsthand experience. So no more excuses, let’s all make a conscious decision to be pro-active about our health. Every body will appreciate it!

Laugh it up

Get serious about laughter!

Laughter is quite literally good medicine. Laughing reduces stress hormones, increases healthenhancing hormones and can help relieve pain. A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and leaves muscles more relaxed. Laughter also connects us to others and can be helpful in social situations. So go watch a funny movie with friends, attend a comedy show, keep a clown nose handy (I use mine all the time) or just try to see the funny side of life more often. A note of caution though, laughing can be contagious!

This article was written by Penny bowman, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

Powered by dreaming imagine helping to create a handmade interactive Sparkle park compoSed oF 5,012 mirrorS Sewn together and accompanied BY glowing hummingBirdS in honor oF Both living and departed artiStS. JuSt one oF the manY wonderS oF powered BY dreaming...

Dare to dream and allow yourself to be inspired with this three-day exquisite camp experience for all ages that incorporates music, art, astronomy, biology, botany and so much more. Nestled on the grounds of Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York, you will be served with some of the best cuisine inclusive with your stay. This 100-acre resort offers some of the most breathtaking picturesque views, creating the perfect backdrop for this collaborative event and workshop. Sarah Fimm is a Billboard and Rolling Stone-acclaimed independent singer-songwriter and she created this event in hopes to cultivate a true environment of “Living to learn and learning to live�. Along with the many innovators attending, you will be engaged by performances, workshops and art exhibitions that will present themselves throughout your stay. Nothing could be better than having such inspiring opportunities to gather, meet and interact with such a large amount of mentors who have achieved their own dreams and successes.

Hands-on experience witH valued professionals in tHe art and science worlds including: david Barron (musician), danny Blume (musician), Tasman Rosenfield (scientist and butterfly expert), Barbara Dean Schacker (nurturer and speech therapist), Michael Schacker (author), Arthur Rosenfeld (philosopher and martial arts master), Heyrick Chasse (photographer), Sarah Fimm (artist and independant musician) and Mac Ritchey (musician and educator).

Big indian, new York

www.poweredbydreaming.com

home

What’s all the CHIRP About?

Birds are turning up a frenzy in the design world this year and their playful style will be just that final touch you’ve been looking for.

This quacky and cheerful tray from Ikea will brighten up any table setting indoors or out. Visit www.ikea.com

This is a great and easy project you can do at home on a rainy day, well wait a minute and allow me to rephrase, on a snowy day or even for a simple afternoon fun. All you need is some printed craft paper in any colour or print you want, some simple shadow box frames and a few other craft related items listed below.

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

•A few pages or printed craft paper in brightly coloured prints •Scissors •Glue (spray is perhaps best) •Black or brown construction paper to be used for backdrop

Let us all eat cake!

Our beautiful feathered creatures are now making their way into hearts and bellies. Not only is this three tiered delight breathtaking but it was also full of lemony goodness. Don’t be afraid to add a little whimsy to your next big event.

Wall art is a fun way to spruce up any room in your house and can be done at little cost. This playful bird and flower image is great for kids of all ages. Start it off in your nursery and the piece can easily be transitioned as your child gets older. www.rosenberryrooms.com

Take a few moments to look for the perfect pair of silhouette birds and print, trace or draw them on plain white paper. Make sure to measure your frame openings for the desired size.

Trace the silhouette onto the craft paper and cut carefully around the outlined image. Spray glue onto back of the silhouette and adhere onto your construction paper. Place your finished silhouette in your frame and voilà!

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profile

Canadian Shield Consultants and Community Based Environmental Stewardship Canadian Shield Consultants, a water and wastewater consultation, construction, and engineering services firm located in St. Charles, has been operating for nearly two decades, since 1996. Its accomplishments have been many, for the company has consistently built on its knowledge base to expand into new markets.

Like any other, the company fought hard for its successes along the way.

Today, with its team of consultants, designers, and engineers, Canadian Shield Consultants can offer a wide variety of water and wastewater treatment services and products.

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

The company’s President and CEO, local resident Gerry Dignard, describes a full range of water and wastewater treatment services, from environmental studies, consultations, and reports to construction and installation of systems, maintenance, and after-sales services. Canadian Shield Consultants provides turnkey water and wastewater services. “That’s what differentiates us from others,” says Dignard, “that we do all those components.”

Canadian Shield Consultants offers its services to residential, commercial, governmental, and tourism industries.

Dignard remarks about accessibility in the tourism industry, “The easy spots are already developed; only challenging sites are left.”

To provide the best service possible to clients across such a broad spectrum means the company has

to consider many factors, including site-specific challenges, client needs and wishes, location (which could necessitate air or water transport), and the ability to utilise soil to treat waste. For Dignard and his company, ensuring client satisfaction involves “proper investigative assessments to determine the best product available in the most affordable way.”

A few years ago, the company expanded into the mining and manufacturing industries, purchasing a helicopter to access remote regions of the country where exploration camps are set up. Throughout this expansion, the company always bore environmental stewardship in mind.

Wastewater treatment services are essentially an environmental service.

As Dignard says, “The end goal is to return treated wastewater to the natural environment in the same state or better than when it was taken.”

Part of environmental stewardship is taking advantage of nature’s filtering and cleansing ability. For example, Dignard says peat moss is a natural product which has been tested and proven to treat wastewater, and which can additionally be used for composting. He says it’s also important to adapt the technology to the natural environment.

This year, Canadian Shield Consultants is ready to enter a new field.

Emergency water and wastewater treatment services are needed more and more these days in light of

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increasingly frequent spills, whether from oil pipelines, mining tailings ponds, derailed trains, tanker truck accidents on roadways, or other industrial activity. Canadian Shield Consultants is hiring new staff to set up a first response emergency spill containment and clean-up supervision team. The company will also complete initial environmental impact assessments following toxic waste spills to determine the extent of the damage and aid with its minimisation. Canadian Shield Consultants is hopeful of entering into more agreements with oil and mining industry leaders and others.

That’s great news for the community, which will benefit from the foreseen job growth and its trickle effects. The company “employs local staff and attracts professionals to the area,” states Dignard. But his interest in his hometown isn’t purely economic. He’s active in trying to get local people involved in environmental stewardship, working with government agencies, universities, local organisations, tourism associations, and First Nations by sharing data and reports, making presentations, and providing expertise on wastewater management, lagoons, and landfill leaching.

Canadian Shield Consultants is always “looking to improve its environmental stewardship,” maintains Dignard.

His engineers research and develop new technologies for new challenges, performing in-house soil samples and planning an in-house soil lab in the future.

www.canadianshieldconsultants.com

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

For now, the company is working with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to help with the collection of water samples in various areas of Northern Ontario to identify the uses and impacts of blue-green algae.

It is also involved with sampling abandoned mines’ tailings ponds to identify possible toxins.

Says Dignard, “Canadian Shield Consultants works to be viable and sustainable in a community where we want to do business.”

this article was Written by Julie Dupuis, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

health

Heart Health Top 10 “Boy, were they smart!

Oatmeal contains loads of both soluble and insoluble fibre.”

As we age we can’t help but think about one of the biggest health risks known to man (and woman!) heart disease. No one in North America can claim to be unaffected by it. We all either have it, are married to someone who has it, or know someone who has it. The good news is that heart disease, in most cases, is completely preventable and reversible! It is a lifestyle disease and as such we have the power to either succumb to it or prevail against it. Several cultures in the world have little to no heart health issues. This is due to elements such as lifestyle (little to no stress) and proper diet. We too can accomplish this by cutting out the stress and processed foods and by incorporating the following Top 10 foods into our diet.

1 Wild Alaskan Salmon: one of the best sources for Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential to maintaining healthy and pliable cell membranes (including arterial wall cells) and reducing inflammation. It is far less contaminated with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenols) and heavy metals than farmed or Atlantic Salmon and can be easily sourced online through companies like Vital Choice seafood.

2 Apples: one per day can reduce

your risk of a heart attack by up to 32%! Maybe Eve wasn’t trying to entice Adam but to keep his heart ticking!

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

3 Beans: kidney, chickpea, navy,

you name it, it’s good for you.

These babies are chock full of fibre, promoting regular elimination of excess cholesterol and toxins. These not only help prevent heart disease but they do your body a world of good.

4 Berries and cherries: I’ve never heard of a bear dying of a heart attack. Maybe this is due to the

amount of berries they eat. Full of anti-oxidants, these flavour powerhouses protect against free radical damage that causes arterial plaques to form and their flavonoids prevent fat-like substances from clogging your arteries.

5 Nuts: contain monounsaturated fats that lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL – the ‘bad’ cholesterol) while raising your high-density lipoprotein (HDL – the ‘good’ cholesterol) levels.

They also contain an amino acid called arginine which helps prevent hardening of the arteries.

6 Garlic: what an incredible food. No one on this planet should be avoiding this wonder food. Not only is it antimicrobial and antiviral (helping to keep our immune system strong), but it also helps lower LDL all while being a blood anticoagulant. This is a must have for anyone who is serious about their health.

7 Oatmeal: yum! This has got to be, hands down, any mom’s top breakfast pick from the 1950s to the 1990s.

Boy, were they smart! Oatmeal contains loads of both soluble and insoluble fibre. This alone would be enough to make it on this list, but what’s so special about oatmeal’s soluble fibre is that it is Beta-glucan.

Beta-glucan not only boosts the immune system but helps lower blood cholesterol levels. You can’t really go wrong with that.

8 Olives and Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:

t­ heir monounsaturated fats contain high levels of oleic acid which is heart healthy, and their polyphenols are not only anti-inflammatory but are powerful anti-oxidants. Another double whammy against heart disease!

9 Red Wine: in moderation, red wine delivers cardiovascular health

in a most delicious package. The best known reason for this is its concentration of reservatrol, a compound found in the skin and seeds of grapes. Reservatrol is a potent anti-oxidant fighting against cell and tissue damage. Red wine’s flavonoids also play an important role in its heart health claims as they help prevent oxidation of LDL (which is when problems occur) and helps raise HDL. I’d say maybe Eve should have offered Adam a glass of vino!

10 Dark Chocolate: mmmm….

I save the best for last. Cocoa rich chocolate has plant chemicals called flavanols which have been shown in many studies to reduce blood pressure and inflammation.

In some studies, there have been direct correlations between the highest chocolate consumption and reduced cardiovascular disease and stroke. Now don’t be fooled, buying a chocolate bar from the convenience store is not the same thing! Look for at least 60% cocoa to gain from its health benefits.

There are many myths out there regarding heart health and the above Top 10 are just a few of the many wonderful foods to be enjoyed by anyone worried about their ticker. Be sure to always look at your lifestyle.

High stress, busy days, diets high in alcohol, sugar and processed foods are usually the biggest culprits. So try to relax, slow down and go back to your roots. You’ll often find some of the healthiest hearts are those who know how to Simply live.

this article was Written by Lucie Stephens, RHN contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

You can contact Lucie by visiting her website at LucieStephens.com

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profile

The Art of Sword Swallowing “...the sword suddenly slides into the stomach, causing a very impressive ‘Ohhh’ audience moment in the performance.”

The world premiere of the new special exhibition The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® is set to open at Science North on March 2, 2013. One of the many exciting and interactive components of this Science North produced exhibition will highlight sword swallowing.

Sword swallowing is not a gimmick.

The common perception is that the sword somehow collapses when it enters the mouth. Others believe that the sword is not really made of steel but rather some material like plastic that mimics steel and doesn’t do any damage to the swallower’s insides.

Sword swallowing is actually very dangerous and if done incorrectly can do serious and life threatening harm to the swallower. The art of sword swallowing (yes, it is considered an old art form) originated in India nearly 3,000 years ago.

So how does someone really swallow a sword? First of all, don’t try this at home, seriously! Secondly, if you think you can learn this overnight, hold on to your horses.

photographer

Stacey Lalande

To be a proficient and safe sword swallower you must practice every day, seven times a day and seven days a week for about three years before you can do a decent public performance.

There are some key challenges that the sword swallower has to overcome before being able to swallow a sword safely. Lets go through step-by-step what needs to be done. By the way, when starting out, one does not begin with a sword but instead uses

a substitute such as a bent coat hanger to reduce the possibility of harm. I am going to use a sword in my explanation, however, because it’s easier to visualize.

To begin, the sword swallower has to tip their head back aligning their mouth and throat straight up and down with their esophagus. The sword is held vertically above their head and needs to enter the mouth straight up and down. Then using the back of their tongue as a guide, the swallower slowly slips the sword into the esophagus being careful that it does not enter the trachea which leads into the lungs. That’s a no-no.

The sword enters the back of the swallower’s mouth and comes across the next obstacle -- the sphincter.

This circular muscle, which opens and closes like an iris, is the upper esophageal sphincter located at the entrance of the esophagus. If you’ve ever stuck your finger into the back of your mouth, this sphincter makes you gag because the finger doesn’t belong there.

The sphincter does not open and close on command -- we have no control over it, unless one trains to overcome the gag reflex. That is exactly what a sword swallower has to do! Long and repetitive practicing trains that sphincter to open and close at the swallower’s will, a key step in proceeding. Remember, it takes three years to be good at this!

After the sword passes through the sphincter, there is a slight outward curve in the esophagus as it passes over the heart. At this point the

swallower has to realign their body, just a bit, to make it a straight up and down pathway. Obviously, it’s not a good idea to jab through to the heart. Hang in there, with a bit more practice they will perfect this crucial maneuver as well.

Finally, as the sword descends further down the esophagus, it comes across a second sphincter, the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the entrance to the stomach. This sphincter also opens and closes on its own. For example, it opens up when you need to throw up and expel stuff that is not good for you. The tip of a sword, I think, would qualify.

However, by practicing over and over the sword swallower eventually can overcome the retching response and can control the sphincter by opening it at will.

I have seen good sword swallowers reach this point and remove their hands from the sword, whereupon the sword is suspended magically in the mouth on its own. Unbeknown to us, the swallower opens the lower sphincter and the sword suddenly slides into the stomach, causing a very impressive ‘Ohhh’ audience moment in the performance. As impressive as that is, it’s not over yet. As the sword swallower pulls the sword out they have to again make certain that their upper body remains straight, their mouth and esophagus still aligned.

You may be wondering about the sword itself, is it sharp enough to cut?

The sword is real but has been finely honed and polished to reduce the sharpness. The swallower always

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siMplified living Magazine presents

continued

hones the sword to make certain of its smoothness and to inpsect for barbs or nicks on the blade.

The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® is an exciting joint Ripley Entertainment Inc. and Science North production, that will include an exhibit that highlights and explains the amazing talents of professional sword swallower Tyler Fyre – a man who’s been known to wow a crowd and achieve a few ‘falling’ ovations from his audience members!

Those wishing to see Tyler perform, live and in person, are invited to purchase tickets to the Unbelievable Gala, being held at Science North on April 13, 2013. To find out more visit sciencenorth.ca/gala.

Children’s Short Story Contest 2013 Do you enjoy a great story filleD with action anD aDventure? woulD you like to be an accomplisheD story teller? then this contest is for you. the winners’ stories and photos will appear in an upcoming 2013 issue of simplified living magazine they will also qualify for some wonderful prizes.

The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® presents an extraordinary collection of intriguing objects and astonishing artifacts from Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® Go places you’ve never imagined and explore the real science behind the unbelievable.

Crawl through a life-size model of the prehistoric snake, Titanoboa, and revel at its incredible size! Measure up against the world’s tallest man who grew to 8 feet 11 inches (2.7 m) tall!

Marvel at intricate micro-sculptures so small, they fit in the eye of a needle. See a calf with two heads, a Megalodon Shark jaw, a Rolls Royce made of matchsticks, and a portrait of Einstein made of toast.

photographer

Stacey Lalande

Experience some of the world’s most perplexing optical illusions, investigate incredible examples of body modification and celebrate the life and legacy of Robert Ripley, the explorer and adventurer!

The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® is a Science North production and is funded in part by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® is a registered trademark of Ripley’s Entertainment Inc.

Contest Guidelines

Open tO children between the ages Of 7 tO 15 years it is greatly important that your story be completely your own work. your story needs to be between 300 and 1200 words in length. all submissions should be typed, double spaced, and single sided.

Entries will be judged in three categories: 7-9 years; 10-12 years and 13-15 years of age. competition closes friday, May 31st 2013

This article was written by Franco Mariotti, a Staff Scientist at Science North.

please visit Our website fOr a cOMplete list Of rules and regulatiOns

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home

Freshen-Up! “ Recycled furniture is all the rage, so get trendy and make Mother Nature smile! ”

Winter can be long and emotionally draining. With less daylight, our spirit lacks that giddy-up that we feel during the rest of the year, but don’t despair. We are offering you some inspiring hints and tips to freshen-up your home and your mood. Whether you try one or a simple mix, your home will be a winner in trendy and smart design.

1 /ADD SOME SUNSHINE Yellow it is! This joyful colour brings a great sense of happiness, intellect and positive energy to any room.

When used properly, yellow can be the perfect compliment to your design.

As a matter of fact, Benjamin Moore is naming their colour for 2013 Lemon Sorbet, a beautiful muted hue that warms and adds a cheerful tone to any room. If applying yellow to your walls is far too adventurous, then I might suggest accents like floral and fruit arrangements with lemons for an added freshness. Otherwise, a few yellow geometric pillows to accent a muted couch or chair should also do the trick. Beware though, that the colour yellow garners attention and will likely brighten your mood.

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

2 /LIGHTEN UP You might want to consider opting out those heavy winter drapes with some soft and airy ones. There is nothing more refreshing than the sight of sheer drapes lightly swaying with the breeze… Okay, so the breeze may not be that of sweet summer nights, but the constant air flow and movement within the house will give you that same illusion. A sheer window covering also allows as much natural light as possible, giving your space the light and airy feel it deserves.

3 /CHIRP, CHIRP, CHIRP! What could be more cheerful than the sight of a singing bird? This joyful creature is a wonderful addition to your decorating style. Add prints, paintings or linens that have a bird-themed design to your master bedroom, nursery or bathroom. It doesn’t matter if your choice is vibrant or soft in contrast, the element of

nature that a bird print brings to your space is always fresh and inviting.

Etsy and Rosenberry Rooms are a few great retail websites that offer a variety of choices for any room. (www. rosenberryrooms.com/birds-themeroom.html or www.etsy.com) 4 /A SPALSH OF COLOUR Sometimes all you need is a fresh look. Go through your house and pick a room (perhaps one you have been dreading to show and always keep closed off) and paint it. Use any colour at all, but make it your own. Get creative and be inspired.

Remember the overall feel or mood you want to invigorate, and once it is factored into your design you can accomplish a winning style.

For instance, reds provoke energy, strength and power, which is great for a den or great room, whereas blue is associated with calmness, stability, trust and loyalty. Soft tones of blue can be great for bathrooms and bedrooms, and vibrant hues are perfect for sitting rooms. Your possibilities are endless.

5 /GARDEN INSPIRED. Fragrant smells and vibrant hues from the garden can be accomplished in your home with simple tricks.

Try lining a window sill with vases of various heights, colours and shapes, fill each with a single stem flower like a carnation, daisy or rose. This can be light in design if done with special attention. Make sure that all vases are clear, as this reduces the bulky feeling of a ceramic vase. You can also spruce up the entry way with Botanical prints (always a favourite) or a welcome mat with a garden inspired theme. Did you know that even a simple plant can improve the air quality in your home? This is very important, considering how much time we spend indoors during the winter months.

6 /DECLUTTER We can all use some de-cluttering in our homes. From our closets to our attics and basements, get ready

to roll up your sleeves and tackle your overloaded wardrobe and toy collection. De-cluttering your home can seem like an overwhelming task, but once accomplished it can be very rewarding. This will help you move forward and start the New Year on a good note. The items that are no longer in use but still in excellent condition can be donated to shelters or organizations like the Diabetes Association. .

7 /GO GREEN Odds are, we all have some vintage or antique furniture just taking up space in our garages or basements waiting to be refinished. Take the time during the winter months to do that. Pick a piece and give it new life instead of purchasing a new piece of furniture to replace it. Try using a nice vintage dresser in place of a side table or corner buffet. With a new finish and polished hardware you can have a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Recycled furniture is all the rage, so get trendy and make Mother Nature smile!

8 /SERVE IT UP Not in the budget for a kitchen reno?

No need. There are many ways to liven up your kitchen without tearing down those dull cabinets. Try some good old fashioned elbow grease.

A good scrub will clean up the look of your cabinets and if that isn’t enough, you can paint them. A good rule of thumb is that dark counter tops require a lighter tone on the cabinets and floors, where as a light counter top pairs well with darker floors and cabinets. Refinishing your hardware is also an option if they don’t come clean. Otherwise, some new hardware can provide a fresh overall look. Glass is very popular and not just for bathrooms anymore. This will add some glitz and sparkle to your kitchen. Not too shabby!

this article was Written by Melissa Anwatin, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

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health

The Beauty of Cross-Country Skiing “Skiing leads us through forests, across rolling fields and over frozen lakes, and it is here that the truly remarkable benefits are gained. ”

A Brief History of CrossCountry Skiing Cross-country skiing (XC skiing) is unarguably one of Canada’s favourite winter pastimes. It’s relatively new to North America, and by “new” I mean it was introduced in the 1850s. That is new when we consider that crosscountry skiing has existed overseas since prehistoric times! Cross-country as sport instead of transportation is also a new phenomenon. It was a part of the very first Winter Olympics in 1924, and its appeal as a recreational activity has risen significantly over the years. Today, it’s a way for people of all ages and fitness levels to get outside and admire winter in all its splendor.

Cross-Country for the Body and Mind

photographer

Patrick Poendl

Being cooped up in a gym for five to six months out of the year is boring, and cross-country is a perfect alternative for staying active during winter, because a beautiful view is usually guaranteed! It provides common health benefits like strengthening the heart and reducing risks of illness, but the advantages extend well beyond mere physical improvements.

Skiing leads us through forests, across rolling fields and over frozen lakes, and it is here that the truly remarkable benefits are gained. Nature is one of the finest forms of medicine for our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Sunlight is a remarkable mood-lifter, but it gets all the credit. Trees, however, are sorely underrated. There have been

scientific studies to prove that hugging trees eases stress (bringing the term tree-hugger to a whole new level), but you don’t need to touch a tree to feel its calming influence. Simply being around tress can reduce symptoms of mental illness, alleviate headaches, and reduce the effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Trees inspire concentration, clear thinking and increase creativity levels, which explains why children become world-building innovators when playing outdoors.

Trails and Ski Resorts of Northern Ontario Surely you’re now ready to rush out the door to try your hand at skiing; however, if you’re unsure of where to begin, these trails and resorts might give you an idea of the variety that is out there.

Porcupine Ski Runners, in Timmins, Ontario, is one of the largest ski resorts in the country. If you are looking for a trip away from home, this resort has unique features and programs, such as a lighted night-ski trail, and the 1000km Club. This is ideal if you are around the Timmins area often, but it is still worth the mention.

The challenge pushes people to achieve a goal of skiing 1000km in one season. It was organized by Gerry McNair, who achieved 1000km for 25 consecutive years. Gerry explains that it is “intended to encourage the members of Porcupine Ski Runners to be active skiing on a regular basis.”

Furthermore, Porcupine Ski Runners has another program called the

Participators’ Club, which encourages skiing by recognizing those who ski between 25 to 100 times in a season.

These programs are perfect examples of ways you can set active goals over the winter months, while meeting new people, spending time with old friends, and working towards a healthier you, one kick-and-glide at a time.

You can find times, rates and much more information about Porcupine Ski Runners online at http://www. porcupineskirunners.com/.

Closer to home, North Bay Nordic has a ski trail for every skill level.

Their trails begin with easy, 0.6 to one kilometer trails, and can be as expansive as eighteen kilometers.

In this case, snacks and water are a must because this trail is a full-day endeavor that will lead you into the stunning wilderness outside of North Bay, Ontario.

One thing that North Bay Nordic excels at is providing a variety of ski lessons and programs geared toward children learning to ski. There are Bunnyrabbit programs (four to five years old) and Jackrabbit programs (six to ten years old), as well as something called Track Attack, in which any skier over the age of ten undergoes challenges geared toward helping them “become technically competent cross-country skiers and to utilize those skills to explore a wide range of cross-country ski activities, from backcountry excursions to ski tournaments.”

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continued

More information about these programs, rates and hours can be found online at http://www. northbaynordic.ca/.

If resorts and lessons are really not your thing and you would rather go forth into the wilderness, it is still a very good idea to check the trails of the area. Websites like http:// discoveryroutes.ca/ can point you in the direction of safe, groomed trails, and they provide information about how long the trail is and what sorts of recreational sports you can do on these trails as well(such as hiking and snowshoeing).

photographer

George Burba

Though checking for trail information is important, two other things that you should look at before planning an excursion are the weather, to avoid being caught in heavy snowfall or dangerously cold temperatures, and ice conditions, especially if you are crossing a lake or river during your trek. Goodness knows, our area has more water than land, so be smart, be safe, and get out to enjoy the winter.

this article was Written by Chantal Poitras, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

profile

Danny Turcotte; photographer and visionary genius As a writer I am often tasked to tell a story, an assignment that requires me to captivate the interest of my readers. This time, this task seemed to come with a great deal of effort on my part. You see, Danny Turcotte has himself become a distinguished storyteller; he has a knack to seize in a single frame, an image and its own story of a thousand words.

The final outcome: a mesmerizing masterpiece.

photographer

Danny Turcotte

Several years ago, by chance, Danny was flipping through a local newspaper when he came across an advertisement for a Dark Room Photography class offered at Canadore College in North Bay. Being in a transitional point in his life and career, it was an easy yes, and in the fall of 2007 his love for photography was born.

When it all started, Danny began by learning the science of photography; by this, I mean the process of developing film in addition to the technique and understanding of how a camera works. It didn’t take long before his imagination was awakened and the art of photography merged with the science of the craft. He took this new skill with him on a two and a half month trek through Thailand, Asia and Cambodia. This was a remarkably huge changing point for him as a photographer, and as a person. He immersed himself in the beauty of the people and the landscapes that surrounded him.

The climate, however, was stressing on his equipment and the countless

rolls of film that accompanied the journey. These pitfalls hadn’t stopped his enthusiasm much, and his portfolio was building by the minute.

He began building his own style, his desire to stand out from an already flooded market was important if he wanted to succeed and make this a supporting career. This was to be the first of many steps that helped to characterize his immersing talent.

His first of many wedding jobs came a year later, as did many other steps including another shaping of his diverse style: a contemporary approach with hard contrasting lights. The ongoing learning process was an important one, and Danny never once ignored his driving need to master the techniques that were needed to achieve, and then rise above, greatness. He has chosen to dedicate his life to understanding his passion.

In 2009, Danny made the switch to Digital Photography and was quickly impressed by its new possibilities.

Digital Photography offered something film hadn’t: a chance for instant feedback, which is a crucial tool for photographers today. Social media became a huge stepping-stone for exposure and an opportunity to show the world what he was made of.

On January 1st, 2010, Danny began his first major 365 Project, a daily photo journal piece of the year to come. This project had forced him to think about photography, day and night, and take some risks that he

hadn’t thought of in the past. As the year came to an end, Danny was thrilled at the idea of a much-needed break, and set off once more on a five-month trek through six countries equipped with an enthusiasm that helped define his interest on an unprecedented scale. It was a wonderful place to be and an even better addition to this project since his last month of 2010 was spent abroad bringing new interest to the project. Later the following year, the book was published, marking a pivotal rise in his abilities and strengths as a photographer.

Danny shared with me the importance of growing progressively with your passion through life, while learning and perfecting the skills you have.

“Perspective is everything…” He also goes on to mention that nobody truly appreciates the significance of this statement, and yet without it you can’t possibly expect to understand its concept. Danny is currently rounding up yet another amazing photography project, Project 366-(Leap Year) A photo every day in 2012.

Currently, Danny is compiling all the images to form another breathtaking album. Who knows, perhaps 2013 will be even more prosperous than the last for Danny and his family, and with a new baby in the mix, life couldn’t be more splendid.

this article was Written by Melissa Anwatin, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

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profile

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profile

Images Page 18 Forest Masquerade Model Lan Straus Page 20 Top: Toaster Explosion Face Bottom: Rasp-Ber-A Milk Splash Page 21 Under The Sea (Water mixed with oil and colored paper) Page 22 Top: Laos: Market day Middle: Lightpainting Wedding Photo (No photoshop this is done at night) Bottom: Tribute To The “Creation Of Adam�

To learn more about Danny, his photography and the many projects he is undertaking, visit his website at www.catch-light.ca or check out his social media page filled with inspiring imagery at www.facebook.com/catchlightphotography

Reading is just the beginning...

Simplified Living Magazine www.simplifiedlivingmagazine.ca

Simplified Living Magazine is your community-based and actively involved magazine.

We focus on articles involving living, home and health, while promoting community events and people. Published six times a year and distributed to many locations in the near north, we are your connection to many small and large cities and towns.

LIVING HOME HEALTH

If you would like to reach beyond your current advertising range, get in touch with us and see how easy it is to advertise in our magazine. We have ad sizes and pricing to fit various budget levels. If you don’t have an ad already, we have pricing that includes designing one for you. /SimplifiedLivingMagazine

living

Portraits Then and Now

Our Pictures in Time “...get snapping, and have fun knowing you are leaving behind a precious legacy for your family and friends!”

Portraits capture a moment in time. They not only provide us with wonderful images of the people we love, but a lasting opportunity to share special memories for generations to come. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t enjoyed pouring over old boxes of photographs, drawn back in time while chuckling at outdated hairstyles and fashion. Portraiture also provides us with a fascinating look at the evolving technology that allows us to capture those moments. Ironically, because of those changes, the one thing that has remained constant is the important contribution they play in preserving the passage of time.

Modern photography began in the 1820’s but it was not until the process was refined that the world’s first human photograph was taken.

In 1839 Robert Cornelius took a daguerreotype portrait of himself outside his pharmacy in Philadelphia and made history. Why the big fuss and long wait for the first portrait?

Well, the first permanent image (a rooftop) taken by Niepce in 1926, took eight hours to expose!

It was not until the two pioneers of photography Joseph Niepce and Louis Daguerre collaborated to shorten the process that it became a viable way to photograph people. Can you imagine holding your pose for eight hours? Smile....and smile some more, and smile some more... Due to the long sitting times, subject’s heads were often held still using a clamp connected to a metal stand behind them. (Picture this, you are getting ready for your portrait to be taken and the photographer says,” Now, I just need to clamp your head to this stand and we’ll be ready to go.” We have it so easy today!) Eventually exposure times were reduced from fifteen to thirty minutes to only a few minutes.

Understandably, it was not until sitting times were shortened that there was a rise in popularity over painted portraits. Not only was portraiture a long and uncomfortable process initially, (no wonder they rarely smiled) it was also very expensive

and affordable only to the rich and famous. Today, taking a portrait can make you rich and famous!

As photography matured from plates to paper to film to digital so did portraiture. In 1900 when Kodak introduced the Brownie (no, not a tasty treat, a low cost and extremely simple camera) it brought photography to the masses. It enabled everyone to become a photographer. Portraits were no longer just taken by professionals and they began to depict a more relaxed subject and variety of themes.

Family members began taking pictures at reunions, weddings, graduations and special occasions. In 1935 Kodak changed the face of memories again by introducing kodachrome, the first color positive transparency film. The days of photography being only black and white were over. Portraits could now not only reveal facial features and expressions, but the color of the subject’s hair, eyes and skin tones.

Was this when it started to take longer to get ready to have your picture taken than it did to take it? Ah progress...

Another new age of photography came with the first digital still camera.

Eliminating the need to buy rolls of film has freed up the process and allowed photographers to capture and store more moments in a totally new way. Gone are the days of worrying if you had enough film, and limiting the number of pictures you could take.

Gone too are the days when you had to wait for them to get developed.

Today even if we do not have our cameras with us we usually have our cell phones handy with cameras in them! We can take as many pictures as we want and magically view and share them immediately on cameras, computers, TV’s, ipads and cell phones. I wonder what Louis Daguerre would think about that?

Today’s portraits are not only easier to take and record but will be able to be accessed more readily and outlive their predecessors. Rather than being stored in boxes or old photo albums where they eventually fade or fall

apart, pictures are being stored on memory sticks, computers, CD’s, and USB drives. Scrapbooking has also become a popular and artistic method of sharing and storing photo memories. As well, many people are creating their own hard cover photo books online. Once again, with the help of technology, these memories can now be created on acid free paper to ensure longevity. Our children and grandchildren will certainly not have the same problem we did hunting up family portraits! Their problem will be getting through them all!

Portraiture has certainly come a long way from the first rather staid pictures taken back in the early 1800’s.The insensitivity of the materials that necessitated bright light and long sitting times is no longer an issue.

Today’s equipment continues to improve, offering us amazing flexibility and opportunities to shoot in just about any environment, including under water! Our pictures are a reflection of this new freedom and the light hearted approach the average photographer takes. The lasting result will most likely be a colourful and eclectic collection of portraits that will be around far longer than we will be. There will be no need to search through old boxes for missing pieces of the family tree. So w To inspire you, we would like to invite you to submit your favourite family portraits to share with our readers.

We will be looking for portraits that fit the following categories, the most creative, the largest group, the best dressed, the funniest, and the most historical. So get up to that attic, dust off those boxes, see what you can find, then get out there and create some new memories!

this article was Written by Penny Bowman, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

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recipes

A Bowl of Goodness Help your mind and body cope with the cold with a hearty bowl of these nutritious and tasty recipes. Comfort food that can be eaten, no matter what time of day.

Chunky Chicken and sweet potato skillet

Tomato and Bacon soup with melted brie

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2� cubes 4 tsp olive oil 4 slices bacon, chopped 3 stalks of celery thinly chopped 1 med sweet potato (8 oz) peeled and cut into 1/2� cubes 1/2 large onion, chopped 2 large Gala apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small cubes 1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp dried 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1 cup of chicken broth 1/8 tsp sea salt

2 tsp olive oil 4 slices of bacon, chopped 1 large red onion, finely chopped 3 celery sticks, trimmed, finely chopped 2 medium carrots, peeled, finely chopped 1 tbsp minced garlic 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes 3 x 400ml cans chopped tomatoes 2 cups of water Brie for garnish Thyme for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once heated you can add the chopped bacon, onion, celery and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft (6 to 8 minutes). You can now add the garlic and chilli and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes while stirring.

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

1 Season chicken lightly with salt and set aside. Heat half of the oil in large nonstick frying pan or iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated you can add chicken, cook until lightly browned and thoroughly cooked (about 5 to 6 minutes). Remove from pan/skillet and set aside.

2 Return the pan/skillet to heat adding the remaining oil. Stir in bacon and cook until starting to brown. Add chopped celery, sweet potato, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender (about 5 to 6 minutes).

Stir in apples, minced garlic, thyme, and cinnamon, cook for an additional 3 minutes. Pour in half of the broth, and cook until evaporated (about 2 minutes). Add reserved chicken and remaining broth. Season with the salt and pepper as needed. Remain cooking until heated. Serve warm.

DIRECTIONS

2 Add the chopped tomato and water.

Once boiled reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool for a few minutes. This is important for the use of your blender.

3 Place a third of the soup in a blender and blend until smooth.

Transfer to a clean saucepan. Repeat until the remaining soup is blended.

Stir over low heat until heated throughout. Top with thin slices of Brie and thyme and allow to melt slightly.

Separate into four servings and serve with several thin slices of garlic bread.

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recipes

continued

Ginger Pear Crisp 6 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored and slice into four pieces 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 2 tsps finely grated fresh ginger (peel, then grate) pinch of sea salt TOPPING 1/2 cup rolled oats, oldfashioned or quick-cooking oats 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp sea salt 6 tbsps unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 2-quart baking dish. In a large bowl, combine pears and lemon juice, toss together. You can now add the maple syrup, grated ginger, and sea salt, and toss again to combine.

In another large bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt.

Drizzle in the melted butter, stirring with a fork until mixture is crumbly and all the ingredients are mixed together and crumbly in texture.

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

Spoon pear mixture into baking dish.

Evenly sprinkle crumbs on top of the mixture. Bake until pears are bubbling and the crumble topping is browned, approximately 50 to 55 minutes.

Serve hot or warm. You can add a light whipped topping for added flavour or a small amount of no sugar added vanilla ice cream.

Chunky Curry Chicken and vegetable Stew 1 tbsp olive oil 1 1/2 lb chicken – boneless skinless breasts or thighs, cut into bite sized pieces

1/2 large yellow onion, chopped 1/2 large red onion, chopped 2 tsps finely grated fresh ginger (peel, then grate) 2 tbsps of minced garlic 1-2 tbsps curry powder 1/4 tsp ground cumin 1 cup of chicken broth 2/3 cup carrots, thinly chopped 2/3 cup celery, thinly chopped 2/3 cup mushrooms, thinly chopped 2 1/2 cups red skinned potatoes, cut into 1 inch chunks 14 oz can light coconut milk 796ml can of diced tomatoes, drained but not rinsed salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large saucepan, boil the oats in the water for 1 minute. Cover and let stand overnight at room temperature.

2. The next day, uncover the oats and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the oatmeal is cooked and creamy but still a little bit chewy, about 10 minutes. Spoon the oatmeal into bowls. Top with the almond milk, the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries or raisins and sweeten to taste with coconut sugar or molasses.

DIRECTIONS Heat oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally (5 to 6 minutes). Add the onion to the pan and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until slightly tender. Add the ginger, garlic, curry powder, and cumin and sauté for another 2 minutes. The curry powder amount will depend on your taste preferrences.Two full tbsps will give you a heated dish so start with one and add a second if you wish.

Pour the broth into the pan and stir throughouly. You can now add the coconut milk and potatoes stirring again blending all the flavour together.

Let simmer for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and vegetables. Simmer until vegetables reach desired tenderness. Season the stew with salt and pepper, and add a small amount of sour cream or plain greek yogurt to taste.

Oatmeal 1 ½ cups steel-cut oats 6 cups water ¼ cup chopped walnuts ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins ½ cup almond milk Coconut sugar or unsulfered blackstrap molasses, for serving

Chunky Curry Chicken and Vegetable Stew shown on the page 40

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recipes

featured spotlights

“Moi, j’viens encore du Nord !”

Celebrations mark the 40th anniversary of

du 22 au 24 mars 2013

RassemGrand bleme nt

SUDBURY

des

LES CONCERTS LA NUIT SUR L’ÉTANG and ÉDITIONS PRISE DE PAROLE in collaboration with ROCS

March 22nd ­- 24th, 2013 All Ontario Francophones and Francophiles are invited to come to Sudbury for three days of shows, social gatherings and creative workshops.

Or«é»alité, on Friday, March 22nd at 5 p.m.at the Fromagerie Elgin.

La Nuit émergente, on Friday, March 22nd beginning at 7 p.m. at Collège Boréal.

The Reunion Cocktail, on Saturday March 23rd at 6 p.m. at Laurentian University’s Alumni Hall in the Fraser Building.

The 40th Nuit sur l’étang concert, Saturday, March 23rd at 8 p.m. at Laurentian’s Fraser Auditorium.

A brunch Les fruits de la Nuit (the Night’s harvest) on Sunday, March 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 196, Regent St. For further information Marie-Josée Dionne, communications officer Les Concerts la Nuit sur l’étang (705) 673-6848 mariejosee@lanuit.ca

Perspectives Of

The North Shore

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

Paintings by Marcie Breit Opening this March 2013

Vendredi, 22 mars - Or«é»alité, événement littéraire lancement du quarantenaire, à 17 h à la Fromagerie Elgin La Nuit émergente, dès 19 h, au Collège Boréal Samedi, 23 mars - Cocktail des retrouvailles, dès 18 h, au Salon des anciens, Édifice Fraser de l’Université Laurentienne La 40e Nuit sur l’étang, à 20 h, à l’Auditorium Fraser de l’Université Laurentienne Dimanche, 24 mars - Le Brunch des fruits de la Nuit, à compter de 10 h, au Holiday Inn, 196, rue Regent

Billetterie : (705) 525-5606, p. 4 / achat en ligne : www.leTNO.ca/billetterie

Contact interculturel francophone de Sudbury

Patrimoine canadien

Canadian Heritage

Fonds du patrimoine du Nord de l’Ontario

A collection by Carole Rodrigue Coming Soon April 2013

For more information on either event, please contact:

Janie Beauparlant Marketing & Public Affairs Officer The Northern Artist Gallery/ Artists on Elgin

www.artistsonelgin.ca simplified

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The Many Faces of Love

photographer

Melissa Anwatin

“ Although it is a constant within us, our ability to give and receive love grows and changes throughout our lives. �

I think we would all agree that the word love is used with many different connotations. We can be in love, we can love someone or something (including ourselves), or in a more spiritual sense, we can be love. As a word so closely associated with our hearts, it is, I am happy to say, difficult to define. Like a kaleidoscope, love can be beautiful, mesmerizing, and fleeting. It can also be our rock, or a soft place to fall, or a source of great inspiration and strength Love weaves through our lives like a shimmering thread gently enriching it with each stitch. Most people think of love as a verb, something we do. I think of it more as who we are. Although it is a constant within us, our ability to give and receive love grows and changes throughout our lives. Love can be awakened and nurtured, or ignored and diminished. Our life experiences and the beliefs we create along the way shape our relationship with love, but like a pilot light it is always there. Love is our essence.

So if love is who we are, why do we spend so much time declaring who and what we love? When we listen to each other we will often hear declarations of love such as, I love her, I love that song, I love to fish, I love being near the ocean, I love watching snowflakes fall, I love to paint.

The list is as unique as each person speaking. What is similar though is everyone’s desire to love and be loved.

It seems we are all driven to find love and express it in our lives. Like magnets, we seek that which we connect with. We seek love because it is who we are. Experiencing it connects us to our source, the love within, and for those who believe in a creator, the ultimate source. Like many people I feel that connection when I am outdoors. I love being near water, watching birds, hiking, and photography. I also love writing poetry and meditating and listening to beautiful music, and of course, I love spending time with my family and friends.

Each of these experiences brings me peace and joy and a feeling of contentment, a feeling of love. I feel connected to something inside me, yes, but more importantly I feel connected to others, and at times to something bigger that I cannot describe.

Whatever our philosophical view of love is, we would all agree that what matters most is not what we think about it, but the way it impacts our lives. Love is a powerful force for such a profoundly tender sentiment. It may not make the

world go around, but it does make our lives richer and far more meaningful. Love not only connects us to the best part of ourselves, but also to others. A growing body of research shows that love is an essential part of a healthy, fulfilling life. Having healthy loving relationships can lengthen our lives, boost our immune system, lower blood pressure, improve healing, as well as lower our risk of dementia in old age. Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that couples who spend more time talking and hugging have the highest levels of oxytocin; a hormone nicknamed the cuddle or love hormone. Oxytocin (not to be confused with oxycontin) has a powerful effect on the cardiovascular system. In the study, frequent huggers had lower blood pressure. This mighty little hormone is also a neurotransmitter and recognized as an important ingredient in pair bonding, and empathy. It also improves cognitive functioning including memory, and lowers the risk of depression and suicide. So bring on the affection!

Being in loving relationships not only feels darn good, but helps to create a great foundation for our emotional and mental well being.

An aspect of love that is often overlooked and underrated is self-love. Frequently misunderstood, the act of self love has been viewed by many as selfish and vain. Today we recognize that truly loving ourselves increases our ability to love others. It requires us to embrace both our strengths and weaknesses, and opens the door for us to do the same for others. Self love also inspires us to forgive ourselves for past mistakes and accept ourselves just as we are. Loving ourselves confirms we are loveable (perhaps some days more than others), and enhances our ability to receive love from others.

Self love requires nurturing our mind, bodies, and spirits, honouring ourselves, and teaching others to do the same.

Self-love, I believe, is the foundation that all other loving relationships are built on. I see it as an ongoing journey that demands honesty, self reflection and compassion. Like a lot of people, I went through most of my life thinking that I loved myself. In truth, I liked who I was most of the time, but I really lacked the insight I needed to truly love myself.

I was putting far too much emphasis on trying to please others and to be liked. It was not until I became ill and started my healing journey that I became aware what

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continued minimalistic living

it meant to love myself. Looking back, I realize the lessons of self love have been a big part of my recovery and the source of so much joy and peace in my life today.

Spiritually, I believe it is why we are all here; to learn to grow in love and like sculptors, create our own masterpieces.

Whatever form love takes, we would all agree that having more of this beautiful phenomenon in our lives is a good thing. It makes sense then, that we should be consciously looking for ways to bring a little more “lovin” into our daily routine. Cultivating love can be as simple as hugging more, telling people that you love them, doing small acts of kindness, phoning friends, or spending more time with the people you care about. If you did not grow up in a family of huggers, be the first to start a new tradition! It is never too late to adopt new habits. Loving yourself more might mean spending more time doing the things you love, learning to put yourself first, telling others what you need, and taking good care of your body. People who love themselves are more confident and productive. They are also better able to support and love others. So stop feeling guilty and start doing everyone a favor by practicing self love! To get you in the mood, I am going to end with some of my favourite quotes on love.

“Love is the beauty of the soul.”

—Saint Augustine “You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.”

—Henry Drummond “Every time you smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

—Mother Teresa “Who, being loved, is poor?”

—Oscar Wilde “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

—Charles M Schulz “Love is a fabric that never fades, no matter how often it is washed in adversity and grief.”

—Robert Fulghum “Love is the quiet whisper within that brings us back to who we are.”

—P Bowman “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.”

—Oscar Wilde

A Simple and Expressive Wardrobe There are probably pants and shirts in your drawers and closets that you haven’t worn for years. Most of us have our favourite clothing we wear regularly while the rest is forgotten on account of being scratchy or unflattering. My wardrobe was cluttered for years, until it occurred to me that if I only kept the clothing I love and wear every week, I would indeed have a perfect wardrobe with only the best, most comfortable clothing.

In minimizing, there were several things I kept in mind: I choose two base colours that I like and built my wardrobe around them until every item matched. My colours (green and brown) match with black, grey and white, as well as with jeans, and they layer nicely.

Layering is a useful trick. You can create very different looks simply by exchanging cardigans and belts. I own one cardigan and two sweaters, and coupled with my two pairs of shoes, three jeans and five shirts, the combinations are seemingly endless and accommodate casual and formal styles.

Of course, we cannot consider clothing without thinking about laundry. Having less clothing does not mean I do laundry more often. In fact, the less I launder jeans or cardigans, the longer they last. It is not necessary to wash clothing after you have worn them once—at least as long as you are not rolling in the dirt. Aside from keeping your clothing looking new, doing less laundry also means reducing the use of power, water, and resources.

The thing I enjoyed most about this process of simplifying my wardrobe was the opportunity to donate clothing to women’s shelters. Knowing that I can simplify my life while bettering someone else’s makes the trying process worthwhile.

this article was Written by Penny Bowman, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

Chantal Poistras

featured spotlights

the Sudbury East Health Centre’s

International

Women’s Day

Open House

March 7th, 2013 • 10am until 3pm

2013 International Woman’s Day started many years ago in honour of woman around the world to celebrate who we are and how far we’ve come.

On March 8th woman will gather together at various events and highlight their many achievements and successes. We at the Sudbury East Community Health Centre have taken advantage of this day to promote how the centre has grown and what its presence has achieved within our communities; at the same time hosting a fun and relaxing day for all women... and yes men you are all invited to join us!

The Health Centre’s goal is to help people stay mentally and physically fit, and in order for us to be able to do that we need activities and programs to keep us active and alert within our community. Keep in mind that we are always looking for volunteers to be able to offer more. We are proud to announce that we currently have over 60 active programs throughout Sudbury East and while the Warren site is fairly new, we will still have quite a few booths for everyone to visit.

This March 7th at the Seniors Golden Age Hall the doors will open at 10 am and will remain open until around 3 pm. This is our 6th annual IWD and every year we have been very fortunate to have wonderful volunteers come out and help us prepare and host this extraordinary event. This year, we will be in partnership with the Save The Hall Committee who in addition will be donating their time to prepare a scrumptious lunch. We are pleased to announce that 100% of the proceeds from this lunch will go to their committee as they are actively working to maintain their hall and keep it’s doors open within the Warren community.

Every year we have different themes and activities planned and we have seen our number of participants grow exponentially. When we started off, we were between 30 and 50 women. In 2011 the event was held in St. Charles where we witnessed an attendance up to and over 100. Last year in Noëlville, we topped out between 130 and 150 people making this an exciting and growing annual celebration. Who knows what we can expect in Warren this year. There will be a bus leaving at 9 am from Alban and stopping in Noëlville, West Arm, St. Charles and then in Hagar to Warren to help make this a success.

In the past we’ve prepared and acted out skits, we’ve put on a fantastic fashion show depicting women’s style evolution of the past 100 years and last year we hosted a “Murder Mystery On A Cruise”. The fun continues as this year we are excited for the “Cash Cab” and the many participants who will get the opportunity to experience and participate in the game first hand.

For additional information you can contact Joanne Violette at the Sudbury East Community Health Centre 705-867-0095.

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home

Clean Up Your Air! Are you tired of always catching colds? Having little or no energy?

Battling headaches?

Maybe it’s time to get a plant… or a few. Really!

“Call it a match made in horticultural heaven!”

Whether you have a green thumb and a natural knack for making plants thrive, or you never remember to water them… adding lush beauty and bringing a bit of nature indoors isn’t the only benefit that our leafy friends have to offer. Plants have a plethora of health benefits to take advantage of.

They’re not only great for our physical well-being, but our mental health as well! Research shows that people who have plants in their homes and workplaces are healthier, catch fewer colds and viruses, have clearer, more positive thinking, increased memory, and are happier over all.

photographer

Paul Prescott

You might remember learning about photosynthesis in grade school. A process in which plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Humans do the opposite; we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Call it a match made in horticultural heaven! Plants help give us back the oxygen we need to stay healthy and happy, and like a natural air purifying system, give us purer, cleaner oxygen.

Increased oxygen levels not only help us breathe better, but sleep better, think clearer, decrease headaches, and stay healthier.

Air pollution, poor diet, and lack of exercise are all factors that deprive our bodies of oxygen, which weaken our immune systems. Afterall, oxygen is one of the most important elements needed to sustain life. Adding plants to our homes and work spaces bring these natural oxygen making machines into our homes and we reap the benefits. The cells in our bodies use this oxygen to fight colds and other harmful bacteria.

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continued Hand-in-hand with making oxygen, plants also release moisture into the air, increasing humidity. Plants release nearly 97 percent of the water they take in (hence why it is important to remember to water them now and then) Studies have shown that multiple plants together increased humidity in a room enough to lessen dry coughs and sore throats, as well as reduce colds and even help with dry skin.

The benefits of these health promoting greens doesn’t stop there. Plants also have the ability to remove toxins, cancerogens, mold, and dust from the air in our homes! Many toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide are found in everyday items we have in our homes. Things such as carpets, plastic bags, vinyl, cigarette smoke, and many cleaning products all contain formaldehyde. Paint, ink, gasoline, plastic, and rubber contain benzene, a known cancerogen.

Researchers at NASA did an important study on the effects plants have on the air we breathe. This was part of their ongoing efforts to find a way for humans to be able to live in space stations long-term in the future. What they discovered is that plants pull these pollutants into their soil, where it ends up at a fraction of the harmful percentage found in the air, making it no longer a threat. They found that certain house plants removed 96 percent of carbon monoxide and 99 percent of nitrogen dioxide in their testing areas. Most plants are also found to remove mold spores and dust in the air, preventing and helping people who suffer with allergies that are mold and dust related, and are also great for helping people who have asthma to breathe cleaner, purified air.

Pretty amazing! When you think about it, plants are kinda like tiny green super heroes!

Researchers suggest adding one 10-12 inch potted plant per 100 sq. feet of your home or office for the most effective benefits. The bigger the plant, the fewer you will need, if you prefer smaller plants, get more of them. Choosing the right plants such as those chosen by researchers at NASA will also help you get maximum benefits from these natural beauties.

Here are several great house plants to start your natural humidifying, air purifying home or office system.

Bamboo Palms or Reed Palms(Chamaedorea Sefritzii) Spider Plants- (Chlorophytum comosum) Boston Ferns- (Nephrolepis exaltata) Golden pothos- (Scindapsus aures) English Ivies- (Hedera helix) Snake Plants(Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’) Peace Lilies(Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’) Cornstalk dracaena -(Dracaena marginata) Elephant ear philodendrons(Philodendron domesticum) Money Plants- (Pachira aquatica) Weeping Figs- (Fiscus benjamina) Chinese Evergreens(Aglaonema modestum) Rubber Plants- (Fiscus elastica) Gerbera Daisies- (Gerbera jamesonii) Most plants “sleep” at night, and the photosynthesis process reverses.

But there are a few plants that keep creating oxygen through the night and these are ideal for bedrooms while we sleep, so you can continue breathing in fresh, pure air. These plants include; Orchids Gerbera Daisies Succulents Snake plants Epiphytic Bromeliads

Research from the Department of Horticulture, Recreation and Forestry at Kansas State University has shown that having plants in hospital rooms sped the recovery time of patients.

The patients had lower blood pressure and heart rate, required less pain medication, and experienced less fatigue and anxiety. They were also released from the hospital sooner then patients who did not have plants in their rooms.

House plants not only help us think clearer, sleep deeper, and breathe easier and cleaner, but add beauty and tranquillity to our homes and workplaces. These reasons along with the many other amazing health benefits plants bring us make them a great reason to “go green” literally!

So enjoy your beautiful, health promoting air cleaners. Many live a long life and really are easy to care for, take care of your little green super heroes, and they will help take care of you!

By now you might be thinking that you definitely need some more greenery in your life! But where to start? Which plants should you get?

How many should you have to really reap these benefits?

this article was Written by Elya Anne Lane, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

plugged in

Despite our busy schedules, many of us are lucky enough to find time to indulge ourselves in some great music, nail-bitting novels or some inspiring filmmaking. the staff of simplified living takes a moment to tell you just what it is that has their full attentions.

clockwise from top Right: Church Bell Blues

by Catherine MacLellan, Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD, Gone with the wind by Margaret Mitchell, and A Nation Worth Ranting About

by Rick Mercer

Rick Mercer’s new book A Nation Worth Ranting About is a light and hilarious read that packs a heavy punch. It’s a compilation of rants, articles and essays dating back to 2008 (where his last book left off). I’ve lost sleep this week, not because I couldn’t put the book down, but because after I did, I found myself wide awake and glaring into the darkness of my room over of something Jim Flaherty did four years ago. Canada’s most popular political satirist certainly has a knack for crafting rants that are not worn down by changing times and political circumstances.

Chantal

I recently discovered Canadian singer/songwriter Catherine MacLellan. Her music brings me to this place that the top 40’s could never do.

I feel grounded, warm and happy.

It’s like being home wrapped up in your favourite blanket.

Lucie

Nostalgia hit at American Thanksgiving when I saw Gone With the Wind playing on TV. I couldn’t resist picking up my worn-down copy of Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel, then repackaging the story after the holidays with the sequel, Scarlett,

by Alexandra Ripley. It’s always interesting to reread a book, beloved or not. Everyone has likely heard at one time or another that perspective changes over time, that different details stand out, that the experience is entirely different with every fresh reread. Having read one of my alltime favourites—and its feel-good sequel—around New Year’s a time for introspection, was especially revealing.

I suppose it’s helpful when looking to the future to consider the past.

I am currently reading Wheat Belly

by William Davis, MD, and Mitch Albom’s for one more day. Both are thought provoking, and in their own way inspiring. Wheat Belly is making me feel good about my decision to go wheat free but it has also been a source of some surprise and alarm with regards to the negative impact wheat can have on our health. For one more day reminds me how blessed I was to have shared time with those I have loved and lost. It also confirms my faith that love connects us forever in a very real way.

Julie

Penny

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living

A Traditional Egg

photographer

Corinna Gissemann

“...for thousands of years, cultures around the world have viewed eggs as a symbol that represent life, renewal, and fertility...”

Bright beautiful colours, exciting hunts, and creating masterpieces while little hands stain with all the colours of the rainbow! Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, who can resist decorating Easter eggs? (okay, so you are probably tempted to resist, but come on...kids love it, and you know deep down you still do too!) Egg decorating is more than a messy and fun Easter-time craft, it is an ancient tradition that has been passed down for centuries, turning this food item into a tiny blank canvas to be transformed into beautiful works of art! But where did it all start? A long time ago there was a big blue bunny named Peter Cottontail... but let’s go back even further.

One of the very first accounts of decorated eggs in recorded history came from the Persians who would decorate and exchange eggs as part of their New Year celebration, Nowruz, which falls on the spring equinox, and means “New Day”. It is hard to tell from where and when they first originated, as there are no actual eggs from ancient times remaining due to the shell decaying over time. But for thousands of years, cultures around the world have viewed eggs symbols that represent life, renewal, and fertility and many included them as an important part of spring and, eventually, Easter celebrations. Each culture has their own way of decorating them, from natural dyes made from foods and flowers, to artificial dyes, paint, bees wax, feathers, beaded eggs, and eggs decorated with gems and stones.

Perhaps some of the most beautiful and well-known decorated eggs come from Ukraine. Ukrainians have many types and methods of decorating eggs, which are used not only at Easter time, but many of them are made all year round. The most familiar design, called the Pysanky, is decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using a wax-resist method. The designs are written with beeswax using a stylus tool called a kistka.

The tool is heated, melting the beeswax while it is applied to the egg through a fine point. The egg is then dipped in the lightest coloured dye first, with the wax covered sections not penetrating the dye. The process is repeated over and over, dying the egg a different colour each time.

By the end the egg is mostly covered in wax. Next the creator burns off the wax with a candle flame, revealing the intricate designs and colours underneath. Another Ukrainian egg design is called Krashanky, which is a hard boiled egg dyed one colour, and it is blessed and eaten at Easter. In many cultures, the most common colour for Easter Eggs to be dyed is red, to represent the blood of Christ, and rebirth. Now it is much faster and easier to do this with red food colouring, but ancient methods often used onions. Some cultures still use this method, such as Greek Easter. Red eggs in Greek are called kokkina avga, and are created by boiling yellow onions and vinegar.

For Christians, the Easter egg is a symbol representing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. One tradition was specifically started by Eastern Catholic and Orthodox

Churches, in which eggs were dyed red to represent the blood of Christ. The eggs are blessed by the Priest and given to members of the congregation. The shell of the egg represented the sealed tomb of Christ, and the cracking of the shell represented His rising from the dead. Furthermore, eggs were a big part of the feast that would take place on Easter ending Lent, a forty-day fasting period where the consumption of animal products, such as meat, milk and eggs ,was impermissible. After the fast, meat and milk products were not always available as they did not have refrigeration methods in those times. Eggs kept longer, and so were traditionally eaten on Easter to break the fast.

Easter egg hunts and egg rolling are traditions that have developed throughout the years, and are enjoyed by children and grownups alike on Easter morning. In the United Kingdom, Germany, and other Western European countries, children traditionally roll eggs down hillsides on Easter. This symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from Christ’s tomb. In the United States, an annual Easter Egg Roll event is held on the White House lawn every Monday after Easter. This tradition began in 1878.

One of the most popular activities of Easter time would have to be the Easter Egg Hunt, but this exciting game would likely not have been started without the Easter Bunny! In Germany the legend of the egg-laying hare who they called “Osterhase” began long ago. Children would make nests and leave them outside for the hare to lay her eggs in. In the 1700s German immigrants brought this tradition to America, in Pennsylvania. The tradition spread quickly across North America, until eventually it evolved into the Easter hunts we know today. Using baskets instead of nests, and often chocolate eggs instead of hard boiled, nowadays these exciting treasure hunts also include a large variety of other candies and toys as well.

With origins dating thousands of years ago, Easter eggs have come a long way, but one thing is certain, egg decorating is still enjoyed by those who make them, and those who receive them, and they, after many centuries, are still a founding symbol in the Easter traditions of today. Many families and religions hold their own traditions and beliefs on Easter. We can all appreciate this beautiful time of the year, with the fresh warming air, and like the egg has long time symbolizedlife and renewal!

this article was Written by Elya Anne Lane, contributing writer for simplified living magazine.

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mayer services ltd.

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featured spotlights

Guided Snowshoe

Tours at the

Sturgeon River House Museum!

Here at the Sturgeon River House Museum we have 4kms of low-impact nature trails with beautiful rest areas for you and your family to enjoy! Spending your time outdoors is a great way to spend a winter’s afternoon surrounded by serene terrain.

We have the facilities to allow you to rent snowshoes to create your own adventure or book a guided tour with the Museum staff, either way, we assure you it will be time well spent!

For more information visit us online or contact us by phone.

Sturgeon River House Museum

250 Fort Road Sturgeon Falls, ON P2B 2N7 (705) 753-4716 admin@sturgeonriverhouse.com

www.sturgeonriverhouse.com

We are looking for you and the many great things happening within your favourite community.

If you have an up and coming community based event or even a community based business please contact us in order to appear in one of our issues. You can send us a quick link or message along with a brief description of your event simply by visiting our website or facebook page. www.simplifiedlivingmagazine.ca /SimplifiedLivingMagazine

photographer

Penny Bowman