The last sanctuary: Creating a serene master bedroom suite

Photo caption: Proper Feng Shui is perhaps most important in the bedroom, where we spend a third of our life on average. One tip, place your bed against the most solid wall in the room. At the window, keep up the Feng Shui, by choosing a product with just the right amount of privacy, light control and sound absorption such as the Alustra Vignette Modern Roman Shades by Hunter Douglas shown here.

(NC)-What's the most important room in the house? On average you spend a third of your life sleeping, so it would follow that your bedroom would be a very important place advises Karen Carter, author of Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life: How to Use Feng Shui to Get Love, Money Respect and Happiness.

Tips from Carter on proper Feng Shui for your bedroom include:

. Buy a wooden bed if you have the choice. Metal beds can conduct electricity, which can be a health hazard

. Check the lighting level to see if it is not too harsh (yang) or too dim (yin). Listen for distracting sounds and try to alleviate or remove them.

. Avoid large living plants in the bedroom.

. Avoid sharp metal within the bedroom.

. Create a headboard for the bed and place it against the most solid wall in the room. If your bed is in line with a doorway, hang a crystal between the bed and that area.

Without the privacy and proper light control provided by proper window coverings, even a bedroom with great Feng Shui isn't a pleasant retreat. Window treatments can baffle the most experienced of decorators. Especially for bedrooms, you need to start with the basics: privacy, light and noise control and function.

Hunter Douglas, Canada's leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window fashions, offers an enormous variety of window solutions that provide the basics along with style choices to suit any décor.

From casual textured Provenance woven wood shades to sound-absorbing Vignette Modern Roman Shades, Duette Architella honeycomb shades and soft, sheer Silhouette window shadings and Luminette Privacy Sheers, Hunter Douglas has solutions for every bedroom window.

More information is available online at www.hunterdouglas.ca or toll-free at 1-800-265-8000.

Take control of renovations with free money

(NC)-When renovating your home, it can be easy to get carried away with multiple projects that can eventually take you over budget. According to a 2007 study by RBC and Ipsos Reid, of the Canadians who renovated their home in the last two years, 66 per cent set a budget. Of these people, nearly 43 per cent exceeded their budget and, on average, the average homeowner exceeded their plan by more than 74 per cent!

"If you're concerned that your renovations are getting out of hand, plan for do-it-yourself projects that are both simple and cost-effective, such as an attic insulation upgrade," says David Flood, Insulation Expert, Owens Corning. "Upgrading your attic insulation is easy to do and comes with many benefits. It can help make your home more energy-efficient and help you reduce your heating costs this winter, while also qualifying you for a federal government ecoENERGY grant of up to $600."

To qualify for an ecoENERGY retrofit grant simply arrange to have a qualified energy advisor perform an energy evaluation of your home. Then choose energy upgrades such as an attic retrofit and make energy-efficiency improvements to your home. When you have completed the retrofit and an energy advisor performs another audit you will receive a cheque from the government based on the level of your upgrade.

ecoENERGY grants for attics are based on R-value. R-value refers to insulation's resistance to heat flow. If your attic achieves an R-value of R-40 you can qualify for a grant of $400. If your attic achieves the recommended industry standard of R-50 you can qualify for a grant of $600! A simple retrofit is a great way to increase your attic's R-value and get money back!

Any do-it-yourself homeowner can upgrade their attic insulation and complete the project in a short period of time - it's easy. Using PINK FIBERGLAS® insulation, fill any empty spaces between the joists (long wooden dividers along your attic floor), adding to any insulation previously installed. Start at the outer edges of the attic and work your way to the middle placing additional batts perpendicular to the joists. Check that your insulation achieves the industry standard of an R-value of 50, which will help maximize the thermal performance of your home. Also, make certain that the attic remains properly vented. Install raft-R-mate® attic vents at the eaves to prevent the vent area from being blocked.

Another way to upgrade an insulated attic is by using PROPINK® Blown Fiberglas Insulation. Installed by a professional, this insulating system can help you increase your attic's R-value up to R-50.

For more information on how to qualify for an ecoENERGY grant, visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca. For instructions on how to calculate the R-Value of your attic insulation and for a step-by-step guide on performing an insulation upgrade, visit www.pinksavesenergy.ca.

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Buying a condo - will your lifestyle stay the same?

(NC)-Condominium purchases differ from a typical home purchase, so buyers need to be aware of the unique aspects of condominium ownership, and be sure they have reviewed all legal documents to ensure they can keep the lifestyle they have - or dream of having.

Here are some things to consider or discuss with your real estate lawyer, suggests Ray Leclair, vice-president of TitlePLUS title insurance:

. Is exterior décor important to you? If so, keep in mind condo rules may limit your ability to add decorative touches such as painting, changing your door or using certain types of window coverings.

. Do you have a pet? Many condos have by-laws which state owners can't have animals.

. Does outdoor dining play a big role in your summer plans? Many condos have outlawed the use of barbeques and have strict rules about patio furniture.

. Do you value your independence? A part of condominium living is managing the business of the condominium. Although mostly dealt with by a board with minimum involvement of the owners, the Board may make decisions that affect the owners' lifestyle or pocketbook.

"While condominiums are a great alternative to detached houses for many homebuyers, lifestyle needs are an important aspect to consider," says Leclair. "Some people may prefer the low-maintenance style of living, but the restrictions it imposes may not suit everyone. Be sure to review the fine-print with your lawyer."

A useful resource for homebuyers is the TitlePLUS Real Simple Real Estate Guide, a website that provides information on what lawyers do and how to avoid fraud, as well as mortgage calculators, a locate-a-lawyer feature and other tools. It is available for free at www.titleplus.ca.

Tempest: The new generation countertop surface

Versatile solid surface rivals the look of quartz, granite

(NC)-For the past few years, the fastest growing category of premium countertops, and the one with the most allure, has been quartz because it provides the best balance of beauty, durability and style.

Designers, builders and architects are working with and specifying quartz more and more because of its unique appeal in combining depth and colour consistency - assuring the desired look is always achieved.

"Quartz countertops have the deep beautiful colours of granite without the problems and high-maintenance of porous stone," explained Mark Hanna, President of Montreal-based Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America's leading distributors of HanStone Fine Quartz Surfaces and Samsung's Staron Tempest Solid Surfaces.

Quartz countertops, such as the industry's top rated HanStone surfaces, offer a sophisticated elegance and timeless beauty. They are stronger than granite and because they're nonporous, they requires no resealing, are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and bacteria growth and come in 32 dramatic colours and patterns.

While popular brands of quartz, such as HanStone, are here to stay, this recent quartz-appeal has not escaped the radar of the industry leaders. As a result, there is now a new collection of solid surfaces with a look that rivals quartz and natural stone.

For example, industry leading Samsung Staron's new Tempest line is a solid surface alternative specifically designed to emulate natural stone and quartz. This new generation of surfacing product offers a unique visual depth through larger, translucent particulate randomly dispersed throughout the matrix. Available in 20 different colours, completing Staron's line of over 70 colours, its versatility makes it ideal for residential or commercial applications.

"Tempest is a unique and versatile surfacing product," Hanna said. "There's a new visual dimension with Tempest that is like nothing else available. Insets and patterns can also be incorporated into the surface for added aesthetic and maximum customization."

But what makes this surface so unique is its ability to look like stone or quartz but offer the same flexibility in design found in a solid surface. "There is no limit to the custom design configurations you can create to blend with your kitchen décor which are nearly impossible to achieve with stone," he added.

Despite its quartz-like look, this new solid surface material, unlike natural stone, is seamless in appearance and has nonporous, hygienic properties. More information on solid and quartz surfaces is available at leezadistribution.com.

Are your kitchen counters "hot zones" for E. coli?

Studies find certain countertops harbor dangerous bacteria

Studies find certain countertops harbor dangerous bacteria

(NC)-Did you know that your kitchen actually contains more bacteria than any other room in your home and the type of countertops you have may be making matters worse? Recent studies have found that porous material countertops can harbor dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli.

A recent University of Arizona at Tucson study identified the kitchen as the most germ-contaminated area in the home. The study reported that countertops are one of five key "hot zones," or sites with the highest bacteria counts. These hot zones can spread infections when germs are transferred from a contaminated item (your kitchen counter) to your hands to your body.

A second study conducted by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management (HITM) revealed that nonporous surfaces, such as stainless steel countertops or other NSF 51 certified material, such as quartz, are least likely to harbor dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli, when compared to other popular household countertop materials.

The study highlighted the fact that consumers need to consider wear-and-tear when selecting a countertop surface. After a few years, most porous surfaces, such as granite, laminate, marble, wood, concrete, tile and limestone wear down; lose their protective coating, scratch, and warp - all decreasing the ability to be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

With stainless steel being very limited as a household countertop solution, other nonporous materials such as quartz are becoming more and more popular with consumers as they try to combine healthier choices with the latest designs for their homes.

"Quartz surfaces are growing in popularity because although they have the beautiful appearance of natural stone, unlike granite, these surfaces never need to be sealed," explained Mark Hanna, President of Montreal-based Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America's leading distributors of HanStone Fine Quartz Surfaces.

That's because Quartz countertops, such as HanStone are not only highly scratch resistant, but also nonporous so they don't require sealing. As a result, they show very little wear, will not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria can be easily maintained for years.

Unlike stainless steel, however, HanStone quartz surfaces bring strength, resilience and extraordinary beauty and elegance to your kitchen décor with its 32 dramatic colours, vibrant patterns and luxurious sheen.

Quartz surfaces are so hygienic most brands are approved surfaces for food preparation by the National Sanitation Foundation, with the NSF 51 certification in the United States.

One popular brand, Silestone quartz, is taking it one step further as the only quartz countertop available to offer built-in Microban (pesticide) antimicrobial protection. However, many consumers view this additional pesticide protection as more of a health risk than a benefit.

"We've had calls from people who actually cancelled their quartz countertop orders from another company and contacted our dealers once they discovered the countertops they selected contained Microban," said Hanna, whose HanStone Quartz surfaces are accredited with NSF 51 certification, as well as Greenguard environmental certification for low emitting products.

As a healthy and environmentally friendly choice, HanStone Quartz countertops can be used in virtually any indoor surface application in kitchens and bathrooms, including floors, countertops, island tops and backsplashes. More information on fine quartz surfaces is available at leezadistribution.com.

Fall is the time to check for mould lurking in your home

(NC)-Mould in the home can be a health risk - especially to those with existing health concerns or who may be sensitive to mould exposure. Mould can grow in your home in places you might not expect. Check these areas for mould lurking in your home:

Dishwasher: Regularly check under the sink to ensure the connection to the water supply line is secure and is not leaking. Also, check around the base of the dishwasher for leaks - keeping an eye out for stained, damp or warped flooring and water damage to nearby cabinets.

Washing machine: Odour-causing residues and mould and mildew stains have the potential to accumulate anywhere moisture is present - including your washing machine. The efficient design of high-efficiency (HE) washers use less water and seal more tightly than older, less-efficient appliances and are more prone to odour-causing residue and mould and mildew stains. To reduce this build-up use the Affresh Washer Cleaning Kit once a month. The dissolving Power Puck tablets penetrate, dissolve, remove or reduce deposits from all washers and Grit Grabber cloths are specially formulated to remove or reduce odour-causing residue from the rubber door seal of your washing machine. For more information about mould and mildew stains in your washer visit www.Affresh.ca

Refrigerator: If you have an automatic icemaker and cold-water dispenser, check the connection of the hose to the water supply. Check for mould or wet spots near and behind the refrigerator, keeping in mind this might be evidence of a leak.

Roof: Safely check the roof shingles, gutters and downspouts for buildup of leaves and twigs that might make it difficult for water to drain. Also check for water stains or mould on your ceiling and attic - especially around flues, plumbing vents, and chimneys.