King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine - MARCH 2016 by THN Media

MARCH 2016

H OHMOEM & EE S STTYYLLEE M A G A Z II N NEE E &L ILFI F MA

TAKE IT ALL IN photo by

JOSEPHINE MAGLIETTA

www.KingLiving.ca

WHAT'S YOUR HOME WORTH IN TODAY'S MARKET? Get your complete and accurate home value report now at

www.homesforsaleinking.ca

contents MARCH 2016

06 TIPS TO CLEAN YOUR HOME'S DIRTIEST ROOMS

10 ENJOY 'SMART HOME' TECHNOLOGY YOUR WAY

Published by

RAINMAKER REALTY INC. King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and delivered to over 7200 homes and businesses in King Township by Canada Post. Agreement # 41362062.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur. King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made.

Our February Photography Contest Winner

12 THE BIGGEST TAX BREAK VERY FEW ARE AWARE OF

Take it all in Photo by Josephine Maglietta

14 LAMB LOIN CHOPS WITH MUSHROOM MARSALA SAUCE 2

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

I have not only the pleasure of working with horses for Silver Duck Stable, but I get to enjoy the beauty of King Haven Farm with it. Being a farmer and photographer allows me to merge my two passions in life. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by this wondrous landscape every day.

DON'T FORGET TO MAKE TIME FOR BREAKFAST Do you eat breakfast each day? According to the Dietitians of Canada, nearly 40 per cent of Canadians skip breakfast each day, often because there isn’t enough time in the morning to eat. Here are some of his tips to help them find time for the most important meal of the day: Choose high-protein foods that give a longlasting feeling of fullness and promote muscle growth and repair. Eggs are a great option, and so are leafy greens like spinach and kale. Stock your pantry and fridge with ‘power foods’ like flax, blueberries and chia – add them to muffin batter or sprinkle them on cereal to pack a big nutritious punch quickly. Make recipes ahead of time and store them

in the fridge or freezer for a week’s worth Quick Tips: of fast breakfast options. • Make the compote ahead of time to save time. It will last for 2-3 days in the fridge. When grocery shopping, bring a list of • As there is no flour in the batter, it is each meal’s ingredients for the week to slightly more fragile than traditional increase your chances of making all of your pancake batter. meals at home. Method: Batter – In a small blender, puree banana FLOURLESS PANCAKES and eggs until smooth. Heat medium sized WITH BERRY COMPOTE non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Add ½ of your butter/coconut oil to the pan and let sit Prep Time: 10 minutes for 30 seconds to heat up. Pour in batter Cook Time: 10 minutes slowly and make 4-6 small pancakes per Skill Level: Easy pan. They should be the size of a soup can. Once browned on both sides, transfer to Ingredients: a plate. Compote – In a small pot, add • 2 eggs (free range if possible) berries, water and chia seeds. Cook over • 1 ripe banana medium heat for 5 minutes until berries • 1 cup fresh or frozen berries of your choice have broken down and the sauce has thick• 1 tbsp water ened. Spoon over pancakes and serve. • 1 tsp chia seeds www.newscanada.com • 2 tsp butter or coconut oil

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

COMMUNITY EVENTS

12TH ANNUAL SCHOMBERG AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FARM TOUR @ FARMS IN THE SCHOMBERG COMMUNITY Saturday March 12, 10am – 3pm 12th Annual Schomberg Farm Tour, Saturday March 12th, 2016. The Ultimate Way to Kick off March Break with the Family. You're invited to the 12th Annual Schomberg Farm Tour, sponsored by the Schomberg Agricultural Society. Experience a truly unique and educational day out on the farm with your family, farm animals, tractors, crops, fresh air and open fields. For more information please contact Janet Orr at 905-859-0834 or visit the Schomberg Agricultural Society website.

EARTH HOUR DUFFERIN MARSH (Schomberg) Saturday March 19, 8:30pm – 9:30pm Do your part this Earth Hour and switch off your lights. Come out and enjoy a candle lite dinner at one of the local restaurants to support King Township's Earth Hour initiatives. In addition, the Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection will be hosting a bonfire from 8:30 to 9:30 pm at the Dufferin Marsh in Schomberg. For more information regarding participating restaurants please email environmentalstewardship@king.ca

When is it time to replace your

smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? (NC) If you're like most homeowners, on more than one occasion you've found yourself looking around and thinking…“Have we really been in this house that long?” Along with the happy memories, and the dated paint or wallpaper, are two devices essential for your family's safety - smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. And just like the decorating, these too need a refresh every so often. Smoke and CO alarms monitor the air non-stop with advanced circuitry and highly accurate sensors. They even selfcheck themselves continuously to make sure they will be ready should danger strike. As they stand guard over the years they also

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

have to contend with pet hair, dust, cooking grime and other airborne contaminants. So is it any surprise that, whether battery powered or wired into your home's electrical system, these potentially life-saving devices eventually need to be replaced? To be certain your family is safe, check the age of all your alarms. Look for a date of manufacture sticker on the outside edge of the alarm or, for older models, on the bottom. You may need to unplug or remove the alarm from the ceiling temporarily to find it. Once you know the age, follow the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association: Replace smoke alarms immediately if they are older than 10 years (or if you can't find a date of manufacture) and CO alarms if they were manufactured prior to 2009.

Canada's leading alarm manufacturer, Kidde, offers a complete selection of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with the longest lifespan – a full 10 years. To keep your family protected, follow these replacement rules whether your alarms are battery powered, plug-in or hardwired. www.newscanada.com

S H O W O F F YO U R TA L E N T

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Submit your photos of King Township and get the chance to be featured in upcoming issues of King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine and other King Living publications.

CONTEST RULES • Photo entries will be accepted by email only to info@kingliving.ca • Please include your name, photo title, and the location the photo was taken • Use the Subject line: King Living Photo Contest • Photo submissions accepted via email by March 31, 2016 • All photos must be taken within King Township • Please send High Resolution Photo’s

WINNERS • Winners will be featured in our King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine and other King Living publications • Winning photos will be featured on our social pages as well as our website

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

tips to clean

YO U R H O M E ' S

DIRTIEST ROOMS

ousehold chores are a never-ending reality of life. In fact, on average women spend more than two hours a day on household activities, including housework and cooking. Yet keeping up with kids, pets and a hectic schedule make it seem like there’s still always something to clean. Tackle your home’s dirtiest rooms with these quick tips to make chores easier and more effective. You’ll have a sparkling home in no time.

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

GETTING STARTED House cleaning is not a pleasant task, so pump yourself up by creating a cleaning playlist to make chores more entertaining. If you lack motivation, a rockin’ soundtrack will get you off the couch. It can also be fun to time yourself during tasks, you’ll be surprised that most of the chores listed below can be completed in 10 minutes or less. >>>

BEAUTY IN THE BATH TACKLE THE TOILET Whether you like it or not, the toilet requires frequent cleaning. For a thorough wipe down, spray a disinfecting bathroom cleaner or chlorine bleach into the bowl and allow it to sit for 10 minutes to fully annihilate germs, bacteria and viruses. To maintain the cleanliness, pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl each week to keep it fresh. SCOUR THE SHOWER Showers are also a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew - feasting on body oils and soap scum. Make shower doors shine by rubbing a teaspoon of lemon oil on them twice a month, causing water to bead up and roll off. Or, try Rain-X Original Glass Treatment, a car-care product made to keep rainwater off your windshield. Use it twice a year. For easy maintenance, after each shower, clean the stall or tub and tiles with a squeegee.

DISINFECT THE SINK A sparkling sink becomes your kitchen’s benchmark for hygiene and tidiness. To make it easier, check out Moen’s new Walden pullout kitchen faucet, available exclusively at The Home Depot, featuring the innovative Reflex system. Its self-retracting wand helps fill large pots, reduces splashing and improves rinsing in and around the sink. Additionally, the Walden faucet features Microban antimicrobial protection — built into the faucet finish — to help inhibit the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. REFRIGERATOR REFRESH It’s important to make sure your refrigerator is always clean and odourless, especially if you are expecting guests. One trick to get rid of smells is to open a canister of oatmeal and place it in the fridge for a few days to absorb any unappealing odours.

LIVING ROOM TAKE CARE OF TOYS Gather stuffed toys, where dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate, and wash them in hot water and dry before using again. Place stuffed toys that can’t be washed in the freezer for 24 hours, then rinse in cold water to remove dead mites, and dry completely. ELIMINATING PET HAIR If you’re having a difficult time removing pet hair from furniture put on a wet rubber dishwashing glove and wipe your hand over surfaces. Cleaning the home doesn’t have to be a strenuous task. By creating a checklist of key items to tackle routinely, you’ll keep on top of your home’s dirtiest rooms. For more information about Moen products, visit www.moen.com. Courtesy of BPC

KITCHEN CLEANING DISHWASHER DUTY Once a week, shake baking soda on a damp sponge and wipe around the machine’s edges to remove stuck-on food or stains. To clean the inside, run an empty cycle with Dishwasher Magic, to kill bacteria like E-coli. During cold and flu season, add a quarter-cup of bleach to the regular dish cycle to kill bacteria. The dishes will be safe and sanitized after the rinse cycle is finished. ZAP THE SPONGE We all know that sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing excess water out and microwaving it on high for a minute. When it’s shredded and smelly, replace it.

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

TheRainMakerTeam.com

we make “sold” happen THE VALUE OF A REAL ESTATE TEAM

lthough there are many aspects to buying and selling homes, an integrated real estate team has an incredible edge over individual Realtors. There is the technical expertise that goes along with the specialization of team roles which include buyer’s agents, listing specialists, transaction coordinators, marketing personnel and social media promoters. But there is also a uniquely human advantage to utilizing The Rainmaker Team. We believe that when a homeowner is deciding to move, the decision of where to move invariably boils down to community. Young families, for example, look for neighbourhoods with children, parks and lots of child-friendly activities. They will consider the rigor of school systems, local athletic programs and commuting options. The reality is that if you have grown up in a town or live there, you have the distinct advantage of knowing the community,

and that is where a multi-person approach to real estate can make all the difference. Simply put, when you are trying to buy or sell your home, a multi-person real estate team brings resources, insights and more combined experience than an individual realtor. If you are looking to downsize or change neighbourhoods, we can help you sell your home and find a new one. Interested in purchasing a new home? We can help you track down the perfect cul-de-sac for your growing family or country estate surrounded by rolling hills. We are part of your community, so let us show you around! To find out more about what the team can offer you, including a Free Home Evaluation to help you sell, visit our website www.therainmakerteam.com call 905-833-1030 or like our Facebook page for more information and updates.

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we make “sold” happen

reserved for your SOLD SIGN

we made “sold” happen

Joseph Cartaginese Broker

Paula Perri Broker

Stephen Ferritto Sales Representative

Domenic Spina Sales Representative

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ENJOY 'SMART HOME' TECHNOLOGY YOUR WAY (NC) While customization in the home is not a novel idea, bringing technology into the equation can be complicated. Whether it's a thermostat or smoke alarm – too many companies have limited their offerings to one-size-fits-all technology. But is that really what you're looking for? Hunter Douglas, a leading window fashions company, commissioned some technology enthusiasts to give their take on a few favourite 'smart home' gadgets for streamlining daily activities, and all of it with a personal touch. Here are the results:

ences. You can even schedule multiple room Scenes to activate simultaneously. Do you want to be up with the sunrise on Saturdays? No problem – you can also link your shades to the exact sunrise and sunset times, precisely calculated by PowerView based on its knowledge of your specific location. If needed, you can choose to override the schedule at any time by manually activating the scenes with the artfully designed Pebble Control, offered in seven

Netatmo has taken home security cameras to a new level with a line called Welcome. It uses facial recognition technology to send the names of programmed users, up to 16 people, it sees directly to your smartphone. that worry with encrypted locking technology and an app that puts total control in the hands of users by eliminating a physical key. Through the app, you decide who gets a key and when. You can issue family members a 24/7 virtual key, the dog walker one for a specified time period, or remotely unlock the door for the out-oftown guest that arrived unexpectedly.

1. Many brands rely on an algorithm to set on-trend colours, with a wall-mounted With Auto-Unlock, August senses your a schedule, but for the smartest windows, control also available. Simply press a approach and unlocks the door for you, PowerView Motorization (from Hunter button to set the shades in motion on without you having to reach for your Douglas) puts the scheduling decisions in command. Shades can even be operated phone and the EverLock technology the hands of users. With the handy app, while you're away with the RemoteCon- will automatically lock the door behind you – so no more digging for keys or a scheduling feature gives you the ability nect feature. wondering if you locked the door when to set Scenes – different combinations of shades and shade positions – to operate 2. Hesitant to give the dog walker or you left. August is easy to install too; automatically on specific days and times housekeeper a key to your home? August it simply replaces the interior portion based on your unique personal prefer- Smart Lock-HomeKit Enabled removes of your existing deadbolt but does not

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

require you to change your exterior door hardware. The system can be installed and operational in only 10 minutes.

passes in front of the camera. You can be notified when children or elderly parents are home, and more importantly, when the camera sees an intruder.

tiful and sleekly designed, measuring only six inches in height.

With these and the many other advanced 3. Netatmo has taken home security technologies being introduced now at a cameras to a new level with a line Welcome allows users to customize rapid-fire pace, there's never been a better called Welcome. It uses facial recogni- each person's privacy settings through time to join the smart home revolution. tion technology to send the names of the free app, including disabling video programmed users, up to 16 people, it recordings or notifications, so each Please visit at www.hunterdouglas.ca for sees directly to your smartphone. Better family member can find his or her perfect more information. yet, Welcome alerts you when a stranger fit. An added bonus: Welcome is beau- www.newscanada.com

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

THE BIGGEST TAX BREAK VERY FEW ARE AWARE OF By: Don Hopkins

Don Hopkins President/Benefits Consultant

MGA Consulting Services 416.877.6755 mgaconsulting@mail.ca

axes and medical costs are all hot topics today. Savings in these areas are of utmost importance to everyone. Surprisingly, the government has created some tax breaks for us and there is a new business model for healthcare and dental costs that can save you and your company an awful lot of money. Have you ever heard of Health Spending Accounts? The information I am about to provide will better help you to understand what it is.

The Health Spending Account* has been available in Canada for several years now and originated as a form of Group Health Benefits. It is a unique tool that turns medical expenses into a 100% tax deduction from personal or corporate income. As healthcare costs continue to skyrocket, this becomes important especially when there is elder care or special needs. Tax savings are achieved at the personal tax rate which makes it really attractive.

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

The Health Spending Account is very simple Geoff Cook, CFP, from Infinite Finanand very flexible; it can truly help Cana- cial, says “Unfortunately, due to the dians who are spending after tax dollars on compensation method of traditional health care not covered by OHIP. Although group insurance plans, I feel that no there are several HSA providers, many do one in the Group Benefits market is not provide customized service to suit your really presenting HSA’s to companies particular needs. We work with each client and individuals as an alternative”. specifically to determine the best options to accomplish your goals of truly saving Let us help you with new strategies taxes and your hard earned money. that work by saving taxes. Tax savings will only help you accomplish all goals Every year, the Tax Man is tweaking the of living well, paying off the mortgage, system to get more tax dollars from us. saving for retirement or travelling. For Therefore, it is up to us to look for any information on how you can implement kind of relief we can get. Every year tax an HSA, please contact me. breaks are getting closed and tax costs are getting more expensive. Today, the *Also known as – Personal Health Spending top tax bracket for seniors above age 65 Plan for non incorporated individuals and is 56.65%. However, with the relaxed business, Health Spending Accounts for rules on eligible health expenses, great incorporated business and their employees. savings can be had.

Our Way

The Old Way

With $48,000 of professional taxable income in 2015 and $2,400 of family medical expenses Deduct as “other Expense” on line 9270 of T2125 Statement of business or Professional Activities

Personal Medical Tax Credit from T1 Schedule 1:

Total Medical Expenses Fees (10%) & premium tax (2%)

Medical expenses for Self, spouse or common-law-partner and your dependent children born in 1991 or later

330 Minus: $2,208 or 3% of line 236, whichever is less Subtotal (if negative, enter “0”)

Multiply the amount on line 23 by 20.05%

You save

2,400 (1,440) 960

332

338

192

$ 2,400 293

Total VHSP Premium*

2,693

(Other expense deductible from business income) 23

839

Tax Savings at 31.15% (uses your highest tax rate)

Less: Cost of fees and taxes

(293)

You save

546

More after-tax $$ in your pocket

354

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

TASTY WEEKNIGHT

Meal Ideas (NC) Lamb can be an easy and satisfying weeknight meal, and these lamb loin chops with a fragrant and flavourful Marsala sauce will prove it. Serve over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Lamb Loin Chops with Mushroom Marsala Sauce

Serves 5 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Ingredients • 5-6 lamb loin chops • 2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour • Salt & pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter • 8 oz (227 g) fresh crimini mushrooms, sliced • 2 shallots, thinly sliced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup (125 mL) Marsala wine (or dry white wine) • 1/2 cup (125 mL) chicken stock • 1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard • Fresh thyme Directions: 1. In a shallow bowl mix flour with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge loin chops in flour. 2. In a large frying pan, over medium-high heat, add olive oil. When oil is hot add loin chops to pan. Sear on either side for 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. 3. To same pan, add butter and mushrooms. Sauté mushrooms until liquid is released, about 5 minutes. Add shallots and garlic. Cook 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. 4. Slowly add wine to deglaze the pan; using spatula to scrape the pan clean. Add chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and seared loin chops to the pan. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce is slightly thickened. 5. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve over hot mashed potatoes. More recipes featuring fresh local ingredients are available at mushrooms.ca.

KING LIVING MARCH 2016

$6,988,000 36 SCOTCH VALLEY DRIVE, KING CITY

EXTRAORDINARY RESIDENCE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

SVETLANA CHKARBOUL 905-731-2000 / 416-402-5916 / s.chkarboul@gmail.com

Luxurious country living in prestigious Fairfield Estates. Absolutely exceptional master crafted custom built home in King's Tony neighbourhood, this mansion features over 16,000 sf of living space on 3 levels on a 2.3 acre lot. Picturesque views 5 minutes from hwy 400. Easy access to downtown. Short drive to the best schools. Only the finest materials & technology.

15 S

HWY

15 S

idero

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King

Mon to Thurs 8 am to 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 8 pm

Road

Friday 8 am to 10 pm Sunday 8 am to 7 pm