Add Pancake Punch to Mother's Day Brunch

(NC) Are you thinking about whipping up something special to serve on Mother's Day? Why not combine two of her favourite treats to create carrot cake pancakes? The recipe was created for the Almond Board of California by Emily Richards, author of Get In The Kitchen and COOK. Mixed with nutritious almonds, a dash of cinnamon and finished with a delicious cream cheese fruit sauce, the originality is sure to add a special touch and melt mom's heart all in one bite.

Carrot Cake Almond Pancakes

Makes: 16 pancakes

Ingredients

Pancakes:

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) whole wheat flour

1/2 cup (125 mL) ground almonds

2 tbsp. (30 mL) granulated sugar

1 tbsp. (15 mL) baking powder

1 tsp. (5 mL) ground cinnamon

Pinch fresh ground nutmeg

1 2/3 cups (400 mL) vanilla almond milk

1 egg

2 tbsp. (30 mL) canola oil

1 cup (250 mL) grated carrots

1/4 cup (60 mL) golden raisins

Cream Cheese Yogurt Drizzle:

1/4 cup (60 mL) 0% Greek yogurt

2 tbsp. (30 mL) light cream cheese, softened

4 tbsp. (60 mL) vanilla almond milk

1/2 cup (125 mL) diced fresh strawberries

2 cups (500 mL) quartered fresh strawberries

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, almonds, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg; set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together almond milk, egg and canola oil. Pour over flour mixture and stir until smooth. Stir in carrots and raisins.

Heat a non-stick griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Ladle 1/4 cup (60 mL) of the batter onto griddle. Cook for about 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on top. Using spatula, flip pancake and cook another 1 minute or until golden. Repeat with remaining batter. (Alternatively, use 1/8 cup (30 mL) measure to make smaller pancakes.)

Cream Cheese Yogurt Drizzle: Meanwhile, in a bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat together yogurt, cream cheese and almond milk until smooth and runny. Stir in strawberries.

Spoon drizzle over pancakes and top with berries.

This recipe has been evaluated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation registered dietitians and is part of a healthy diet based on recommendations in Canada's Food Guide.

More recipes can be found online at almonds.com.

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How to host your guests Hotel-style - Hosting tips from industry experts

(NC) A beautiful hotel can certainly make an impact, but ultimately it's the service that makes lasting impressions. Successful hotels earn repeat customers by providing top-notch service and making their guests feel special.

As a host, whether it's a dinner party or visiting relatives, having our guests leave appreciative and with a smile on their faces is also the ultimate goal – along with surviving the experience, of course. So the hotel experts at Comfort hotels have put together a helpful list of tips to take your guests experience to the next level.

Plan a welcome treat – Whether they've got a sweet tooth or love the bubbly, a box of chocolates or a bottle of sparkling wine can go a long way. It's a simple gesture that can have a lot of impact and is the perfect way to greet your new guests.

Stock up on extra toiletries – We all know what it's like to forget something at home when we're on the road, whether it's a toothbrush, conditioner or floss. At hotels many guests rely on the travel-sized amenities, but when staying with family or friends, you could potentially be stuck without or, worse yet, be forced to share the soap (yuck!). Leave new toiletries in the guest bathroom with a note letting them know to help themselves.

Make a set of spare keys – Just like you have a room key at the hotel, by giving your guests a spare set of keys, it'll take some of the coordination out of the visit. With their own keys, guests can come and go as they please without you having to coordinate being home from work or staying up if they're going for a night out.

Make a city tip sheet – Assuming your guests are new to the area and you're not available 24/7 to act as tour guide, a list of local attractions and dining options with contact information is a thoughtful way to help your guests plan their days.

Have snacks and bottled drinks – Providing your guests with portable treats and beverages like water and juice is a thoughtful gesture if you know they'll be out and about exploring. It'll save them additional costs and it's a nice touch that is easy to execute.

Plan household chores in advance – Do any laundry you have sitting around before your guests arrive to ensure the machines are free if needed. As well, any meal prep that can be done in advance will go a long way once you are busy entertaining.

A little planning can go a long way towards minimizing your stress and maximizing your guests' trip. So next time you have visitors coming, consider these six tips to make it a memorable and positive experience for all.

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DECOR & INSPIRATION HOW-TO: Welcome the Holidays

via Rue

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Simple and Tasteful Christmas Decorating When Your House Is For Sale

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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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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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Susan

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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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5 easy tips for healthy eating during the holidays

(NC)Is there really any way to eat healthy during the holidays?

Yes, no 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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Susan

 Please check out my current listings and together we'll discover your real estate needs. If you know anyone buying or selling I'd love to help them! You can follow me on Twitter: @susanhawkesells Instagram: @susanhawke Pinterest: @SusanHawke Facebook Page: Susan Hawke Remax Sales Representative Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Canada

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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Holiday Decor Ideas

There is absolutely no need to stop decorating for the holidays when you are selling your home.  Potential buyers love to get a 'feel' for the house and they imagine themselves enjoying Christmas in coming years...you help them do that.  With a well-staged home and a de-cluttered/edited home, holiday decor helps you sell!

Here are some ideas for next year! Visit these homes on this Holdiay House Tour. (virtually)

Winter Love Winter Fun

I hope you enjoyed a joyous Christmas with your family and friends!  Now! Onto the wonder and amazing snow stories of Sault Ste. Marie and area! You gotta love snow!  (It's just one more reason to live and celebrate living here.)

If you are up here hitting the slopes, please give me a call about finding a home for your family in the area....here are my current listings and I have many, many more to show you!

More pics on Searchmont Resort's Facebook Page.

"Searchmont Resort"

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Mountain How do I find out the conditions before leaving home? You can visit our website homepage at www.searchmont.com to view the most up to date conditions from the Weather Network Ski Report or our own mountain report, blog and webcam pages.  Or you can switch your T.V. to the weather channel to get the most up to date conditions.   When is last run? Last run is usually called approximately 15 minutes before the lifts close for the day, and again at night when we have night skiing. There's no snow in my backyard; how do you have snow? 90% of our mountain is covered with a snowmaking system.  When temperatures drop below freezing, we are able to produce our own snow, even when Mother Nature can't.  It is also typically a few degrees colder in Searchmont than the Sault.  If it's raining in town, it might be snowing here! Have you got a map of the hill? Trail maps are conveniently located at the base of our main slope, at the top of each lift, and in our brochure.  Stop by Guest Services to obtain your own portable copy of the map.  What is the vertical drop at Searchmont Resort? We have a vertical drop of 750 feet.  One of the highest verticals in Ontario!!! Does the hill have a Terrain Park? Searchmont Resort's Terrain Park is located on our main slope.  You'll find boxes, rails, rollers, and jumps located throughout the park. Some of our locals often build jib parks at the bottom of Champs too. Is the hill groomed? Most of our terrain is groomed.  We have a few runs that never see the tiller or blade of a groomer.  After a heavy snowfall, if you're lucky, you'll find some ungroomed powder runs for your enjoyment. How do I get to the hill?  Travel north of Sault Ste. Marie (Highway 17 North) and turn onto Hwy 556 at Heyden.  Follow this highway for 29 kms and you will find Searchmont Resort.  There is directional signage at Highway 556 and also at the 3km mark from Searchmont Resort.  What time do you open?  Our slopes open at 9:30am daily and our main lodge opens at 9:00am daily.  All /services hours of operation. Photo Credits: Google Images

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Free Holiday Gift Tags Printables

Thank You to Hey Look who posted today:
There are so many awesome freebies out there this year. We've selected a few of our favorite gift tag sets, wrapping papers and more. All free printables created by lovely bloggers for all of you to enjoy!

And if none of these catch your fancy, check out our round-ups from last year: - Hey Look

Colorful gift tags & More free holiday printables

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