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H O M E & L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N EH O M E & L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N EJANUARY 2015

2 KING LIVING | JANUARY 2015

T R A V E L

Annual travel insurance eases snowbirds’ stress(NC) Something terrifying happened this past Halloween in some parts of the coun-try: it snowed. Obviously, that’s far too early for most of us. But to a snowbird, that’s great news because their escape plan is all set. And if you count yourself among these lucky-ducks, make sure you’ve made the all necessary arrangements before heading to Florida, Mexico or the Caribbean. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get organized:

• Tell a trusted friend or family-member about your plans and ask them to keep an eye on your place while you’re away

• Secure your home and turn off the water

• Cancel the newspapers

• Forward or stop mail delivery

• Make photocopies of your travel and personal documents for yourself and the trusted friend or family-member as a precaution

• If you’re driving to your destination, find out if you need supplemental car insurance

• Find out if you need to update your shots

• Let your bank and credit card company know about your travel plans to avoid any confusion or service disruption

• Most importantly — buy travel insurance!

The truth is that for many seniors heading south, buying travel insurance can be very stressful. We asked product expert Theresa Monsma at Desjardins Insurance to suggest the best solution to this problem.

“The part of the process that creates the most stress for snowbirds is the annual medical questionnaire. So we’ve created a product that requires one questionnaire and then pro-vides four years of coverage upon approval,” said Monsma. “The travel insurance is called Quattra and it’s designed for those aged 61 or over. Now snowbirds can relax knowing that if

their health changes, their coverage won’t be affected until they reapply after four years. ”

When I buy my policy, will I have to pay all four years’ worth of premiums at once?

No, the premiums are payable annually. Your insurance will be renewed automatically each year unless you instruct us otherwise. We’ll send you a notice 30 days before the renewal date to give you time to make your decision.

If something happens to my health while I’m insured, can I keep travelling?

The usual limitations for pre-existing illnesses and injuries will continue to apply to the Quat-tra annual travel insurance for each trip you take. However, if the illness or injury has been stable for at least six months, you’ll be covered.

If a change to my health won’t affect my pre-mium, does that mean the price is guaranteed?

The premium isn’t guaranteed, but a change to your health won’t increase your premium for the four years following your purchase. However a cost-of-living increase may apply.

To learn more about this annual travel insur-ance, visit Desjardins Insurance at www.desjardinsinsurance.com.

KING LIVING | JANUARY 2015 3

H O M E

Make it your New Year’s Resolution to end the clutter in your home(NC) It doesn’t matter if you live in a five-sto-rey home, or in a studio apartment, chances are you have a problem with clutter. A recent survey conducted for Professional Organizers in Canada revealed that nearly three out of four of us feel disorganized. There’s no better time than the new year to take stock of what you need and what needs to go.

Tina Holmes, a home décor expert for the GTA Home + Reno Show, says it’s important to tackle your clutter head on. “Clutter creates stress. It gives you a sense that your space is in flux and things need to get done. This pre-vents you from having a relaxing experience in your own home.”

First order of business when de-cluttering is to take out all the unnecessary items. “Be ruthless,” says Holmes. “Over the course of just one year, we collect so many things and you may not realize it, but even small giveaway key chains and old magazines add up. If you

have not used it in the past year – and it’s not a seasonal item—you should really consider if you still need to keep it. Once you’ve cleared out all unwanted items, focus on maximizing shelving space.”

Home renovation and design experts are happy to give us helpful advice on how to maximize the space we do have.

Holmes points out for example, that the GTA Home + Reno Show is a good starting point

for homeowners looking for guidance. “We have experts on site who can advise the best options for your particular needs. Make sure you bring your floor plan, pictures of your current space, or even magazine clippings of your design inspiration so they can steer you in the right direction.”

Holmes also highlights the show’s local exhib-itors: “The majority of them are local GTA and Canadian suppliers so they really know the market. They are familiar with the general concerns of GTA residents, they know the standard layout of most homes and condos, and they know the storage requirements needed in changing seasons because they deal with those exact same conditions themselves.”

The GTA Home + Reno Show will be held this year from February 13 to 16 at the Interna-tional Centre in Mississauga. It showcases more than 250 of the area’s top contractors, home experts, and suppliers.

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contentsJ A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5

King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and delivered to all homes and businesses in King Township By Canada Post. Agreement # 41362062.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur. King Living Home & Lifestyle Maga-zine’s employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relat-ing to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made.

03 END THE CLUTTER IN YOUR HOME

10 SAVE MONEY ON HOME HEATING COSTS

11 IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS WITH TRIPLE CREAM BRIE

05 GET ACTIVE OUTDOORS THIS WINTER

08 3 TOP TIPS FOR DRIVING THROUGH A CANADIAN WINTER

02 ANNUAL TRAVEL INSURANCE EASES SNOWBIRDS’ STRESS

09 GO FOR A GREEN HOME RESOLUTION


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L E I S U R E

Get active outdoors this winter(NC) It’s no secret Canadian winters can be cold, but don’t let that be an easy excuse to put your exercise routine on hold. Many of us pick the couch over the gym when swimsuit season is over, but it’s important for your overall health to find ways to keep active in the winter too.

Exercise and physical activity are essential for maintaining your overall health, and are particularly important for those with chronic lung conditions like asthma, as they contrib-ute to good asthma management. If you have asthma, it’s equally important to take your maintenance medication as prescribed by your doctor, even when you are symptom free, in order to keep your asthma under control and avoid flare ups.

This winter, embrace the cold and take advan-tage of common fun and physically-challeng-ing seasonal activities that will exercise your body and your lungs, like:

• Tobogganing: If you enjoy running stairs in the summer, this is the perfect activity for

you. Trudging up a snow covered hill with your sled is tough work, but the ride down is well worth it.

• Ice Skating: Skating is a great source of cardio and works your core muscles to provide better balance as you age. It’s a great couples

activity too, so why not turn off the TV and head out hand-in-hand for a few laps instead?

• Snowshoeing: If you’re up for a cardio chal-lenge, snowshoeing is the way to go. The snow creates lots of resistance, working your mus-cles to keep your body warm.

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D R I V I N G

3 top tips for driving through a Canadian winterNow that winter is closing in, road conditions are far less than favourable. Are you and your car fully prepared for the deep-freeze chal-lenges? If not, the following tips will help to keep you confident in the driver’s seat:

1. Have the right equipment

Have you put your winter tires on yet? When conditions get slick or icy, all-season tires may not be enough to maintain control. A recent study conducted by Western Financial Group found that only one quarter of Canadians have winter tires on their vehicles when the season begins. In fact, just over half (56 per cent) say that they make the change before setting out.

“Not only do those who lack winter tires put themselves at risk, they also endanger others,” says Shirley Parchoma, an insurance expert with Western Financial Group. “You likely wouldn’t drive without working brakes or a seatbelt. Similarly, winter tires should be a major priority. In fact, in certain places, drivers with winter tires receive discounted automotive insurance.”

2. Prepare for the worst case scenario

From increased traffic accidents to vehicle fail-ures, winter driving presents more risks than driving in other periods of the year. While you may not be able to prepare for every possibility, you can take certain precautions. For instance, you should carry a winter emergency safety kit in your vehicle.

“Only one third of Canadians follow that advice,” observes Parchoma. She points out that according to federal government guide-lines, safety kits should include items such as energy bars, water in plastic bottles, blankets, extra clothing, a first aid kit, a small shovel, a scraper, a snowbrush, a wind-up flashlight, road flares, and a tow rope. “It’s such a simple thing, so try not to overlook it.”

3. Understand your protection

While it may sound obvious, many drivers do not fully understand their insurance coverage or what to do in the case that they should need it. As many as 55 per cent of those surveyed said that emergency road services are not covered. Do you know if yours are?

“It is very important to have a firm grasp of your coverage, no matter the time of year, so talk to your broker to ascertain the extent of your protection,” advises Parchoma.

Additionally, drivers should make sure that they have collision coverage in the winter months. If you are parking your car on streets and in lots frequently throughout the winter, talk to your broker about the coverage needed to ensure that your vehicle is protected.

Once done, bundle up and start your engines. More information on car insurance is available at www.westernfinancialgroup.ca.

www.newscanada.com


G R E E N L I V I N G

Go for a ‘green home’ resolution in the New YearAfter the holidays pass and the harsh winter weather sets in, many Canadians will intro-duce new routines and regimens for the New Year. For those looking to include a clean start amongst their resolutions (pun intended), here are some easy fixes you can make in 2015 to keep your home happy, clean and free of harmful chemical fumes and residues:

• Infuse your home with fresh, natural scents: Many love the aroma that scented candles provide, and while they can make any home smell delightful, the chemicals they’re made from can have potentially dangerous effects, especially in homes with limited ven-tilation. As an alternative scent sensation, try making your own potpourri using natural ingredients such as fruit, oils and spices. Not only is this a fun DIY project for the whole family but you can customize the fragrances to meet your particular aroma preferences.

• Make a splash with a naturally-derived solution for messy dishes: For dinner par-ties and family get-togethers, Green Works encourages you to embrace the messes left behind by putting a fresh spin to your clean-up efforts. New for 2015, kit out your kitchen with Green Works Dishwashing Liquid, a bet-ter solution to washing pots and pans. It’s

• Give your blender some TLC in 2015: Improving your diet is another great way to live in a more natural manner in the New Year but make sure you’re keeping your blender as healthy and happy as you are. When experi-menting with new recipes or cutting up fresh fruits and vegetables, get a quick fix to clean-ing your blender post-smoothie by filling it with Green Works Dishwashing Liquid plus water, and then blending. It will come clean in mere seconds.

Additional cleaning solutions and tips can be found at www.facebook.com/ GreenWorksCanada.

www.newscanada.com

powerful, naturally derived and fragranced with essential oils so you know it smells great—a win-win-win solution all around!

• Hang it out to dry: Give your dryer a rest and hang your clothes to dry. It saves energy, and reduces wear on your garments. Collaps-ible hanging racks can attach right to your wall for easy and space efficient air drying.


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EVALUATION CERTIFICATE This certificate entitles a residential property owner to one market evaluation by TheRainMakerTeam, and a complete presentation of

TheRainMakerTeam’s home marketing program. This service to be performed without cost or obligation to the owner. Call for an appointment.

Joseph Cartaginese*, Paula Perri*, Jamie Goldenberg+,

Stephen Ferritto+, Domenic Spina+

*Broker + Sales Representative Not intended to solicit properties

already listed for sale.

H E A T I N G

Save money immediately on home heating costs

It’s that time of year again: your toes are numb, your cheeks are rosy, and it’s time to turn up the thermostat. As Canadians, we know these signs all too well – Old Man Winter is back in town.

We may be well trained to bundle up before stepping outside, but with frigid overnight temperatures and rising heating costs, it pays to bundle up and seal your home before the deep freeze hits. Follow these simple tips to keep your home toasty warm and your heating bills low.

TIP 1: Change furnace filters

It won’t work like a dream if it’s not clean. Be sure to replace or clean furnace filters once a month during the peak heating season.

TIP 2: Find the leaks and fill ‘em up

Since windows and doors are the main culprits for letting hot air escape, an effective way to help minimize these leaks is by applying an insulating film to windows, doors and rooms that get little use. Another option is weather stripping doors and windows. It does come with a little labour, but Cottage Life personality, Colin Hunter, offers some do-it-yourself tips to help minimize the impact and strain on your body. “If you begin feeling aches and pains when working around the house, make sure you change your work envi-ronment before it intensifies or potentially causes more serious damage,” says Hunter.

“Taking a moment to stretch is helpful, as well as investing in a proven anti-fatigue mat that

relieves stress on the knees and back, such as my favourite, the Stanley Utility Mat. It can do wonders for preventing pain.”

TIP 3: Run fans in reverse

By switching the ceiling fan’s rotation from counter-clockwise to clockwise you can circu-late warm, rather than cold, air. When hot air pools near the ceiling, the clockwise rotation brings it back into the living space.

More information is available at www.stan-leyutilitymat.com.

www.newscanada.com

CHECKING FOR HEAT LEAKS

COLIN HUNTER


F O O D

Impress your guests with a flavourful, triple cream brieRoom-temperature, triple cream brie is always a winner when entertaining. So why not ele-vate it to fabulous with this recipe:

Pear & Basil Marinated BriePrep time: 10 minutes

Stand time: 4 hours

Ingredients• 2 tbsp (25 ml) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil• 2 tbsp (25 ml) finely chopped fresh basil• Pinch salt• 8 oz (250 g) wedge Triple Cream Brie• 2 drained, canned pear halves packed in light

syrup, thinly sliced

• Half a baguette

InstructionsIn a small bowl, stir together oil, basil and salt.

Cut cheese in half horizontally. Place bottom half cut side up on a serving plate. Spoon half of the oil mixture over cheese. Place half of pear slices on top in a flat layer. Place remaining piece of cheese on top, cut side down. Spoon remaining oil over and layer with remaining pears. Cover with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours or until cheese is soft.

Meanwhile, cut the half-baguette into thin slices. Toast and serve with the brie.

Makes 6 servingswww.newscanada.com

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Welcoming a New Year with New Benefits and New Smiles!

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