Wed August 24, 2011 Comox Valley Valley Living Supplement

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

AUGUST 2011

INSIDE: It’s that time again… back to school! + The Fruits of Our Labour + Finally, Fashionable Toning Footwear

2

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

VALLEY LIVING HEALTH, FITNESS & LIFESTYLE

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

KEEP A JOURNAL for a minimum of two weeks to expose areas for change.

TRANSFORMINGTHE BODY starts with transforming the mind.

When it comes to transforming your body it must start with transforming your mind and habits.

Although the past does not always predict the future, the most accurate prediction of future habits are clearly indicated by past habits. If you have never eaten breakfast, chances are high you will struggle with morning nutrition. If you don’t drink water and have never noticed the positive or negative benefits of hydration chances are high you won’t be an 8 glass a day consumer.

If you have never been a self-motivated exerciser chances are high you will require external motivation to complete the task.

With the highly successful Transformation Project offered by Mia Sutherland of the Core, the goal is to break old habits and establish new ones over a long period of guided instruction. This includes nutrition, exercise, thought patterns, weigh scales and size. Establishing a long term goal with the flexibility to change the direction of the goal as the fitness journey evolves is part of the objective of the

program. What a participant thinks they want at the start of the process, which is typically a weight loss goal, often becomes much more.

If you are wanting to make positive changes and don’t have any idea where to start Sutherland highly recommends journaling for a minimum of two weeks.

This consists of everything you eat including the time you eat it, how much you eat and what you eat in it and on it. As well, what exercise and activity you accomplish each day. Your pain levels if you are living with an injury can also be useful and most importantly your state of mind towards your health on a scale of one to ten daily. It is amazing what this exercise will expose. You may notice little things such as the time of night you eat dinner, how much you eat while watching television, why you stare blankly into the fridge looking for something to eat when you aren’t hungry, your energy levels when you do and don’t exercise, your state of mind and your moods.

Armed with this information Mia suggests you start by making two or

Summer

three small changes before trying for one overwhelming change such as losing 100 pounds. Regardless of the copious amounts of conflicting information swirling around, the best way to lose weight is one pound at a time and this is accomplished one day at a time, one workout session at a time and one healthy food choice at a time.

The last and most important part of a successful transformation is a person’s state of mind.

A person has to be truly ready to make permanent lifestyle changes or any progress that is made will be temporary. Sutherland hopes you will start your own transformation either with her beginning September 7th or on your own. A week, a month and a year will go by so why not make the choice to include health and fitness in your routine and see what you can accomplish.

For details on the Transformation Project at the Core visit www. happyback.ca.

Mia Sutherland Me-ah Enterprises www.happyback.ca

TRAINING SPECIAL

Sign up forr any

RECREATIONAL SCUBA PROGRAM

with us this summer, & when you bring a friend

with

Mia and

Rhonda Mia: Sept. 6 - Oct. 17 Rhonda: Sept. 12 - Oct. 29 MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

6:30

Sunrise Circuit

7:30

Early Flow Yoga

9:00am

9:00 Morning Bosu Circuit

9:05 The Cranky Hip & Knee

9:00 Restorative Yoga

9:05 The Cranky Hip & Knee

9:00 Morning Circuit

10:00am

10:15 - 12:45 Flow Yoga

10:05 Happy Back

10:15—11:45 Flow Yoga

10:05 Happy Back

11:00am

11:55 - 12:45 Restorative Yoga

11:05 - 11:55 Chronic Pain

Personal Training

11:05 - 11:55 Chronic Pain

11:55 - 12:45 Restorative Yoga

12:00pm

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

1:00pm

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

2:00pm

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

3:00pm

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

Personal Training

4:00pm

4:30 Posture 101

Personal Training

4:30 Posture 101

4:30 - 5:30 Prenatal Yoga

Personal Training

5:00pm

5:30 Core Intervals

5:30 - 7pm Outdoor Fitcamp

5:30 Core Intervals

5:00 - 6:00 Speedwalk/ Run

6:00pm

6:30 Transformation Project

6:30 Transformation Project

6 - 7pm Bosu Circuit

7:00pm

7:30 7:30 - 9pm Transformation Flow Yoga Project

7:30 Transformation Project

7:30-9pm Flow Yoga

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

9:00 Core Internals

10:15—11:45 10:00 Flow Transformation Yoga Project

YOUR TUITION IS FREE* *Does not include training materials, equipment or certification fees.

Call 250-338-6829

or visit www.scubashark.com

In Mansfield Centre: 2270 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay

& MARINE ADVENTURES

Space is Limited, so visit www.happyback.ca today to register! #5 - 821 Shamrock Pl., Comox • 250-897-6469

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

3

HEALTH, FITNESS & LIFESTYLE VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Show your

FEATHERED FRIENDS some warmth this winter

BOOK CORNER Recommended by

Evelyn Gillespie, Laughing Oyster Bookshop

Not just for Kids!

You can bring colour to your backyard and important nutrition to birds by feeding them when other food sources are scarce.

(NC)—Not everyone heads south for the winter. From song birds like chickadees to birds of prey like eagles, from water birds like loons to game birds like partridges, scores of bird varieties stay home in Canada during winter months. And while it's unlikely you'll attract an eagle to your backyard bird feeder—just as well—you can bring colour to your backyard and important nutrition to birds by feeding them when other food sources are scarce.

With limited food sources available during the winter, many birds depend on outdoor bird feeders.

Canadians who feed birds consistently throughout

the winter months provide reliable nutrition and a new home. Keep wild birds healthy this winter by using a winter-specific seed blend, such as Scotts Fall/Winter Blend, which contains milo, sunflower seeds and peanuts, to supply birds' nutritional needs in the cold weather.

“We are thrilled to have developed our line of Scotts Bird Food in conjunction with experts at the Toronto Zoo to help attract and feed Canadian wild birds,” says Syd Pell, category manager with Scotts Canada.

“Bird feeding is one of Canada's most popular pastimes, with 43 per cent of Canadian households feeding wild birds in their

backyards. More than half of those households feed throughout the year.”

Keep your feathered friends coming back for more by adding variety to their diet. There is now a lot more to bird food than just blends of seed. The Scotts line includes suets, seed bells and snack bars – made from ingredients such as peanuts, berries and tallow – to keep birds happy and wellfed. Whether you're an authority on birds, want to learn more, or just enjoy watching them, bird feeding is an easy, affordable and rewarding way to add natural beauty to your winter garden. www.newscanada.com

Peter Nimble

and his Fantastic Eyes

by Jonathan Auxier

$20 “Now for those of you who know anything about bl blind d children, h ld you are aware that h they h make k the very best thieves.” So begin the adventures of Peter Nimble – a baby discovered by sailors floating in a tiny basket, his eyes seemingly pecked out by ravens found with the craft. The baby survives – barely – and as a boy is taken in by Mr. Seamus who trains him to pick locks and pockets. But Peter's epic journey truly begins when he meets the Haberdasher “who smelled of wet wool mixed with a tinge of regret” and his carriage outfitted with a complex array of locks.

And in the carriage, a very special box. And in the box...

My 11 year old friend Skye devoured this book over a couple of days. She describes Peter, his companion Sir Tode and their adventures - “this is a completely original story, strangely exotic yet completely believable”. Think Charles Dickens with a touch of Lemony Snicket, twisted and dark at times, daring and bold at others. Jonathan Auxier has written the story he wished he could have had in his own hands at age 10. Great language throughout – an outstanding read for children and their adults!

Available at: Laughing Oyster Bookshop, 250-334-2511 286 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay Open Sundays Noon to 4 pm

Fall Choices CURL UP WITH A BOOK

NEW SELECTIONS

PARADISE PLANTS R E TA I L

North Island Tractor

3663 S. Island Hwy., Courtenay 250-334-0801 Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 8am-Noon

286-5th St., Downtown Courtenay 250-334-2511 www.laughingoysterbooks.com

arriving daily.

Still Baling?

Mower Blades Bale Wrap • Baler Twine Natural Sisal Baler Twine Rake, Tedder & Tiller Tines

Laughing hi Oyster O Book B k Shop Sh

•

GARDEN CENTRE G A R D E N

D E S I G N

•

I N S TA L L AT I O N

Garden Design • New Construction • Garden Renovations • Irrigation • Walls and Patios

Iain & Cassandra Haigh

2480 Hardy Rd., Courtenay • Mon-Sat 9-5 250-897-3898 • www.paradiseplants.ca

4

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

VALLEY LIVING FASHION & BEAUTY

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

It’s that time again…..back to school!

Head back to school with a hairstyle that's sure to make you feel confident and trendy. Why does the way our hair feels, looks, or moves affect our mood and confidence? Because….. it is our “crowning glory”. How our hair is cut, coloured, or styled, telegraphs to the world our confidences, our insecurities and personal feelings.

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

“Aftenia” Mary Jane style with diagonal strap in black or red.

Comfort and fashion. $145

“Searle’s for that hard to fit foot” “Serving the Comox Valley for over 80 Years”

250 Fifth Street, Downtown Courtenay • 250-334-3178 searlesshoes@telus.net Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 Fri till 9pm

www.searlesshoes.com

Q: A:

I NEVER CUT MY HAIR SO WHY WON’T IT GROW LONG?

FAQ:

In order to grow your hair long, it is essential to get the ends trimmed regularly (every 8-10wks). The purpose for this is to keep the ends “blunt”. Without regular trims, the ends of your hair will become “split” and either break off or continue splitting up the entire hair shaft

IS BLOW DRYING MY HAIR EVERY DAY DAMAGING? If done properly, blow drying daily isn’t damaging. Over drying your hair with high heat will deplete its natural moisture and may cause breakage. Use a lower temperature setting and keep the dryer moving. After shampooing, towel dry hair lightly, apply your styling products, comb or brush hair into desired shape and let it air dry half way before picking up your blow dryer.

HOW CAN I GET VOLUME AND FULLNESS TO MY FINE, LIMP HAIR? If you have limp hair, a properly layered cut can make all the difference. This will eliminate anything that weighs your hair down and shape it in all the right places. The right products paired with good blow drying techniques will give volume. Shampoo and condition with an extra body or volumizing line. Then follow up with a thickening serum and a mousse or root lifter. Proceed by blow drying with a specific brush holding sections of hair 90 degrees from the scalp and in the proper direction to give the roots maximum lift.

I HAVE CURLY HAIR AND IT ALWAYS APPEARS DRY AND FRIZZY? Naturally curly hair requires special care. It is quite delicate, dry and more prone to damage. Always use a good moisturizing conditioner. If your hair is extremely dry and frizzy, regular “deep” conditioning treatments are necessary (your hair needs moisture, not oil). There are many styling products that help tame, smooth and control your hair and we now offer a Taming treatment that lasts up to 4 months.

For further info and the answers to any questions, please book a complimentary consultation or an appointment with one of our hair professionals today!

Level 10 Eurospa 250 334 0209 204 - 1025 Cliffe Avenue, Downtown Courtenay

FUN WITH FEATHERS Highest quality, genuine feathers Can be washed, dried, curled and flat ironed Stays in for up to 8 weeks and re-usable!

204 - 1025 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay • 250-334-0209 www.level10eurospa.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

5

FASHION & BEAUTY VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Finally, Fashionable Fashion and Function Toning Footwear BREAST HEALTH

Health matters. We think about it every time we pop an apple into our children’s lunch, but our own is just as important. And now that the kids are going back to school, we can get back to our own healthy routines at the gym, tennis court, golf course or hiking trail.

But as we go about our healthy activities, it’s important to remember another area of our health too – the health of our breasts.

It’s something we don’t really think about, but as we walk, stride, jump or paddle, our breasts move far more than we do. They don’t just bounce up and down, but side to side and front to back movement can be forceful as well.

And this isn’t exclusive to large-breasted women – no matter what size the breast, this delicate tissue ends up absorbing a lot of force.

This is where a quality sports bra comes in. A quality undergarment, supporting the breasts in all directions, can protect a woman from pain and sagging. And we’re pleased to say, gone are the days when the only option was a tube of Lycra pulled over the head and then tugged down to compress our shape into the dreaded uniboob. Now, women can enjoy both beauty and comfort while moving any way we please.

Modern sports lingerie has rewritten the rulebook on sports bras. The first main change has been the addition of an underwire.

We can understand if at first blush this just sounds like a good way to jab yourself on the court; but rest-assured, modern sports bras don’t allow this.

Modern sports lingerie has rewritten the rulebook on sports bras.

And well-designed bras don’t make you hot either, as they are made of high-tech microfibres that contain hundreds of microscopic holes designed to wick sweat away from you, working just like your skin. And straps that dig in or slip down your shoulders are a thing of the past too.

We recommend the Intense by Marie Jo for your active needs. This sports bra boasts engineering from a university lab. The Intense includes an underwire wrapped in three kinds of shock absorbing padding to ensure it’s never felt,

With all the celebrityendorsements and the promise of sculpted legs, toning footwear has probably caught your eye at some point by now. Studies have shown that certain shoes and sandals can increase the level of muscle activity in your legs and bottom while reducing the strain on your hips and knees by offering an unstable walking surface. Not to mention that these shoes can also improve your posture, absorb more shock, and increase your balance.

All sounds great, right? It did until you saw what the typical toning shoe looked like.

When toning footwear first hit the shoe scene a few years ago the choices were, let’s just say limited.

The thick, rounded rubber soles paired with a style-challenged, athletic upper doesn’t make the most fabulous fashion statement.

You might have been able to pull them off when out for a power walk, but they’re the last thing you’d want to pair with a summery dress and cute purse.

But all of that is changing. With the growing popularity of toning footwear, we’re seeing some really fantastic options hit the market.

Now you can tone your leg muscles

and improve your posture while wearing flip flops glamorized with sequins or metallic sandals embellished with jewels. When was the last time you wore shoes that looked good, felt good, and were good for you?

With all the toning footwear styles available today, the truth behind your sculpted legs and comfy feet can remain your little fashion secret.

Shoebiz • 250-871-7677 478A – 5th Street, Courtenay, BC www.shoebiz.ca

and its design protects the breast from all planes of movement. The Intense makes fashion a priority too, creating a natural, round shape rivaling any non-sport lingerie.

So while you’re out buying new hockey pads to protect your child during practice, don’t forget to drop by Secret Drawers Lingerie and do the same thing for your breasts – they deserve it too.

Secret Drawers Lingerie 250.897.7488 431 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

Same Great Women’s Show as in Nanaimo since 1999.

PureElegance worth the wait. visit our blog underwear matters

underwearmatters.blogspot.com 431 Fifth Street, ❦ Downtown Courtenay ❦ 250-897-7488

6

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE KITCHEN

GADGET CORNER

Kuhn Rikon Watermelon Knife Cut into the juicy flavors of melons with our new Watermelon Knife Colori. Fun and functional, it's unmistakably designed for use with melons, with its green handle and long red blade decorated with a whimsical seed cut-out design.

Available at: Beyond the Kitchen Door 274B 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Facts:

RECIPE

Watermelon is the quintessential refreshing summer treat. Not actually a fruit but a vegetable related to pumpkin, cucumber and squash, watermelons contain 92% water and 8% natural sugars. They are ideal for health as they do not contain any fat or cholesterol and are high in fiber and vitamins A and C, and are also a good source of potassium. For a fresh new twist to bring watermelon to your table, try this salad.

Watermelon mixes well in this unexpected match of freshly picked tomatoes.

The sweetness of the watermelon complements the salty, creamy notes in the feta. For eye-catching presentation options, thinly slice the tomatoes, feta and watermelon and arrange in layers, or make the slices bite-sized and skewer them for an appetizer.

Watermelon, Tomato & Feta Salad

Serves 6 to 8 INGREDIENTS: 2 large yellow tomatoes (about 1-1/4 lbs), cored and cut into 3/4-inch pieces 1 lb. seedless watermelon, trimmed of rind, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint 6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. red-wine vinegar 1 tsp kosher salt 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes – to taste 8 oz. feta, cut into 3/4-inch pieces or crumbled ½ tsp Maldon salt

METHOD: Combine tomatoes, watermelon and mint in a large serving bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, kosher salt and the red pepper flakes. Pour over the tomato mixture and toss well. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes at room temperature. Fold in the feta and toss well.

Serve, sprinkled lightly with the Maldon salt. Salad can sit for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature.

Recipe from BEYOND THE KITCHEN DOOR 274B 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

M E AT • S E A F O O D • D E L I • C U S T O M O R D E R S

FIVE PicnicTips

LOCAL PEOPLE LOCAL PRODUCT

1.

If you are driving to the site, you can be more extravagant and generous with the amount of food you bring because you won't have to carry coolers a great distance. If you are hiking in to the site, you'll want to simplify your picnic menu and be more conscience of the weight of the food you bring.

2.

3.

Pack non-perishable foods, such as fruit, potato chips and bread, separate from perishable ones. Doing so will reserve cooler space for foods that really need it.

4.

5.

Pack items such as cutlery, plates and napkins together so you can quickly get setup for eating at the picnic site.

319-4TH STREET, COURTENAY, BC 250-338-1142 • TOLL FREE 1-800-893-2011 w w w. b u t c h e r s b l o c k . c a

Every day is a

Special Day at Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

PUB &

Fish & Chips Toonie Tuesday Prime Rib New York Steak Roast Beef Steak & Prawns Brunch Burger Mania 11-1

BISTRO

DAILY DRINK SPECIALS

www. bi l l yds p ub. com

Scratch baked

ARTISAN BREADS & BUNS for extra healthy

SCHOOL LUNCHES Coffee break?

Lunch Break?

TASTY, NUTRITIOUS SNACKS AND ENTREES on the Patio

Meetings?

..MUFFINS & SWEETS to ORDER.

Handcrafted from scratch and baked fresh daily

Summer and Fall

COUPONS....

BREAD • BUNS • ESPRESSO • DESSERTS • CAKES • SOUPS • LUNCH ENTREE’S & SALADS www.grainsbakery.ca

Food Prepared with Flavour & Flair!

When deciding if leftover foods from a picnic are still safe to eat, remember: When in doubt, throw it out.

Thrifty Foods 250-338-1383 6th & England Avenue, Courtenay www.thriftyfoods.com

268 Fifth Street, Downtown Courtenay 250-334-8 250-334-88 811

Wholesome, Healthy & Nutritious

Pack food in your cooler in the order you intend to eat them. If you place something you plan to eat soon after arriving at the bottom of the cooler, the cooler will stay open longer than needed and dangerously warm the other foods you want to keep cool.

Walk in or Place your order today!

250-338-0955

445-10th Street, Courtenay Mon-Friday 7-6 pm; Sat. 9-5 pm

www.grainsbakery.ca

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

7

INTHE KITCHEN VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD RECIPE

Risotto

with Pancetta, Zucchini, Basil & Parmesan

THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR

THE COMOX VALLEY

Perfect for Le Creuset Cast Iron 3.3L Round Wide Oven (see below for details)

Farmers Market

Making a risotto should be done in an open pot, so that the stirring it requires can be little and often.

Once cooked, it can be moved away from the heat and covered with the lid to keep the texture moist and creamy. Add a little more parmesan cheese just before serving from the dish.

Saturdays — 9am - 12 noon Exhibition Grounds - Headquarters Rd., Courtenay Wenesdays — 9am - 12 noon Comox Bay Farm

MOUNT WASHINGTON

Alpine Festival

INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon (15 g) softened butter 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 small onion, chopped roughly 1 large garlic clove, crushed ½ cup (75 g) thinly sliced pancetta, chopped roughly 1 1/3 cups (250 g) Arborio or Carnaroli rice 2 small zucchini, grated coarsely ¾ cup (185 ml) dry white wine 4 cups (1 liter) hot chicken bouillon stock 8 basil leaves, chopped roughly ½ teaspoon salt SERVES: 2 Freshly ground black pepper (as main course) 2 tablespoons freshly grated SERVES: 3 – 4 parmesan cheese

(as an appetizer)

Around the VALLEY

Wine and Food Friday, August 26 - Saturday, August 27 Mount Washington Alpine Lodge

Eating local produce is not only good for your health but it is also good for the environment and the local economy.

Here are four reasons in favour of buying seasonal fruits and vegetables grown in your area.

MORE FLAVOUR Buying seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables ensures that we eat them when they are at their very best.

They are harvested when fully-grown and at the peak of their flavour.

MORE NUTRITION Fruits and vegetables cultivated in greenhouses are not as rich in nutritional elements as those produced in the traditional way. During transportation, fruits and vegetables harvested prematurely are very sensitive to air and heat and thus lose some of their nutritional value. They start deteriorating the moment they are harvested... So you can imagine what state they are in after a long trip on a ship, plane or truck. By choosing to eat local fruits and vegetables we are building better, long-term health for ourselves and our families.

Fr e s h !

LESS POLLUTION

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top as it is served.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT: Le Creuset 3.3L Round Wide Oven. If using the larger 6.4L Round Wide Oven, use 1¾ cups (350 g) of rice and increase all the remaining ingredients by approximately 25%.

Recipe from OTTER'S KITCHEN COVE INC 1761 Comox Avenue, Comox 250-339-1153 otterskitchencove.com

MORE LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

M

C O U R T E N AY 6th & England Avenue Customer Service 1-800-667-8280 Visit thriftyfoods.com

RM

Seasonal fruits and vegetables allow us to buy locally and to support sustainable economic development.

FRO

1. Heat the butter and oil together in the Wide Oven over a medium heat on the stovetop. Add the onion, garlic, and pancetta. Fry gently, stirring continuously, until they just begin to colour.

2. Stir in the rice and cook until all the butter and oil are absorbed. Add the zucchini and cook for 1 minute. Move the Wide Oven away from the heat, add the wine and 1 cup (250 ml) of the hot stock, together with the basil leaves and seasonings.

3. Return the Wide Oven to the heat, stir well and leave to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

4. Add 1 cup (250 ml) of the hot stock and continue simmering and stirring for 10-15 minutes longer.

Repeat this process until all the stock is used. After the last addition, stir frequently. Se consistency should be very moist and creamy with the rice grains soft, but remaining whole.

5. Remove the Wide Oven from the heat and stir in three quarters of the parmesan cheese.

FA

METHOD: METHOD D:

The various forms of transportation used to import fruits and vegetables are responsible for the production of large amounts of greenhouse gases. The cost per kilo is proportionally higher as well as the environmental cost...

Consumption of local produce also cuts down on the use of pesticides.

THE

Tomatoes, cumcumbers, beans, beets, brocolli, peppers, lettuce, potatoes, peas,onions, herbs, garlic, carrots, corn...

BERRIES – raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries FRUIT – apples, pears, plums MEAT, POULTRY, SEAFOOD AND SHELLFISH

Check out the COMOX VALLEY FARMERS MARKET Wednesdays & Saturdays

“NEW” FARM FRESH FENNEL,

By Le Creuset Quality & Beauty married together.

Available at....

Eat, drink & share the passion! phone (250) 339-1153 • email otterskitchencove@shaw.ca 1761 A Comox Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 2M2

8

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

HOME UPGRADES that boost resale

(NC)—According to an RBC homeownership study, almost all (95%) Canadians said that low energy consumption is an important consideration when buying a home. Beyond any savings you'll reap from an eco-renovation while you own your house, you can really get a return on investment when it comes time to sell. How much? On average, North American homes get an increase in value of 5 to 10% once energy efficient renovations have been made (RBC Royal Bank). For a house with a resale value of around $350,000, these trends translate into a potential increase of $17,000 to $35,000 in value.

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Here's a look at 4 UPGRADES that SAVE ENERGY and boost property value.

WINDOWS/DOORS: Energy-efficient windows and doors will reduce home energy costs by 7 to 12% (Natural Resources Canada), reduce drafts, collect less condensation, and reduce noise from outside. Find a balance between cost, ease of operation, maintenance, durability, attractiveness and energy efficiency.

APPLIANCES: Swap out older major appliances with newer models and reduce your utility costs immediately. If your appliances are more than 10 years old, purchasing energy efficient models will literally cut energy usage in half. According to appraisal expert, Leslie Sellers, past president of the Appraisal Institute, spending more up front to get a quality product, such as Energy Star appliances, will pay you back in the long run.

INSULATION: Properly sealing and insulating the shell of the home can improve the performance of your furnace or air conditioner. For instance, you can save up to 50% on heating and cooling costs by insulating your home with a spray foam insulation and air barrier like Icynene. If the whole house isn't an option, focus on the most energy-robbing areas such as basement walls, rooms above garages, and especially the attic. There are many air leakage paths into the attic: passages for electrical wires, electrical boxes for ceiling lights, plumbing stacks, chimneys, exhaust vents and the tops of partition walls. Air-sealing the attic floor with the Icynene spray foam can offer significant payback.

Upgrading insulation in the attic or room over the garage (shown above) with Icynene spray foam to increase energy efficiency can offer homeowners a significant return on investment.

More smart ways to build value in your home with insulation can be found online at www.insulationsmart.com. www.newscanada.com

WATER HEATER: Conventional water heaters store heated water in a tank and distribute it on demand to showers, bathtubs, and sinks. One of the current trends is the tankless water heater, which heats water only when you need it. The water is heated as it flows through, instead of sitting dormant waiting to be used.

Depending on your hot water consumption, you can save 40 to 50% off your water heating bill.

SAVE 35% OFF

your purchase of any combination of 3 or more doors & windows if you order by August 31st * *New orders only. Not valid with any other promotions.

HURRY offer ends in 7 DAYS!

VERA-DE Made to Last a Lifetime Make Your House, a Vera-De Windows Home

WINDOWS

INC.

www.veradewi ndows.com

2940 Moray Ave., Courtenay • 250.334.9819

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

9

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Bring STYLE & COLOUR to your bathroom The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in our home. This is one room that not only you see, but anyone that comes to visit your home will see too. This is the reason why you want this room to look as clean and as nice as possible. When your bathroom looks good, believe it or not, people will get a good impression of you.

You can bring real style, wonderful color, and convenience to your bathroom, with the addition of some useful accessories.

Here are some ideas for making simple changes to the bathroom by changing or adding accessories.

GIVE THE BATHROOM MIRROR STYLE There's really nothing attractive about a huge piece of mirror glued to the bathroom wall over the sink! With decorative molding you can add a wonderful decorator look by framing the mirror.

Measure off a smaller area or two as focal points, or frame the whole mirror..

Select molding to enhance your decorating style.

White looks good for a cottage style home, chrome for a contemporary setting, pine for a country bath, or dark wood or gold or silver for an elegant bathroom.

GET NEW, DECORATIVE TOWEL BARS Who said towel bars had to be "ho-hum"? Add a splash of style with Umbra’s beautiful line. Towel bars, toilet paper holders, and wall hooks are available in casual, contemporary, and affordable designs with either chrome or brushed nickel.

ADD DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES Don't go overboard, but you can find some nice options for bathroom accessories. Change out your old soap pump, add pretty soaps, candles, pictures, shelf units, and small cupboards. Flowers, plants, and jars of shell collections are perfect to spruce up your bathroom.

Adding some pretty throw rugs on the floor will also

be a positive addition to any room. You can add some matching rugs in front of the tub or sink.. This is a nice fresh touch and will be cozy on the feet too.

When you are choosing to use throw rugs, you should make sure that you coordinate them with the shower curtain and the color of the walls. You do not want to mix and match patterns.

USE ATTRACTIVE CONTAINERS There are some things that just have to be in a bathroom. But you don't have to look at them all the time! Hide necessities in decorative container. A colorful ceramic jar of a beautiful crystal container can hold cotton swabs or cotton balls. To hold rolled-up washcloths, use a pretty tray or rimmed basket. Find a decorative dispenser for liquid soap.

Keep cosmetic pencils in an attractive mug and other cosmetics in a lidded basket or keep them organized in a tray insert in the drawer.

GIVE THE BATHROOM MIRROR STYLE

KEEP MIRRORS CLEAN One last hint to spruce up your bathroom is to always make sure that your mirrors are clean. Most people may not notice if you have finger prints your bathroom mirror, but some do and it is worth it to clean it every once in a while. You want everything to look fresh and clean in the bathroom all the time.

Submitted by: Cody & Company 248 5th St., Courtenay • 250-338-1571 • www.codyandcompany.ca

Relax in your own home,

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10

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Save NOW with a home retrofit grant Save later on your energy bills Do you have an old, inefficient heating or cooling system?

Do your windows let in more cool air than sunlight?

Can you hear the wind whistle through your insulation?

If you answered yes to any of these questions now is a good time to think about accessing provincial and federal grant programs to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home.

There are two grant programs available to homeowners:

A provincial efficiency incentive program beginning on April 1, 2011.

A federal government efficiency incentive program running from June 6, 2011, to March 31, 2012.

How much money is available?

COMBINED GRANTS* could result in a cheque for installing a qualified: Geothermal heat pump (ground or water source) $6,875 Air source heat pump $2,100 Ductless split heat pump $1,500 Insulation $7,675, Gas furnace $1,390 Gas boiler $1,250, Tankless water heater $675 *Only maximum grants amounts are shown here. Products must meet specific requirements to be eligible for grants. Not a complete list of available grants.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR THE GRANTS: 1. Registration: First, register with Natural Resources Canada and receive a registration number. Register on-line at www. nrcan.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada.

2. Pre-retrofit evaluation: Hire a certified energy advisor to perform a pre-retrofit energy evaluation from the attic to the foundation.

3. Retrofit with receipts: Choose, purchase, and install eligible equipment and keep your receipts for three years.

The more upgrades you implement, the more money you can receive, and the more energy you can save.

4. Post-retrofit evaluation: Complete your renovations and obtain a post-retrofit evaluation no later than March 31, 2012. You must show all your receipts to your energy advisor during the final evaluation to verify that you purchased and installed eligible upgrades after June 6, 2011, and after a pre-retrofit evaluation.

Most homeowners receive a grant cheque from the federal and/or provincial government within 90 days after their postretrofit evaluation.

Enjoy...

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: When hiring a contractor, ask if they are TECA (Thermal Environmental Comfort Association) certified. Work done by a certified contractor can result in an extra $100 in grant funds.

An AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) number must be provided for all equipment installed to ensure it meets the energy efficiency requirements.

A geothermal heat pump system must be certified by the CGC (Canadian GeoExchange Coalition). Ensure your contractor is CGC certified before installation.

With rising fuel and hydro rates, now is a good time to invest in upgrading your energy efficiency. Not only will you increase the comfort of your home, but with access to more than $400 million dollars in federal and provincial grant funds, the price has never been better!

SOME USEFUL WEB SITES: Provincial grant information: www.livesmartbc.ca Federal grand information: www.nrcan.gc.ca City Green is the only non-profit certified energy advisor in BC, serving all of Vancouver Island: www.citygreen.ca Canadian GeoExchange Coalition: www.geo-exchange.ca

Kristen Pronick • 250-331-0888 Pro Star Mechanical Technologies Ltd www.prostar-mechanical.com

We specialize in Geothermal, Air to Air and Ductless Split Heat Pumps

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011

11

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

CASUALLY ELEGANT I have used this decorating ‘style’ for my clients for many years - and have found that it works for our West Coast Living. But, when I renovated our home 5 years ago I indulged in my dream of an elegant dining room. A large ‘gold’ damask wallpaper was (note the past tense) on the walls, I recovered our dining chairs in red velvet - the drapery was done in a luscious glorious red silk (interlined with bump* and lined with a sun-proof fabric) The following Christmas I decorated the dining room with every gold bauble I could find - and I loved it ! !

Shortly after the New Year, when having people over for a seafood dinner, I discovered that my lovely blue, white and red seafood themed dishes just didn’t look ‘right’ in that fussy room. (I love doing table settings that are appropriate for the time of year and/or for the meal that is being served) Time to take my own advice and make my dining room more appropriate for my life-style. The Casually

Elegant look (or as Veranda magazine calls it - “Relaxed Glamour�) is so versatile and I should have known that ALL of my home should reflect that style.

If you saw that wonderful movie “The King’s Speech’ and if you remember the speech therapists offices, you will have seen an excellent example of what style I am beginning to create in our Dining Room. I have torn off the wallpaper in huge patches all over the room - making many irregular borders and shapes - then I painted the walls (white) right over the torn wallpaper. I opted for white rather than the ochre colour in the movie.

I was having a problem with my drapery - I did love the red silk even knowing that they should be replaced and that I should be using white on the windows. I recently found the perfect fabric, a damask (which is the elegant part) and white (which, believe it or not makes for the casual part).

I did change the carpet from a traditional pattern to a modern interpretation

Judith Moore Interior Design 250-941-0262 www.jmid.ca

From luxurious to casual elegance to reflect your life-style. of traditional and found it made a dramatic change.

Next I will reupholster the dining room chairs in a white canvas.

Shortly I will have a room that will not only lend itself to my themed dinner services but the type of meal we are preparing. * Bump - this is the English version of flannel lining. It not only provides excellent draft protection on your large windows it makes your drapery look lush and luxurious. Make sure that you have a professional install your drapes when you use "bump". Drapes with "bump" and lining makes for a weightier drapery, which will require quality hardware.

Professional OfďŹ ces Residential 3FUBJM t $PNNFSDJBM (New and Renovations)

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