Friday, 29 November 2013

New technology takes the stress out of holiday entertaining


(NC) Hosting a holiday gathering is stressful, no matter whether you're someone who loves feeding a house filled with guests, or is a reluctant family member who's taking their turn.
Dinner parties can be especially challenging, from timing your menu, to doubling the recipes, to accommodating the needs of each of your guests. Assistance can be summoned however. High-tech kitchen appliances can significantly reduce entertaining stress. Increased capacity fridges and flexible rack dishwashers are just a couple of the most popular advancements. “Historically, frantic hosts had to chill beverages outside or in cumbersome buckets of ice because the fridge was over-stocked with food for the party,” says Laura McGowan, a senior brand manager at LG Electronics Canada. “Our company has eliminated this juggle with the introduction of a new super capacity 3-door refrigerator that features 20 per cent more storage space and a space-saving ice maker. With this extra capacity, you are able to store beverages, groceries and pre-prepared dishes all in one place.”
Gone are the stressful days of trying to squeeze several dishes of vegetables into the oven around the giant holiday roast. McGowan points out that LG's large capacity electric double oven is the largest on the market, making it easy to cook, grill or warm multiple dishes at a time.
And once the party is over and it's time to clean up, an ultra-high capacity dishwasher can help alleviate the stress of dirty dishes.
“With our most popular model, the extra capacity, flexible racks and the true steam technology allows users to fit in more dishes with every load,” McGowan explains. “This means no more time wasted handwashing the delicate cups and plates that won't fit into your machine, and more time relaxing once the gathering is over.”
More information on the latest kitchen technology is available online at LG.com.
www.newscanada.com
Side Bar:
Here are some tips from LG Electronics Canada, to keep your holiday entertaining stress to a minimum:
• When developing the menu, select a variety of dishes that can be made ahead of time and placed in the fridge
• Prepare a selection of meat and vegetarian options and make ample of each so you can enjoy leftovers after the event. If you're hosting children, make sure you have a few child friendly choices too
• Stock your fridge with an assortment of festive beverages. When guests arrive encourage them to help themselves
• Don't worry if everything isn't perfect. It's the holiday season. People are just happy to have an opportunity to get together.

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Thursday, 28 November 2013

Algoma Country, Northern Ontario, Canada

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Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Listen to CBC Music’s 24/7 Classical Holidays Stream


Enjoy the season with CBC.  Click here or on the reindeer!

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Tuesday, 26 November 2013

How to keep your Christmas tree looking its best



(NC) When it comes to creating a holiday atmosphere, not much compares with the fresh fragrance and beauty of a real Christmas tree. But like any living thing, it needs the right conditions to thrive. Peter Cantley, garden guru and vice-president Floral & Garden, Loblaw Companies Limited has a few tips to get the most out of your Christmas tree this season.
Choose well- What's the real secret to a great-looking tree? Choosing well. Start with a quality tree with great form and excellent needle retention, like the PC Fraser Fir Christmas Trees. Lush and long lasting, it will keep going strong throughout the holidays if it's watered regularly.
Find the best spot - Rule out locations in sunny windows or near heating vents – the direct sunlight and hot air will dry a tree out. Consider a spot where the family hangs out so it brings maximum pleasure.
Make a fresh cut & water -Make a fresh cut on the trunk once the tree is home. Use a saw to take off a half to three-quarters of an inch of the trunk to ensure that the tree will be able to draw in all the water it needs to stay healthy looking. For the first few days, it will need loads of water and then it will slow down. It's important to give it all the water it needs at the beginning.
Monitor drinking habits- Once a tree dries out, it won't accept any more water – game over! So make sure things never go that far. Keep an eye on the reservoir to make sure there's always water present. Consider a stand with a big reservoir because it keeps refilling to a minimum.
To get a President's Choice Fraser Fir Christmas tree, available in traditional seven to eight foot or six foot tree options that's ideal for smaller spaces, visit participating Loblaws, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore®, Atlantic Superstore and Provigo stores in Canada.

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Monday, 25 November 2013

13 tips for selling your home in winter



Sure, there are fewer buyers and the skies are gloomy. So warm and brighten up the place; make it look like a refuge from the weather.


1. Keep snow and ice at bay.
The top tip from agents: If the buyer can't get in easily, the house won't sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free of the frozen stuff. Just like trimming the lawn in the summer, you want to make the home look like it's been maintained. If you're away frequently or live in an area that's subject to bad weather, it can pay to hire a service to regularly salt or shovel the driveway and sidewalks.

2. Warm it up.
If you're showing during the winter, think "warm, cozy and homey," says Ken Libby, owner of Stowe Realty in Stowe, Vt., and a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors.
Before a buyer comes through, adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature to make it welcoming. "Sellers like to turn the temperature down because of heat costs," says David Ledebuhr, president and owner of Musselman Realty in East Lansing, Mich., and a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors. "But buyers who come in and aren't comfortable won't stay long."
If you have a gas fireplace, turning it on right before the tour can give the house a little ambience, Libby says.
With a wood-burning fireplace, you've got to be a little more careful. If the house is vacant, don't chance it. But if you're still living there and will be there during the tour, it can be a nice touch.
Many times, sellers leave right before the agent and prospective buyers arrive. In that case, adjust the heat to a comfortable temperature and have the hearth set for a fire. Buyers feel the warmth and see the potential, and you don't have to worry about safety concerns.
3. Take advantage of natural light.
"Encourage showing during the high-daylight hours," Ledebuhr says. At this time of year, "if you show after work, you're totally in the dark."
Make the most of the light you do have. Have the curtains and blinds cleaned and open them as wide as possible during daytime showings. Clean all the lamps and built-in fixtures, and replace the bulbs with the highest wattage that they will safely accommodate. Before you show the house, turn on all the lights.
4. Get the windows washed.
"Buyers act on the first impression," Ledebuhr says. Windows are one thing that many sellers don't even consider. In winter, that strong southern light can reveal grime and make it look like the home hasn't been well-maintained.
5. Play music softly in the background.
To create a little atmosphere, tune the radio to the local classical station. Turn it down so that you barely hear it in the background. "It's soothing," says Libby, who finds that soft classical music tends to have the most appeal to buyers. "I think people tend to stay around a little longer and look a little longer."
6. Make it comfortable and cozy.
Set the scene and help the buyers see themselves living happily in this house. Consider things such as putting a warm throw on the sofa or folding back the thick comforter on the bed. Tap into "the simple things this time of year that make you feel like you're home," Phipps says.
7. Emphasize winter positives.
Is your home on a bus route or some other vital service that means it's plowed or de-iced regularly in bad weather? Be sure to mention that to the buyers.
8. Set up timers.
You want your home to look warm and welcoming whenever prospective buyers drive past. But you're not home all the time, so put indoor and outdoor lights on timers, Phipps says.
Look at the outside lighting around the door. Is there enough illumination to make it inviting? If not, either get the fixtures changed or have new ones added.
9. Make it festive.
Even if you're not actually going to be present, greet your buyers as if they were going to be guests at a party, Phipps says. Set up the dinner table with the good china and silver. Have a plate of cookies for your guests, some warm cider or even chilled bottles of water.
"First impressions are so powerful," Phipps says. "If it looks like you're expecting me and greeting me as company, that's a powerful impact."
10. Give the home a nice aroma.
The No. 1 favorite? "Chocolate-chip cookies," Libby says. "Just about everybody likes that smell."
Other popular scents: cinnamon rolls, freshly baked bread, apple pie, apple cider or anything with vanilla, cinnamon or yeast.
"But don't overdo it, either," Ledebuhr says. Scented candles in every room or those plug-in air fresheners can leave buyers wondering what you're trying to mask.
Watch the bad smells, too. Pet smells, smoke and musty odors can cling to curtains and carpets. Ask your real-estate agent or a friend to give it a sniff test. Then clean the house, air it out and replace drapes, carpets or rugs before you show it.
11. Protect your investment.
Some sellers (or their agents) will ask buyers to either remove shoes or slip on paper "booties" over their footwear before touring the house. Many buyers like that, Phipps says. It indicates a "pride of ownership and meticulousness that resonates with buyers," he says.
12. Use the season to your advantage.
While the holidays are over (and the Christmas and Hanukkah stuff should come down), you can still use winter wreaths and dried arrangements around the door to spark interest. "Anything seasonally appropriate is fun," Phipps says.
In the winter, with the leaves off the trees, you might also have a nice view that isn't as apparent in the spring and summer months. It's a great time to sell waterfront properties, Phipps says. "You can see the views better this time of year."
13. Consider the area.
In some parts of the country, such as ski areas or warmer regions where the snowbirds flock, winter weather can actually be a selling point. "We're right in the middle of our selling season," says Libby, who is located in Vermont. "It's not always spring and summer."

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Friday, 22 November 2013

5 easy tips for healthy eating during the holidays


(NC)Is there really any way to eat healthy during the holidays?
Yesno and maybe are all correct answers. The temptations are great and the cravings for salt, sugar and fat are easily gratified, but here are some simple ways to stay on track:
• Never arrive at a party hungry. Before heading to a holiday event, eat a light snack of raw veggies or fruit, such as a cluster of grapes. You'll feel satisfied and therefore not so prone to overeat once you arrive.
• Plan time to exercise throughout the season. It will help relieve stress and help prevent weight gain.
• If you're going to a potluck, bring your dish plus a simple bowl of grapes to hedge your bets. Grapes are always festive, decorative, easy-to-serve – and best of all, every colour of California grapes – green, red, and black – are available through January.
• At the buffet table, be selective. Choose only your favourite foods and be sure to include some fresh fruit or vegetables to help balance your plate.
• Listen to your body. Eat until you are satisfied, but not over full. (There is a difference.)

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Thursday, 21 November 2013

Fit To Sell Video - Main Selling Rooms


Focus on these rooms first and make your home "Fit To Sell." These simple concepts can help you and me, your RE/MAX Sales Associate get the most on the sale of your home. Visit remax.com - Get Advice - Home Selling to download the full RE/MAX Fit to Sell Checklist.

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Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Top 5 Paint Colours for Every Room in Your Home


If you are ever in doubt, these 5 colours are sure to please.


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Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Like A Hawke: My Tumblr









I am having so much fun curating my Tumblr for you!  Find imagery that inspires!  Here.

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My Current Listings


You may find my current listings here


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Monday, 18 November 2013

Don't let your Christmas tree lead to tragedy this season - How to prevent accidental fire during the holidays


(NC)— It's the Christmas holiday season, our most treasured time of the year. It's a time of celebration, joy and sharing time with family and friends. Unfortunately, this important time can also be one marked by tragedy if precautions are not taken against accidental fire. According to the Canadian Safety Council, every year about 400 Canadians lose their lives in an accidental household fire. In fact, it's during the holiday season that the number of deaths caused by accidental household fires is at its highest.
Patrice De Luca, vice president of marketing and business development for Reliance Protectron Security Services, says the major culprit for this significant increase is the famed Christmas tree. “You need to take every possible precaution to minimize the risks of fire, especially if you choose a natural tree,” he added. “Fire is one of the greatest threats to your family and home. People do not realize the emotional toll a fire can take, even if there is no loss of life.”
Here are safety tips to consider from Protectron's free “Saving Lives Program”:
• If possible, consider an artificial tree. They are much safer and cleaner.
• Leave the tree outside until you're ready to decorate.
• The tree stand should hold at least 1 gallon of water. It's crucial to check the water level every day.
• Detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide should be installed at strategic locations – your kitchen, stairwell, bedroom hallways and other high-traffic household areas. Monitored smoke detectors can save lives by having operators standing by 24-7 and dispatching emergency services if required (for example if fire occurs while sleeping).
• Keep the tree away from floor heaters, fireplaces, or other heat sources.
• Use only CSA-listed lights, and no more than three strands linked together.
• Use miniature lights–which have cool-burning bulbs.
• Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you leave your home for very long.
• Examine light strings each year, discard worn ones.
• Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up.
• Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords.
• Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.
• Practice an escape plan at least once a year. Make sure the whole family is involved.
• Finally, make sure to dispose of your tree properly at the end of the season.
Protectron's “Saving Lives Program” is offered free to families considering home security solutions. More information on the program or on fire safety and home security is available online at www.protectron.com

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Friday, 15 November 2013

10 Ways to Bring Tudor Architectural Details to your Home






If you’re a fan of romantic movies, children’s fairytales and architecture that feels like it’s right out of your favorite novel, Tudor style homes are probably the epitome of these memories. Tudor architectural details are not necessarily from the Tudor England style of buildings in the 16th century. When most homeowners refer to this style of architecture they are referencing the style made popular in the United States in more modern times. The 19th and 20th centuries had beautiful examples of this nod to medieval English architecture as well as the details that made cottages and early century mansions what they are today. If you’d like to bring Tudor architectural details into your exterior and interior home, here are a few ideas. - Fresh Home

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Thursday, 14 November 2013

Gluten free/Dairy free Apple Crisp

Gluten free/Dairy free Apple Crisp – (4 small servings – double for more)
Confession – I didn’t measure so this is an estimate. It sure turned out. Was a great dessert after having Beef Bourguignon.




2 apples sliced (Organic is best. I didn’t have a cooking apple so I used Organic Fuji Apples) p.s – leave the skin on 2 cups Apple, Walnut Coconut Delight from Love Grown (you can use another Granola mixture – I like this because it is Gluten Free and non GMO) ½ cup Organic coconut palm sugar 2 – 3 tablespoons Earth Balance coconut spread, melted ½ cup Pure Maple Syrup
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place sliced apples in the bottle of a small oven safe dish. Mix Granola mix, coconut palm sugar, melted coconut spread and maple syrup in a bowl. Spread over the apples. Drizzle a bit more maple syrup over the top. Cover with foil and place in oven for about 20 min. Remove cover and bake for 10 more minutes. You can eat as is, or serve with coconut milk ice cream (Or a little liqueur on top – I have some Maple Liqueur from Nova Scotia that is wonderful)



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Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Beef Bourguignon






6 strips of Free Range Bacon diced 3 lbs stew beef or cross rib steak cubed (I used a mixture- meat was grass fed from a local farmer*) 3 – 4 tablespoons grapeseed or olive oil Salt, pepper 4 tablespoons gluten free flour (I used spelt) 2 yellow onions chopped 4 – 5 carrots, chopped (mine were organic from a local farmer) 2 tsps minced garlic 2 – 3 celery stalks (preferably organic) 1 bottle dry wine (I used Pinot Noir) Small handful fresh parsley 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1 package pearl onions ½ cup – 1 cup beef broth 1 pack button mushrooms (preferably organic) ½ cup brandy 1 tablespoon butter or dairy free alternative such as coconut oil 1 tablespoon gluten free flour
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In large pot or dutch oven, sauté diced bacon until crisp. Remove from pan (set aside in a small bowl). Place 3 tablespoons of flour on plate and mix about 1 tsp salt and pepper. Coat cubed meat in flour mixture. In about 3 batches brown in pan. Add oil with each batch as needed. Set aside in bowl.
Add a bit of oil to pan and about 2 tablespoons of brandy. Scrap brown bits from bottom of pot. Add chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic. Saute over medium heat until softened – about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of gluten free flour and cook while stirring for about 1 more minute.
Add bottle of wine to pot, thyme, parsley, bacon and beef with drippings. Bring to a boil. Transfer to baking dish (I used a roasting pan). Place in oven and cook 2 – 3 hours (meat should be very tender). About 20 minutes before ready, boil pearl onions for about 3 minutes. Reserve the water, cool onions slightly and peel off skin. In small bowl place ½ tablespoon of soft butter and half tablespoon for flour, form into a ball.  

Place in hot skillet and add onions. When onions begin to brown, add 2 tablespoons brandy and cook til reduced. Remove from skillet.
With remaining butter and flour make another ball and place in skillet. Add mushrooms, cook for about 3 minutes. Add remaining brandy. Cook for 2 minutes.
Remove roast pan from oven. Warning – it will smell so good that you will want to eat it – but wait.
Add onions and mushroom with ½ cup beef broth (I used homemade broth). Place back in oven for about ½ hour more.



You will have a fabulous dinner.
I had enough left over for lunch the next day, and a meal for the freezer.

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Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Is your home flood proof? Security systems can now detect leaks, prevent damage


(NC)—Over the years most homeowners can expect to experience at least one form of water damage to their home. It could be their washing machine hose that splits, their pipes that freeze and burst, the dishwasher that leaks, toilet that overflows, or water heater that fails.
Any one of these conditions can lead to expensive property damage, and destruction of personal belongings such as photographs, furniture or computer data – items that are often irreplaceable.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than seven times as many insurance claims are caused by water damage and freezing (17 per cent) than by theft (2 per cent). Of those water related claims, 60 per cent were caused by faulty indoor appliances or plumbing leaks, 25 per cent were caused by heavy rain or flooding and 11 per cent caused by sewers or sump-pumps that overflowed.
Preventing a water leak from causing extensive damage is even more crucial now with the trend towards homeowners investing thousands of dollars in their basements creating home theatres, play rooms, guest rooms and laundry rooms.
These flooding events can lead to several inconveniences and unexpected costs such as having to relocate while the problem is cleaned up (in severe cases), having to replace damaged items and most importantly dealing with the health problems from the mold and mildew caused by the water damage.
“Flooding events often go undetected for hours causing extensive damage to your home and personal belongings,” said Patrice De Luca, vice president of marketing and business development for Reliance Protectron Security Services, a leader in home security services who offer, among their suite of products and services, affordable solutions to help thwart the threat of water damage.
According to De Luca today's security systems are capable of monitoring much more than just intrusion detection devices like motion detectors, door/window contacts and glassbreaks. Flood sensors, water flow switches, temperature sensors and many other devices can be installed and linked to a remote monitoring centre that protects homes 24 hours a day to help minimize and, if detected early enough (like for a sump pump with a high water level sensor), prevent losses due to environmental factors with specially trained professional operators standing by and dispatching appropriate emergency services if required.
De Luca says “the latest technology in security systems (when monitored by a professional monitoring centre) can even allow for the monitoring and detection of water damage in your home from a distance by wireless transmission (TeleGARD) on your cell phone or PC at work for example.” More information on protecting your home while you're away is available online at www.protectron.com.


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Monday, 11 November 2013

Include mushrooms in your festive feasting

Enjoy all the season has to offer, and surprise your guests with a tasty mushroom meal.


(NC) With holiday season soon to be in full swing, have you thought about what to serve at your next get together? Why not fresh Canadian mushrooms? Fresh mushrooms are easy to prepare, flavourful, elegant, and are sure to keep your guests entertained.
Basic Mushroom Prep
Prior to use, gently wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any peat moss particles, or rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Please do not wash mushrooms when you bring them home. They will absorb water and discolour.
Remove the stems if they feel hard or dry. There is no need to peel mushrooms. Portabella and Shiitake mushrooms generally have tougher stems so you can simply twist them away from the cap or remove them with the tip of a knife. All other mushrooms can be prepared with their stems on.
Mushrooms can be served chopped, sliced, or whole. No matter how you serve them they are SIMPLE to prepare and add great flavour to all appetizers, side dishes and entrees.
Serve Mushrooms Cold
Simply wipe fresh mushrooms with a damp cloth, cut into bite-sized pieces or keep whole, and serve with dips, in salads, or as a garnish to your mushroom entrees.
Roasting Mushrooms (20 Minutes)
To get perfect roasted mushrooms, place them in a shallow baking pan, toss with one tablespoon of oil and roast in a 450°F oven, stir occasionally. Roast the mushrooms until they are brown and fragrant.
Seasoning Mushrooms
Mushrooms are easy to season, the same as meats and other vegetables. Virtually any seasoning will go well with mushrooms, so you can enjoy them any way you like.
No matter how you prepare your meal, your guests will be not only entertained but also amazed by the versatility of the mushroom.
Recipe Suggestions
Holiday Nut Stuffing
Savoury Mushroom Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Oven Roasted Mushroom and Vegetable Salad
Delicious mushroom recipes are available online at www.mushrooms.ca.


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The power of local spending during the holiday season


(NC) Preparing for the holiday season is often associated with gift lists, bargain hunting and potentially crowded or stressful shopping experiences searching for the perfect gift.
This year, try exploring your local businesses for unique items and make local purchases to help support neighbourhood businesses during a season that sees a lot of consumer dollars crossing the border or disappearing online with retailers around the world.
“Shopping off-the-beaten path in one of your neighbourhood stores can be a much calmer experience during the holiday shopping season,” said François Ramsay, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs for Yellow Pages Group, a digital media and marketing solutions company. “Additionally, every purchase you make at a local business has a direct impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and the local economy, strengthening it and helping create sustainability and growth in our communities.”
Among the positive impacts of local shopping are:
• Job Creation: Small businesses are the largest group of employers in the country
• Local Impact: Dollars spent within the neighbourhood directly benefit the local economy and tend to be re-invested within the community.
• Neighbourhood Prosperity: The presence and success of small businesses play key roles in giving communities their identities and also influence neighbourhood desirability and growth.
• Customer Service: Independent retailers often personalized service, making shopping a less stressful and more meaningful experience.
There are a number of events across Canada that encourage local shopping, including Shop The Neighbourhood. This initiative of Yellow Pages Group takes place on November 30, 2013, strategically sandwiched between the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping holidays with the goal of raising awareness and encouraging people to make local purchases in support of their neighbourhood businesses. This year's Shop The Neighbourhood event takes place in the GTA with consumers benefitting from exclusive Shop The Neighbourhood deals offered by local merchants specifically for event day.
Holiday sales typically make up a considerable amount of retailers' annual sales. So help support your favourite local store or service this holiday season by supplementing or completing your holiday gift list purchases locally.

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Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Black White Cream and Gold

















You can never go wrong with this colour scheme.
More inspiration over on my Pinterest.
Happy Wednesday Friends!



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