Clarkson Cup puck drops in Markham tomorrow

During her time in playing with the Canadian women’s national ice hockey team, Gillian Apps acknowledged the competition on the international stage is rather limited to a long-standing Canada-United States rivalry.

But when the 29-year-old Unionville resident takes to the ice in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League and dons a Brampton Hockey Club jersey, she’s quick to note the competition is far superior as a whole.

Especially since each of the teams field players who play for or were former national team members on Canada, the U.S. and other countries or competed at the collegiate level in Canada and the U.S.

When the puck is set to drop for the start of the Clarkson Cup at Markham Centennial Arena tomorrow, Apps said those who attend this year’s event will witness four highly competitive teams vieing for the women’s version of the Stanley Cup.

The competition will get under way at 10:30 a.m. with the first-place Boston Blades (19-4-1-39) facing the fourth-place Toronto Furies (10-13-1-21).

At 2 p.m., Apps and her Brampton Hockey Club, which finished third (10-12-2-22) will take on the two-time defending league champion and second place Montreal Stars (18-5-1-37).

“No question the competition in our league is greater than at the international level,” Apps, who was recently named to Canada’s national team that will compete in the upcoming 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championships in Ottawa, said. “You will find that in this tournament (Clarkson Cup) all of the games will be competitive.

“Boston has a great team, Montreal is good and we’ve had back and fourth battles with Toronto all season. All of the teams have great rosters. It’s great for our sport.”

Citing the Brampton team battled a variety of injuries this past season along with fielding a relatively small roster, Apps conceded they have a big challenge ahead if they hope to make their way to Saturday’s final for a second straight year.

If Brampton hopes to have any success in the round-robin segment with the top two teams vieing for the final, Apps pointed out they will have to take a one-game-at-a-time approach.

“We need good energy management,” she said. “If we can play the way like we can, hopefully for four games that’s what we need.”

With the Clarkson Cup being staged in Markham for the first time, that has also provided Apps along with teammates Cherie Piper, who also resides in Markham, and goalkeeper Liz Knox from neighbouring Stouffville, with some extra incentive to raise their game to a higher level.

Especially since it’s been a while when they last played in front of their hometown supporters.

At the same time, with the Clarkson Cup being played in Markham, Apps said it will enable hockey fans from the area to see some of the best women players in the world competing at a high level.

“It’s great to have the Clarkson Cup here (in Markham),” she said. “I haven’t had a chance to play in Markham for a long time and for people in the community to see some of the best players who might not get a chance to see them in an Olympics or world championships this is a great opportunity. It will be exciting,” the two-time Olympic gold medallist, said.

The grand daughter of Hockey Hall of Famer Syl Apps and daughter of former NHL player Syl Apps Jr., Apps also hopes the Clarkson Cup will serve as a source of inspiration for the younger players in attendance.

The four teams will continue round-robin play Thursday with Brampton playing Boston at 11 a.m. followed by Toronto and Montreal at 7 p.m.

Round-robin play will conclude Friday with Montreal playing Boston at 11 a.m. and Toronto and Brampton at 7 p.m.

The top two teams will meet for the coveted Clarkson Cup, the equivalent of the Stanley Cup in women’s hockey, Saturday at 2 p.m.

http://www.yorkregion.com/sports-story/2509463-clarkson-cup-puck-drops-in-markham-tomorrow/

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10 FOODS TO BOST YOUR BRAINPOWER

Eating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health. The brain requires nutrients just like your heart, lungs or muscles do. But which foods are particularly important to keep our grey matter happy?

How to eat smart

1. Opt for wholegrains

Like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from the adequate, steady supply of energy - in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain. Achieve this by choosing wholegrains with a low-GI, which release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, keeping you mentally alert throughout the day. Opt for 'brown' cereals, wheatbran, granary bread and brown pasta.

2. Eat oily fish

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through diet. The most effective omega-3 fats occur naturally in oily fish as EPA and DHA. Good sources include linseed (flaxseed) oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnut oil and soya beans. They are good for healthy brain function, the heart, joints and general wellbeing. Oily fish contains EPA and DHA in a ready-made form, which enables the body to use it easily. The main sources of oily fish include salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, pilchards and kippers. Low DHA levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.

3. Binge on blueberries

Evidence accumulated at Tufts University in the United States suggests that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short term memory loss. Widely available, so there's no excuse.

4. Eat more tomatoes

There is good evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's.

5. Add vitality with vitamins

Certain B vitamins - B6, B12 and folic acid - are known to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.A study of a group of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment found that after two years of intervention with high doses of B6, B12 and folic acid there was significantly less brain shrinkage compared to a subset given placebo treatment.

6. Get a blackcurrant boost

Vitamin C has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility. One of the best sources of this vital vitamin are blackcurrants.

7. Pick up pumpkin seeds

Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills.

8. Bet on broccoli

A great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower.

9. Sprinkle on sage

Sage has long had a reputation for improving memory and although most studies focus on sage as an essential oil, it could be worth adding fresh sage to your diet too.

10. Go nuts

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that a good intake of vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives, seeds, eggs, brown rice and wholegrains.

Brainpower supplements
Although research linking diet and dementia is still in its infancy, there are a few important relationships between nutrients and brain health that are worth exploring. Having a nourishing, well rounded diet gives our brain the best chance of avoiding disease. If your diet is unbalanced for whatever reason, you may want to consider a multivitamin and mineral complex and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to help make up a few of the essentials. If you are considering taking a supplement it is best to discuss this with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/wellbeing/features/boost-brainpower/1/

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Flaherty blasted for pressuring Manulife to pull low-rate mortgage

OTTAWA • Insisting that he will not tolerate a “race to the bottom” on mortgage rates, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has succeeded in pressuring Manulife Bank to cancel its plans to offer consumers a lower interest rate on its five-year-fixed mortgage. The intervention drew fire Tuesday from critics, inside and outside the House of Commons, accusing the minister of manipulating market prices.

Manulife Bank said Tuesday it was withdrawing its offer to borrowers, first made late Monday, for a five-year-fixed mortgage rate of 2.89%, which it had discounted from 3.09%.

“After consulting with the Department of Finance, Manulife Bank has withdrawn the promotional campaign and reverted to our previous posted rate,” the bank said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Mr. Flaherty said the minister was unhappy with the move by Manulife, and instructed Finance staff to tell the bank that its lowered rates would not be tolerated.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair accused Mr. Flaherty of using his position to pressure a private-sector mortgage lender to raise its interest rates, an action that will increase borrowing costs for Canadians.

“That’s Banana Republic behaviour,” said Mr. Mulcair, who added the minister has no business interfering with the free marketplace.

“That company is operating completely with full respect of the law, they see an advantage in attracting clients at this rate, why shouldn’t they go out to do that?” Mr. Mulcair asked.

“It’s none of his business. It’s the minister’s opinion, it’s nuts. We’ve never seen this before.”

Liberal interim leader Bob Rae called the minister’s actions “ridiculous” and a move that would increase borrowing costs for Canadians.

“Either we have a market or we don’t,” he said. “The banks have huge profits. The idea that they shouldn’t be able to give a break to consumers is ridiculous and the idea that the minister of finance would basically be trying to create some kind of a cartel among the banks and the financial institutions as to what they can offer consumers by way of interest rates is, I think, completely inappropriate, completely wrong actually.”

John Andrew, a real estate professor at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. said he was “shocked” by Mr. Flaherty’s uninhibited tampering with market prices. “It’s a very overt attempt to manipulate what I see as the competitive free market,” he told Bloomberg News. He also said Manulife looked “weak” for giving into the government pressure. “Manulife looks like the kid who just had his lunch money stolen,” Mr. Andrew said.

Mr. Flaherty related similar concerns about lowering rates to the Bank of Montreal (BMO) this month when that bank cut its five-year fixed-rate mortgages to 2.99% from 3.09%. Early last year, a similar move by BMO sparked a mortgage-rate war as Canada’s housing market was still heating up.

“As I said before, we encourage prudent lending practices, we don’t want a race to the bottom on mortgage rates by our financial institutions so I’m pleased at their response,” Mr. Flaherty told reporters.

“I had one of my staff call them and indicate my displeasure, which is the same thing I did with the BMO, except I called myself.”

The Canadian Bankers Association, meanwhile, declined to enter the debate over this latest bid by Mr. Flaherty to quash low-rate mortgages.

“The CBA does not comment on the individual business decisions of its members,” it said in a statement.

However, the association added that “banks take seriously their responsibility to lend prudently and have a strong track record as careful lenders.”

In July, Mr. Flaherty brought in tougher mortgage rules as a means to cool the Canadian housing market. These included shortening mortgage amortization periods to 25 years, from as long as 40 years.

Both Mr. Flaherty and the Bank of Canada governor, Mark Carney, have publicly cautioned about households becoming over-extended by debt during this period of low borrowing costs, warning that interest rates will eventually be going back up.

National Post with files from The Canadian Press

http://business.financialpost.com/2013/03/19/manulife-pulls-low-rate-mortgage-offer-after-pressure-from-ottawa/?__lsa=44d4-e6d7

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15 Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Hallelujah. Spring has arrived. For those of us who’ve been trapped inside our homes to stay out of the cold, we get to rediscover the outside world again. It’s also time for some home maintenance items that will help you avoid big repair bills later on.

Inspect your roof. Whether you have shingles, tin or even concrete tiles, your roof is your home's first line of defense against water damage. Now is the time to inspect and repair any water damage. If you delay, you could find yourself facing water damage inside your home, too.

Clean your gutters. Gutters direct rain away from your roof and home, protecting both in the process. Clogged gutters, meanwhile, open your home to water damage—and there's a good chance you won't notice the damage until you need an expensive repair.

Clean or replace your HVAC filters. You need to do this more often than once a year. A dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, which in turn drains your wallet. It could also shorten the life of your blower motor.

Clean your dryer vent. Not all lint is caught in the lint trap; some makes its way into the dryer vent. A clear vent will save you money by reducing the time your dryer has to run. A plugged vent not only wastes money, but could also cause a house fire.

Check the washing machine fill hose. Look for cracks that could become leaks. A leaky hose under pressure can cause major damage in a short period of time.

Clean and repair your screens. Trying to reduce your electric bills this summer? In many parts of the country, you can keep your house cool (at least at night) by opening windows. Gently scrub on a flat surface with soapy water. Also, patch small holes, as needed.

Clean decks, driveways, fences and other outside surfaces. A pressure washer makes the work much easier. If you don't have one, borrow one from a neighbor or rent one from a home center. While you're cleaning, inspect for damage that needs mending.

Fix cracks in your walks, driveway and the outside of your home. Unlike the human body, cracks in asphalt, concrete or stucco don't heal themselves. Fortunately, most of these repairs are fairly easy if done immediately.

Repair any cracked or peeling paint. A good paint job makes your home look nice, while providing a protective barrier from the elements. Touchup painting is easy to do and inexpensive.

Vacuum your refrigerator coils. The coils you’ll find on the bottom or back of your refrigerator conduct the hot air from inside the unit. If they're coated with dust, they do the job less efficiently and cause your fridge to work harder. That means a higher electric bill for you. Use a vacuum cleaner hose or a brush to clean the coils.

Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. You never know when you'll need them. Sometimes, it’s a matter of life or death, so take the time to change the batteries now.

Prepare your lawn mower for summer. Change the engine oil and sharpen the cutting blade. You'll lengthen the life of the mower and improve the look of your lawn.

Check seals around windows and doors. Winter weather can crack and harden caulk and other weather seals. Inspect them now and repair and replace as needed. You'll reduce your air-conditioning bill and could prevent water from entering your home and causing damage.

Clear vegetation around your AC compressor. To work efficiently, the compressor needs good airflow. Prune any plant growth that could block it.

Drain your water heater. Sediment builds up in your water heater tank. Use the spigot near the bottom of the heater to drain it. By doing so, you'll prolong its life and reduce your electric bill.

You'll probably need to dedicate a couple days to complete the list, but don't look at them as chores. View them as crucial preventative measures—ones that will help you save on your utility bills and avoid big repairs later on. It could be the highest paid work you'll do this week!

Gary Foreman is a former financial planner who founded The Dollar Stretcher.com website. The site features thousands of articles on how to save your valuable time and money including more on home maintenance.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/03/14/15-spring-home-maintenance-tips

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Five herbs and spices that help with weight loss

Sprinkle these tasty ingredients on your food for huge health benefits.

We all know that when it comes to health, weight loss, and even hormones, it’s the little things that count – like what you eat, how you eat, how much you sleep and so forth. Adding herbs and spices to your meals, however, can definitely constitute another ‘small thing’ that has a very big impact. These are some of my favourites:

1. Decrease cancer risk with oregano
Although it may leave you craving pizza, oregano has been shown to possess a variety of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory health benefits. We can add one more benefit to its list — anti-cancer agent. A study by researchers at Long Island University indicates that carvacrol, a component of this herb, could potentially be used to treat prostate cancer. According to the main researcher, its effects on cancer cells elevate the spices into the “super-spice” category, much like turmeric (which we’ll get to later).

Bottom line: Sprinkle a little oregano on entrees whenever possible or add it to your morning smoothie for an energetic boost!

2. Mix it up for weight loss
It turns out that your favourite spice mix not only helps your food taste better but can also trim your waistline. In 2007, the Journal of Medicinal Food, reported that adding a seasoning spice significantly reduced glucose and insulin levels and improved lipid profiles (cholesterol) in rats. Additional research published in the Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences confirmed the anti-diabetic effect of various spices. Among the spices, fenugreek seeds, garlic, onion, and turmeric have been documented to possess anti-diabetic potential by either lowering blood sugar or reducing insulin.

Adding a little spice can also reduce the body’s negative responses to eating high-fat meals, according to Penn State researchers. They found that adding spices to a high-fat meal reduced triglyceride response by almost 30 percent, compared to a similar meal with no spices added. In this case the flavour of choice was a mix of rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, garlic powder and paprika. If this doesn’t have you reaching for the spice rack, theses mixtures also been shown to act as a “sugar safety net” by inhibiting tissue damage and inflammation caused by high levels of blood sugar.

Bottom line: While we encourage you to reach for the spices when cooking your next meal, beware of seasonings that are high in salt content. Look for seasonings with no salt added, or better yet make your own!

3. Beat muscle pain with ginger
We’ve talked about how ginger can soothe a sore stomach and ease nausea, butresearchers at the University of Georgia have found that daily ginger consumption also reduces muscle pain caused by exercise up to 25 percent. A study from the University of Miami showed that ginger extract also had a significant effect on reducing the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Bottom line: Slice up ginger root and add it to stir-frys or simply boil it and drink it as a tea a few times a day. This is also great for warming you up during cooler days.

4. Sprinkle a little cinnamon
A little cinnamon in your smoothies can go a long way towards balancing insulin levels. A study published in Diabetes Care showed that cinnamon may cause muscle and liver cells to respond more readily to insulin, and therefore improve weight loss. Better response to insulin means better blood sugar balance and, therefore, less insulin in your body. Cinnamon also reduces several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.

Bottom line: Half a teaspoon a day for 40 days is enough to improve your insulin response and lower blood sugar by up to 29 percent and total cholesterol by up to 26 percent .

5. Speed fat loss with turmeric
If you want a new way to spice up your fat loss, look no further than turmeric (a main ingredient in curry). A study from Tufts University suggests that curcumin (a component in turmeric) may help with fat metabolism and weight loss. The researchers studied the effect of curcumin in mice fed a high-fat diet over a period of 12 weeks. They found that curcumin did not affect food intake but reduced weight gain, fat accumulation, and density of fat tissue. Curcumin also increased expression of key enzymes involved in fat oxidation, so despite the diet, less fat was stored.

Need another reason to add this spice to your meals? An Oregon State study found it can increase the levels of a certain protein in the body that assists with immunity and helps prevent infection.

Natasha Turner, N.D. is a naturopathic doctor, Chatelaine magazine columnist, and author of the bestselling books The Hormone Diet and The Supercharged Hormone Diet. Her newest release, The Carb Sensitivity Program, is available across Canada. She’s also the founder of the Toronto-based Clear Medicine Wellness Boutique. For more wellness advice from Natasha Turner, click here. 

http://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/herbs-and-spices-that-help-with-weight-loss/

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The National Home Show

The National Home Show and Canada Blooms have partnered to create North America’s combined Spring home and garden experience. 

More than 700 experts are on-site for more than a week of all things decorating, renovating, landscaping and gardening.

A range of exhibitors and companies will offer advice, solutions and discounts, including architecture and home design firms, 

construction and renovation contractors, home décor and lighting experts, appliance dealers, landscapers and gardeners, 

eco solutions and real estate agents.

Admission to the National Home Show gives you same-day admission to Canada Blooms: The Flower & Garden Festival, 

also located in Exhibition Place’s Direct Energy Centre.

Dates: March 15, 2013 - March 24, 2013
Location: Direct Energy Centre 
Price Summary: Online prices: Adults: $17 online, $20 at the door; Seniors: $14 online, $17 at the door; 

Students 13-17: $13 online, $16 at the door; 

Children 12 and under are free. Group rates for 20 tickets or more: $14 each;

Two-day pass: $29 each. 
Audience: All ages

WEBSITEBUY TICKETS

http://www.toronto.com/events/the-national-home-show/

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Whole grains: healthy or harmful?

Whole grains are rich in essential fatty acids, fibre, protein, iron, vitamins and antioxidants. They’re also associated with lowered risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity, according to Rebecca Mozaffarian, a researcher at the Harvard University’s School of Public Health.

There’s plenty of variety to choose from, including wheat, oats, barley, bulgur, millet, spelt, farro, corn, buckwheat, kamut, rye and brown rice.

Unlike refined grains, which are stripped of fibre, whole grains are low on the glycemic index, so they don’t create blood-sugar spikes, says registered dietitian Shauna Lindzon.

Each whole grain contains soluble or insoluble fibre. Wheat bran, a source of insoluble fibre, promotes regularity, Lindzon says. Oat bran, which contains soluble fibre and makes us feel full, also absorbs cholesterol, decreasing our blood cholesterol levels.

The germ, the small innermost portion of the whole grain, contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains vitamin B, which aids in cell metabolism, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that promotes healthy skin.

Whole grains contain magnesium, which may stabilize cardio rhythms and may lower blood pressure, says University of Toronto nutrition professor David Jenkins.

Cons: Against the grains

Many whole grains are actually still refined, so they lose some of their health benefits.

In Canada, companies can advertise that products are “whole wheat” even with 70 per cent of the germ removed, according to Health Canada. “There aren’t very tight regulations,” says Jenkins.

Labels can be deceptive. “Enriched,” “fortified,” and “multi-grain” do not imply that products contain whole grains, Lindzon says.

Processing often adds sugar or other sweeteners, fats, chemicals and sodium to refined grains to sweeten their bland or bitter tastes and increase shelf life. Mozaffarian’s research shows that processed products containing “whole grain” stamps are usually accompanied by more sugar and calories, she says.

The Bottom Line

Eat your Wheaties — literally. Whole grains are essential.

They supply the body with protein, vitamins, fibre and energy while curbing insulin response, aiding nutrient absorption, helping expel cholesterol and keeping the bowels moving.

If you’re buying processed foods, thought, it’s buyer beware. Instead of looking for stamps such as multi-grain, do some quick math, says Mozaffarian. Look for a ratio of carbohydrates to fibre that’s less than 10:1: in addition to being higher in fibre, it’s also less likely to contain trans fats and more likely to be lower in calories and sodium.

When choosing bread, go with one that has more than three grams of fibre per slice, says Lindzon, and look for varieties with visible seeds and grains. Some bread is brown because of additives or colouring, Lindzon cautions, masking a nonnutritious white bread.

Look for whole kernel grains, whole wheat and whole rice and eat hardier, steel-cut oats rather than instant oatmeal, says Lindzon. She also cautions against diets that advocate rejecting grains entirely.

Whole grains keep you full, she says, and cutting them out also cuts out “fibre, energy and many nutrients.”

http://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/nutrition/2013/02/05/do_whole_grains_deserve_a_place_on_your_plate_food_fight_answers.html

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Ten lucky home decor trends for 2013

BPT) - Despite its negative reputation, the number 13 doesn’t always have to be unlucky. Take these top 10 decor trends for 2013 from design experts, manufacturers and trend forecasters across the country. They’re fresh, fun and sure to bring good fortune to any home.

A splash of color

Industry leader Pantone’s annual fashioncolor report sets the tone for home decor as well as clothing, and the spring 2013 report is no exception. Its softer-hued palette of Dusk Blue, Lemon Zest, African Violet, Grayed Jade, Linen and Tender Shoots is emboldened by Monaco Blue, Poppy Red, Emerald and Nectarine. Marc Thee, founder of the No. 1 residential interior design firm in the country, also sees a move toward pure color palettes such as cream and sea glass, khaki and white, or neutral with a pop of yellow. 

Not your mama’s wallpaper

Repositionable wallpaper is a decorating mainstay, says Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way, whose website, www.muralsyourway.com, is the top online destination for wall murals worldwide. The company's10 collections of peel-and-stick wallpaper are available in such themes as Vintage, Dots, Flower Prints and Mostly Modern, and can be removed and reused hundreds of times without losing their adhering qualities. Because the company offers color matching, customers can match their repositionable wallpaper to an existing paint color, updated decor or the new Pantone color palette.

Cooking up smart ideas

Next year’s contemporary kitchen will include European frameless laminate cabinetry, multi-tasking appliances, hands-free faucets, and increased smartphone and tablet functionality, according to Jamie Gold, a certified independent kitchen and bath designer in San Diego, Calif. Value-oriented remodels will remain popular, she predicts, with homeowners incorporating existing flooring, fixtures, cabinets and/or appliances into their design plans to save money and retain favorite design elements.

Let it shine

Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, says energy-efficient LED products will continue to dominate lighting, and will be prevalent in coves, tray ceilings, toekicks, and under and above cabinets. Chrome and polished nickel will appeal to the emerging “Y” generation and baby boomers modernizing their retirement homes. Tall, slender outdoor lanterns in contemporary, cottage and transitional styles will work well for those in smaller urban spaces.

Heavy metal

Susan Goldstick of Susan Goldstick, Inc. predicts home furnishings will also shine in 2013. New metals such as rose gold and gun metal will be mixed, and pierced, hammered and oxidized textural metals will be especially popular. Vendors will add metal to their wood pieces, and faux animal print metalics will provide texture and reflective light in the textiles arena.

There’s no place like home

Even as the economy shows signs of improving, homeowners still find comfort in “cocooning” in the warmth and safety of their homes, says Graeme Smith, conceptual designer at Second Nature kitchens.  Adding an on-trend color such as cranberry or velvety chocolate to a soothing palette of muted tones and delicate detailing creates timeless interiors, and incorporating vintage pieces fosters a sense of nostalgia, heritage and solidity.

Woodn’t it be nice?

Next year’s trendy furniture will boast reclaimed wood or reclaimed-looking synthetic wood, according to Lenny Kharitonov, president of Unlimited Furniture Group, Inc. Combinations of wood and metal will be popular, such as a desk with a wood top and an iron base. Thee also sees a new freedom to mix metals, linen or stone into wood, with the juxtaposition of materials and finishes creating a beautiful combination.

Watch your step

Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director at Daltile, notes that one of the biggest style trends of the year will be porcelain tile that emulates the look of hardwood in high-traffic areas, offering the natural beauty of wood with the long-lasting durability and ease of maintenance of tile. Rectangular-sized tiles – particularly those in long, linear plank styles – will remain popular in floor and wall applications.

Back to nature

Consumers’ eco-friendly focus on using organic, sustainable materials will continue into 2013. Orange, Calif.-based Budget Blinds recommends woven wood shades made from bamboo, grasses, jute, reeds, rattan and other natural renewable resources for honest, simple beauty. Smith suggests using timber and wicker furniture, ribbed and woven finishes on accessories, and layered wool throws in the living area of the kitchen to bring a sense of the outdoor into the home.

You can judge a book by its cover

Exterior design and landscaping say just as much about a home as its interior architectural counterparts. Artist and designer Pablo Solomon touts stone, concrete and brick that blend into the environment, requires little upkeep, and is superior weather susceptible wood decks, rust-prone metals and dulling plastics. He also sees increased use of eco-friendly native plants to save water and reduce pesticides.

http://www.chron.com/news/article/Ten-lucky-home-decor-trends-for-2013-4112582.php

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China’s housing crackdown may drive cash to Canada’s condo market

Foreign buyers are trying to move their money to a safer spot for capital preservation. They are looking for hard assets and the condo sector has a track record of increasing prices

The bad news for China’s real estate market could be good news for Canada’s condominium market.

A crackdown on real estate ownership in the world’s most populous county might translate into Chinese citizens looking to move more of their money abroad, with Canada a leading destination.

“Absolutely it will have a positive impact [on the condo sector],” said Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist with CIBC World Markets. “If it’s softening now, it will soften less rapidly than otherwise. This is a positive move because some of the money will find its way to Canada.”

The Shanghai Stock Exchange Property Index was off as much as 9.3% following news of the crackdown Monday, which will include increasing down payment requirements on second-home mortgages and tougher implementation of a 20% capital gains tax on property sales.

The country’s two largest condo markets — Vancouver and Toronto — can probably use a boost. RealNet Canada Inc. reported last month that new home high-rise sales across the Greater Toronto Area dropped to 686 in January from 744 a year earlier and 1099 in 2011. There has been less pressure on values with the group’s index showing only a 2% increases in condo prices from a year ago on a square foot basis.

In Vancouver, the real estate board for the metro area said Monday that sales for existing apartment properties were down 25.5% in February from a year earlier. Prices were also down 3% in that asset class from a year ago.

Ben Myers, vice-president of Urbanation Inc., which does research on the condo sector in Toronto, said the impact of foreign investors remains unclear.

“A lot of foreign investment comes through a subsidiary so there is no way to figure it exactly out,” said Mr. Myers.

By his firm’s estimates, only about 10% to 15% of investors come from abroad and only about 5% of those people have their name on the direct purchase of sale.

“It’s a small amount,” said Mr. Myers about the number of people who might come from China to invest.

Even at a small amount, those people would be welcome in the condo sector, given sales are not quite as robust as past years.

Realtor and developer Brad Lamb says every time there is a crackdown abroad, it’s good for the Canadian market.

“Foreign buyers are trying to move their money to a safer spot for capital preservation. We see that a lot from more politically risky countries,” said Mr. Lamb. “They are looking for hard assets and the condo sector has a track record of increasing prices.”

While Mr. Myers speculated that tighter rules out of China could be bad for the Canadian real estate market if the Chinese government restricts money leaving the country, Mr. Lamb said that might mean foreign buyers are unlikely to sell here.

“There is no way in the world they are going to bring the money back,” said Mr. Lamb. “They’ve done that as a safe haven. You have money in Toronto, you leave it here.”

He said one of the methods of bringing cash into Canada via real estate is to have a student going to school here. Other times, the money is transferred to relatives.

“What makes it attractive is the scale here. We are talking $300,000 to $400,000 condos. There are few places in world you can buy that in that price range and have someone run it,” said Mr. Lamb. “It’s much harder to bring money into other countries. We have a very easy and open pipeline of Chinese money.”

http://business.financialpost.com/2013/03/05/chinas-housing-crackdown-may-drive-cash-to-canadas-condo-market/?__lsa=b8a9-8090

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Debbie Travis: Remove clutter and eyesores to make a home more salable

I would like to help my son and his wife spruce up their home to get it ready for selling. It's a quaint little house, but the fact that it has stairs and just one bathroom limits its appeal. I'm looking for any ideas that would make it more attractive to potential buyers.

A You are kind to offer your help. Doing so is not always easy, since you don't want to injure feelings about the way the house appears. A few common-sense rules make a house appealing to prospective buyers. I wouldn't be concerned about the size; at one point it was just right for your son, and everybody has to start somewhere.

But how does it show? Cleanliness and order head the to-do list. If it is obvious that care has been taken maintaining the home, its good qualities will shine through.

It is often difficult for us to see flaws we have lived with for years in the same way a potential buyer views them. So be gently honest about how you view the home. Your son and daughter-in-law need to organize clutter, if any, and pare down extra furniture so that the space does not feel cramped. Personal collections can be packed away for their move.

It is worth every cent that might be spent to repair eyesores such as cracks in walls, broken faucets, mildewed grout and stained floors or carpets. These negatives should be eliminated wherever possible.

A fresh coat of paint can brighten up any room. It is not necessary to repaint the entire house, but you can't go wrong by freshening an entrance way or kitchen. I would keep the color neutral for resale. A warm white is probably best.

Then think about the floors. Area rugs and runners are not costly, and they can add a fresh touch to a worn interior. Also, consider carpet tiles, which can be applied wall to wall or as an area rug.

The FLOR-brand carpet tiles in the accompanying photo are available in traditional and contemporary patterns and textures -- and you can mix and match colors and designs to create just the right look. Go to www.flor.com or a FLOR store to see the eclectic offerings available.

The tiles are stuck down with a pre-applied adhesive, not glue, so they can be removed and taken to another room or home. Replaceable tiles are also a smart strategy for dealing with future stains or damage.

Q I painted my kitchen Thai Green (a mellow yellowish beige). I love the color, and it works with my ruddy brown cabinets. However, the white window and door trim doesn't look good at all. Can you suggest a trim color please?

A Your kitchen colors sound lovely. The base for both the cabinets and walls is brown (light and dark), so the white trim makes an unappealing contrast. Look for antique white or a buttercream shade with a brown tint to it. The softer tone will complement what you have, bring out the best in both colors and present a clean trim line.

http://www.mercurynews.com/home-garden/ci_22688995/debbie-travis-remove-clutter-and-eyesores-make-home

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan

Is Cold Weather Good for You?

Freezing temperatures might not be all bad. Cold weather could lead to a longer life, according to a new study in Cell.

Researchers from the University of Michigan discovered that worms exposed to cold temperatures demonstrate a genetic response that triggers longer life spans.

Okay, so the winter works for worms. But what about for us? “It’s too early to say, but it is possible our research applies to humans, because the genetic pathway we identified is found in people,” says study author Shawn Xu, PhD. Plus, previous research also suggests a link between cold weather and longevity: Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute found that reducing the core body temperature of mice extends their lifespan by up to 20 percent, and another recent study found that while mussels off the coast of Spain lived only 29 years, mussels in frigid Russian waters lived upwards of two centuries.

Not enough to have you frolicking through the snow? Try a cold-weather run anyway. Studies have shown that exposure to freezing temperatures, even for short periods, can significantly increase your energy expenditure for hours afterward.

http://news.menshealth.com/is-cold-weather-good-for-you/2013/03/04/

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan