Kitchen décor trends : Update your cooking station with a stylish range hood (NC)-Today's latest designs in cooking ranges and range hoods are so sleek and stylish one feels like an executive chef in their own exclusive bistro. It's too bad not all of us can actually cook like one, but more and more of us are putting in the time and effort to try. The trend towards creating that fine dining experience at home is a growing one across the country with couples and singles both men and women trying their hand at creating the latest delicacies. They're taking cooking courses, watching cooking shows, reading cook books and magazines in their unending thirst for knowledge. This trend has also spawned the growth of all the kitchen renovations we're seeing today as aspiring chefs now require better tools to create their masterpieces. Sleek styling and state-of-the-art performance are what consumers are now seeking to update their kitchens. According to Kitchens.com the biggest change has been a move to specialty and high-end appliances. A very strong niche has been building for several years for stainless steel refrigerators, stainless steel dishwashers, and professional-style residential gas ranges with large stainless steel range hoods. A range hood is important because it filters smoke, fumes, grease, steam, and carbon monoxide from the air while you are cooking. Using a range hood every time you turn on a burner can keep your kitchen clean, fresh, and smelling good. Today's high-end range hoods, such as Broan-NuTone's chic line of Best range hoods, offer sleek styling and state-of-the-art performance featuring the latest in Italian design. "Chic range hoods?" you ask. Thanks to the Best by Broan award-winning line, the range hood has become the focal point of decor for kitchens with its Italian design, innovation and luxurious detail. For instance, you can now customize the look of your hood by choosing unique design accessories, such as a tempered glass canopy, to make a statement in your kitchen décor. They also feature the latest in range hood technology such as an electronic push-button control with blue LED display and an ambient light sensor that automatically turns on/off for nighttime ambiance and safety. These range hoods are also HVI certified. HVI certification confirms that your product has been tested and meets specific industry standards. It also confirms that your product will perform as promised and you will receive proper ventilation to maximize your indoor air quality. These are just a few of the elements that make the Best by Broan Range Hoods the ultimate in design and luxury for today's aspiring chefs. For more information on these exclusive range hoods and availability near you, visit www.bestbybroan.com.
Sitting pretty
Rejuvenate your barbecue and outdoor furniture with a touch of paint. (NC)-Spring is here and it's time to make your outdoor living space as inspiring as indoors. A beautiful garden adds another 'room' where you can enjoy the season in all its glory. Start your makeover by giving a lift to weathered outdoor furniture. Let the palette of your flower beds inspire you and paint chairs to contrast or complement the focal point. According to the experts at Rust-Oleum, the options for giving your chairs flower-power are endless: . Dingy plastic chairs can be brought back to life with paint specially formulated for plastic. There is a multitude of colours to choose from that will give a rich glossy finish in one easy application-no priming required. . Bring the cafés of Italy to your own backyard by adding classic finishes like Tremclad's textured bronze to your cast iron patio table and chairs. . Remember that old wooden bench that's been left forgotten in the corner of the yard? A pastel shade and a new location can take it from trashy to tranquil and offer a great new refuge for reading and relaxation. Try Painter's Touch meadow green or blue sky paint. . That old Muskoka chair still has some life in it yet. Tighten the screws and give it a quick sand. Finish with a bold new coat of paint, accessorize with indoor/outdoor throw pillows and in no time at all you've got the perfect perch for a warm afternoon. . And don't forget the wicker chairs - they too can be spruced up for the season with some T.L.C. and some well chosen paint. . If 'wild' is your style, try polka dots, geometrics or paint-splatter. Pattern is back - so is colour - make a splash in your garden this year. More inspiration can be found online at paintideas.com.
Electricity: Better safe than sorry
(NC)-Today's life is chock full of a multitude of small repetitive acts, most of them completely ordinary, where electricity plays a lead role. Now, although "Electricity" is not a synonym for "danger", it can nevertheless bring about accidents of many kinds, from insignificant to life threatening. By following Hydro-Québec's tips for household security, you will be able to avoid accidents and truly enjoy a power source that will give you both comfort and well being. Household Security: Remember... . Keep your eyes open at all times. In your home, there are many sources of danger, and the possibilities of an accident wherein electricity is a causal factor are numerous. Rooms where water is present - bathrooms, kitchens - require greater vigilance because the presence of water increases the risk of electric shocks. Be careful when using electrical equipment in these rooms: dry your hands as well as possible, and do not allow any electrical appliance or tool to make contact with water. . Do not use any electrical apparatus whatever - hair dryer, razor, etc. - in the bathroom if the electric outlet is not equipped with a protection system (differential circuit breaker). . Always unplug electric cooking devices (electric frying pans, casseroles, etc.) before cleaning them. . Always disconnect the humidifier, steam iron, and coffee machine before filling them with water. Overloaded circuits cause headaches! . Do you use several electrical devices? Use several different electrical outlets. . Do you have unused electrical devices? Unplug them. . Do you need additional outlets? Use a power bar equipped with a surge protector. . Is your device already plugged in? Use extra caution. . Did a slice of bread get caught in the toaster? Disconnect the toaster BEFORE removing the bread. . Does a light bulb need to be changed? Unplug the lamp BEFORE |
What you need to know about title insurance
(NC)-Whether you currently own or plan to purchase a property, it is important to get the facts on title insurance, to understand what type of protection it can provide you, and to determine if you need the product. Take a look at the brochure Understanding Title Insurance, found at www.fsco.gov.on.ca in the Publications section. Published by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the agency responsible for regulating insurance in the province, the brochure provides an overview of title insurance. Here's a snapshot: What is title insurance and how does it protect me? Title insurance is a policy that covers residential or commercial property owners (and their lenders) against losses related to the property's title. For a one-time fee, or premium, a title insurance policy can provide compensation for losses due to factors like: unknown title defects; existing liens against the property's title; encroachment issues; title fraud; errors in surveys and public records; plus other title-related issues that can affect your ability to sell your property. Title insurance will also cover most legal expenses related to restoring your property's title. Do I really need it? Title insurance is not mandatory in Ontario. However, do speak to your lawyer, title insurance company, or insurance agent/broker, to be sure you fully understand what type of protection it can provide-and to determine if other options exist. Once you get all the facts, you can make an informed decision based on your specific situation and needs. It's important to keep in mind that title insurance does not replace legal advice when purchasing property. When do I buy residential title insurance? It is usually purchased before your property purchase is finalized. However, you can also buy it for existing residences-and the coverage lasts as long as you own your property. The cost varies - it is based on the value of your property and the insurance company you choose. Where is it purchased? You can purchase residential title insurance through your lawyer or title insurance company, or you can contact an insurance agent/broker. What else should I know? When purchasing residential title insurance make sure: . Your home is insured for its full value, or the amount you paid for it. . Your policy's effective date is the same as your home's closing date, if you are a new home buyer. . You carefully review your policy to ensure that it correctly describes all of the property you are purchasing. . You understand what title-related losses your policy will cover and what it excludes. A full list of insurance companies who are licensed to sell title insurance in Ontario is available online at www.fsco.gov.on.ca. Click on Insurance, and select Licensed Insurance Companies in Ontario.
Planning and planting your garden oasis
(NC)-Gardening not only connects us to planet Earth, but allows us to enjoy the many fruits of our labour with colourful blooms all season long. Prior to planting, The Home Depot Canada has put together tips to help you plan and cultivate your garden oasis. It's all in the plan. To determine what types of plants to grow, scope out the area to see how much wind and sunshine it receives. Next, observe key elements of good landscape design including proportion and repetition. For variety, consider a three-tier design with tall, upright plants in the back, bushy medium plants in the middle and trailing plants in the front. Perennial power. Perennials have staying power, dying off in the fall, but returning in the Spring. They require minimal care and thrive for decades. The secret: plant a mix of perennials with different blooming times so you'll have colour in your garden from Spring to Fall. Herb aroma. Creating and growing a small herb garden is an easy Mother's Day activity for the entire family. Herbs from the garden provide fresh flavour to home cooked meals, add a pleasant aroma to the backyard and can be easily contained. Think vertical and maximize space by hanging a pot of herbs from a hook or use growing poles for vine vegetables. Try xeriscaping. This is an environmentally friendly form of landscaping that uses a variety of indigenous and drought-tolerant plants, shrubs and ground cover. This self-sustaining garden is low maintenance because the native plants thrive in their local environment, providing a habitat for local wildlife. Eco maintenance. Rich compost is one of the best things you can feed your garden. Using a compost bin creates a cozy place for micro-organisms to convert organic waste into a soil-like substance. Also, consider using a rain barrel that connects directly to your eavestrough downspout and take advantage of the season's downpours while saving on water. For more gardening tips visit homedepot.ca or The Home Depot in your community.
Canadians find calm and serenity in "Home Spa" bathrooms
(NC)-For many Canadians the bathroom has taken on a whole new role. It has gone from a functional sanitary place to a spa-like sanctuary. It is now the room of choice in which to relax, rejuvenate and recharge from our frenetic daily lives. The new trend is to establish a wellness room in the master bathroom where innovative spa-like tools such as air jet baths and therapeutic shower units deliver short and long-term health benefits. One can now spend hours on end soaking in the luxury of an air jet bath filled with essential oils, mud or salts. This therapeutic refuge may be doing wonders for your body and soul but it may be creating long-term problems for your home's indoor air quality. Unless your bathroom is properly ventilated your steamy mirrors, damp walls and fogged windows are more than just annoying, they could indicate developing problems like mold and mildew, ruined insulation, and wood rot. Spot ventilation solutions from manufacturers like Broan can clear the air quickly & efficiently, removing problems. "The number one complaint we hear from customers is that they hate their conventional noisy bathroom fans. Because they don't like the noise, these fans go unused and moisture, steam, and odours are not exhausted out of the house," Cripps explained. "This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew." Conventional fans are noisier and less appealing visually than newer products like the Broan and Nu-Tone Quiet Series of Fans, he added. The Quiet Series Fans offer extremely quiet operation while also providing the most energy efficient operation. In fact, Broan and NuTone's latest series of bath fans are now ENERGY STAR certified, so they consume less energy and ultimately cost you less. Speaking of energy, Cripps says customers are often confused by what they need in order to adequately ventilate the bathroom," explained Cripps. "Using a simple rule of thumb, 1 sq. ft. equals a need of 1 CFM, therefore an average bathroom of 100 sq. ft. would require a minimum of 100 CFM to get proper ventilation." And this is important if you're going to spend all your time reconnecting in your new bathroom spa. More information on bath fans can be found at www.broan.ca.
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Turn that trickle into a flood
Photo courtesy of metrocreativegraphics.com (NC)-We don't know when unexpected repairs and expenses will pop up so we put aside a small amount each month, just in case we need it down the road. These "rainy day" accounts are great if you need quick and easy access to money to pay the plumber, the central air repairman or the auto mechanic. But are they really that great the rest of the year, when you don't need those funds? Think about how much your savings balance earns each month. Most savings accounts (even "high-interest" accounts) pay a very low interest rate on balances, trickling in a few cents or perhaps a couple of dollars each month. Now think about the interest rates you're charged on your credit cards, loans and mortgage as you pay down your debts. Most of these loans charge a much higher rate than you earn on your savings account. One way to turn the tide on your finances is to change your approach to banking with an all-in-one account. These accounts, such as Manulife One, combine your mortgage, chequing and savings accounts and loans into one account. You pay the same low interest rate on all your borrowings, while letting you access your money for daily expenses and those unforeseen bills. You could potentially save thousands in interest charges over the life of your mortgage. If you're interested in the possibility of turning that trickle of interest earned on your savings accounts into a flood of interest cost savings on your loans and mortgage, your financial advisor can help create an overall plan that could lead to a more secure future. For more information on banking plans, all-in-one accounts or contacting a banking consultant, visit manulifeone.ca or call toll-free 1-877-765-2265 or ask your financial advisor for a referral.
Home design trends: Canadians choosing "greener" products for their
décor
(NC)-By now most people are fully aware of the necessity of preserving and protecting the environment in order to ensure our well-being and that of our children. This "be kind to the planet" awareness has led to the latest trend in home décor - the growth in popularity of environmentally-conscious "green" products. You've seen them everywhere - "green" roofing options, "green" heating and cooling choices, "green" appliances, "green" flooring and now even "green" paint. Sico, a long-time leader in environmentally-friendly paints, has gone even greener. The brand launched last year a new volatile organic compound (VOC) emission-free formula of its famous Sico Design line to answer the need in the market for greener paint choices. Dominique Pépin, Senior Brand Manager at Sico said the company felt the timing was perfect as consumers are more and more preoccupied by environmental issues. Legislation is expected to be introduced this year that will require paint companies to lower the VOC levels in their products. "Sico has taken the lead in completely eliminating VOCs in our Design line products to reinforce our commitment to the environment and to Canadian consumers, who are increasingly seeking out green alternatives," she added. Available in all of Sico's design finishes - including Cashmere, Chamois, and Shantung - the new zero-VOC paint is high in performance, so consumers do not have to compromise on quality when making environmentally-responsible paint choices, she explained. VOCs are atmospheric pollutants that, among other things, contribute to the formation of smog. They evaporate at room temperature and react in sunlight to help form ground-level ozone, an integral component of smog and a harmful pollutant (not to be confused with the protective ozone in the upper atmosphere, which shields the earth from the sun's ultra-violet rays). Smog can cause respiratory complications, skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea, tightness of chest, coughing, muscle weakness, and more serious ailments and diseases. "In the home, VOCs evaporate while paint is applied and drying, making them one of the pollutants affecting a home's air quality as well," Pépin explained. "So, consumers using Sico's new paint will actually be improving the quality of air in their homes." Since the paint is still a chemical product, however, Pépin cautions that it must be used and disposed of safely. Developed using Sico's state-of-the-art paint technology, incorporating environmentally-friendly ingredients and sophisticated polymers, the new zero-VOC paints deliver outstanding performance, resistance and adhesion - product features which have until now been an industry challenge with low-VOC finishes, she said. Sico's VOC emission-free paint is also endorsed by Green Seal - a leading international non-profit organization which validates environmental excellence. More information is available at sico.ca.
Home décor tips: Top 5 myths about exterior wood stain
(NC)-According to stain experts there are certain common myths do-it-yourselfers fall victim to when it comes to exterior wood stain. Here are the top five traps to avoid for a perfect result from Dominique Pépin, Senior Brand Manager of Sico paints. 1. High-quality wood stains do not peel. False. Regardless of the product used, if the surface is not prepared properly and the wrong application method is used, it could peel. Whether your wood was previously stained or not, you must start by washing the surface using a cleaner. It is important to remove loose grey wood fibres and stains caused by mildew, dust and moss since these contaminants will keep the stain from adhering properly. If your wood was previously stained and the stain is uneven or peeling, Sico's strippers will be valuable tools to help you remove old layers of stain so that the new one can adhere properly. Also it's important to read each product's specific instructions found on the side of the label before starting the application. 2. New wood surfaces do not need to be sanded before staining. False. To remove imperfections and prepare wood's pores to receive stain, the new wood surface must absolutely be sanded using 80-grit sandpaper. On vertical surfaces, use 120-grit sandpaper for a finer finish. Check that you have sanded enough by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water pearls, you must continue sanding; if the water penetrates the wood, the stain is ready to be applied. 3. Applying stain with a roller is much faster than with a brush. False. Since wood floors warp with time, it becomes difficult to reach certain areas with a roller. A brush is therefore the best tool for applying stain evenly. There are specially designed brushes whose length and width allow for quick application. You can also attach the brush to the end of a long handle so that you can work standing up, in a comfortable position. 4. Although the manufacturer suggests applying two coats of stain, it is better to apply two more to ensure the wood is well-protected. False. A coating that is too thick compromises one of stain's main advantages: its flexibility, which allows it to follow wood's movement without cracking or peeling. 5. Exterior stain can be applied on any nice summer day. False. If it is warmer than 25ºC or if the surface to be stained is very hot to the touch, the stain will not have time to penetrate the wood deeply or blend with the former stain, which will lead to peeling. Furthermore, if the stain dries too quickly, it is difficult to apply and does not produce the desired finish, leaving behind brush marks and an uneven look. "When it comes to your staining projects you now have plenty of options to harmonize or complement your outdoor surroundings," according to Pépin. In fact, Sico has developed a complete new line of high quality stains with completely new and very trendy colours for outdoor wood projects to help homeowners achieve today's modern look. More information and advice on wood stains and staining can be found at www.sico.ca. |
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