May 15, 2009
Check Out Ontario’s Natural Beauty through the “Trails Open” Program
Did you know that the Ontario Heritage Foundation has launched a new program called Trails Open 2009? This province-wide natural heritage tourism program promotes trail use and education, natural heritage stewardship and an active lifestyle. With more than 64,000 km of trails, Ontario offers outstanding recreational opportunities. They traverse some of Ontario’s most beautiful and remote destinations and infuse our urban areas with a healthy dose of nature. Many trails are open to the public free of charge, giving everyone an opportunity to get out and enjoy nature. For details go to heritagefdn.on.ca
February 23, 2009
Internet Use Hits a Record 1 Billion Users Worldwide
Did you know that the Internet has now reached a landmark 1 billion users worldwide? That number is expected to grow as wireless devices such as cellphones and netbooks give more people to access to the web. In fact, these mobile devices are expected to drive the next wave of Internet usage growth. With respect to real estate, the importance of the Internet is undeniable. A 2008 research report from the National Association of Realtors found that 87% of all home buyers and 94% of buyers aged 25-44 years used the Internet to begin their search for homes.
February 23, 2009
A New Type of Graffiti is Hitting the Streets!
Did You Know that a new form of graffiti is winding its way onto the global scene? Known as “yarn bombing,” this phenomenon sees the urban landscape mysteriously transformed under woolly layers of knitted scarves, socks and pompoms. “Craftivists” work under the cover of darkness to stitch makeshift layers onto park benches, lampposts, trees, even bridges. In Mexico City, yarn bombers covered an entire bus in a knitted, crazy-quilt pattern. After “tagging” public property, these stealth knitters post their exploits on websites such as knittaplease.com
This is one form of graffiti that’s hard to hate!
November 19, 2008
Entertain in Style
Did you know the holiday entertaining season is virtually upon us? Here are a few tips to inspire you! With hors d’oeuvres, be sure to balance out crisply flavoured drinks such as fruit-infused martinis or kir royale with warm canapés. For your main course, embrace comfort foods and game dishes to beat the winter chill and create a comfortable and seasonal dining experience. Decorate in elegant shade of white on white, with winter greenery as a backdrop. Above all, spend quality time with friend and family, and have fun!
October 15, 2008
Are you a “Zoomer?”
Did you know that Canada’s organization for seniors and mid-lifers just received a make-over by Moses Znaimer, media guru, founder of CITY-TV and now founder of “Zoomer Media.” The organization previously named CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) has been updated and broadened to include those 45+… and now focuses on a wide realm of topics of great interest to “Zoomers” aka “Boomer with Zip.” When you join CARP/Zoomers for only $19.95 per year you receive a package of benefits and a free subscription to the excellent new magazine called “Zoomers.” For more information and membership access, go to carp.ca
October 15, 2008
Top Design Trends Fall 2008
Did you know that the 14th annual showcase of home décor in London, England featured the following trends - nature-based designs of twigs, leaves, boulders and soft curves; a passion for wood whether it be natural, reclaimed or mimicked; limited edition and hand-made items; oversized floor lamps that are monumental in size yet simple in design; and a new trend called “upcycling” which turns cast-off items into artistic, one-of-a-kind reinventions.
October 15, 2008
Eliminate Unwanted Telemarketing Calls
Did you know that you can eliminate almost all unwanted telemarketing calls by registering on the National Do Not Call List? You can register your home phone, cell and fax numbers. Sign up online at www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-580-3625. Starting 31 days after your registration, many telemarketers can no longer call you. Callers such as registered charities, political parties and research companies remain exempt from the National DNCL, but you can avoid almost all solicitation calls by registering. For more info, go to http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/dncl.htm
May 1, 2008
Start Your Spring Cleaning by Reducing Clutter
Did you know that downsizing your possessions can be extremely energizing – whether you are moving to a smaller place or staying put? Start in one corner of each room and work clockwise. Sort into 4 bins labelled Give Away, Throw Away, Sell and Keep. The Canadian Diabetes Association will pick up your donations. To reduce paper (the worst clutter culprit), invest in a shredder, especially for outdated financial paper. Go to www.cra-arc.gc.ca to learn how long to keep tax-related papers. Sort all your photos and keep just a few from each trip or event. Give the rest away to family and friends. If you want to bring in a pro, you might find a professional organizer at www.organizersincanada.com. Maybe this is the year to bring new meaning to “spring cleaning!”
December 5, 2007
Employees Surf the Web at Work
Did you know that 43% of adults go online for personal reasons while at work? Employers say that young employees regularly check social networking sites and personal email. Then there are the 70% of consumers who shop online – with the most popular categories being books, videos and games. One in three Canadian adults does their banking online. Over 80% of real estate buyers start their search online. Increasingly, employers are accommodating this blend of personal and professional activity. “It used to be that you separated your outside life from your business life… But companies are recognizing that it’s not humanly possible,” says one employer. This is especially true at this time of year, when web traffic and online orders increase by tenfold on some sites.
October 10, 2007
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Did you know that laughter, along with an active sense of humour, may help protect you against a heart attack? A study at the University of Maryland found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease. “The saying that ‘laughter is the best medicine,’ appears to be true when it comes to protecting your heart,” says Michael Miller, M.D. He says we should incorporate laugher into our daily activities, just as we do with other heart-healthy activities, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. “The recommendation for a healthy heart may one day be—exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day.” Sounds good to me!
