11 tips to keep your home safe when you’re away

Before you head out on your upcoming vacation, use these easy tips to keep your home safe.

Ask someone to collect your mail

Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or have them regularly picked up by a neighbour, so it looks like someone is still home.

Arrange for lawn care

Have your landscaping tended to by a friendly neighbour or local service. Before you leave, trim tree branches that might allow access to a climbing burglar.

Prevent power surges

Disconnect your computer, TV, stereo and other electronics, or make sure they are plugged safely into a surge protector.

Invest in temperature control

Use a programmable thermostat to lower your heat or air conditioning usage.

Secure valuables

Consider putting your jewelry or other valuables in a safe deposit box and hide any other expensive items so they can’t be seen through your windows.

Don’t leave spare keys outdoors

Collect any spare keys you may have hidden around the exterior of your home because burglars know the most popular hiding places, like beneath mats and in potted plants.

Set timers on both your interior and exterior lights

This will help deter burglars by making it appear as though someone is home.

Check all doors and windows

It might seem obvious to lock them but double-check just to be sure.

Lock your garage

Even if there’s no direct entrance to your house, you likely store some very valuable items – like expensive sports equipment or landscaping tools – in there, so don’t allow burglars easy access.

Notify your alarm company

If you have a home security system, let your representative know you’ll be away from home and make sure the alarm is set properly when you leave.

Avoid status updates jen@jmilesinsurance.com michelle@michellebroadbent.com michellebroadbent.com

Don’t broadcast your location on social media – especially if your profile isn’t restricted to just your friends or colleagues.

Enjoy your vacation stress-free thanks to these quick and easy tips! If you’re interested in more ways to protect your home, give me a call to discuss your property needs – and, for additional advice on how to prevent damage, theft and stay safe, visit desjardinsagents.com/customer-care/blog.

PUBLISHER EDITOR

Rob Lightfoot Gene Kosowan

ART DIRECTION

Brenda Lakeman

DESIGN & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

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Brenda Lakeman

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IN EVERY EDITION OF T8N , we like to publish stories reflecting what we think makes St. Albert one of the best cities in Alberta. But once a year, it’s fun to ask residents their take on the best things about this city, hence our annual Best of T8N survey. As the results in more than 100 categories demonstrate, once again you did not disappoint. Find out what made the list on page 18.

Being the best involves forward thinking, although taking an occasional retro perspective also helps, a theme underscoring this edition’s fashion spread. More specifically, this colourful photo essay reveals how some crafty designers have upcycled wardrobe that was all the rage a generation ago into apparel more relevant than ever. Catch those alterations on page 12.

Elsewhere, discover how to create some nifty al fresco dishes (page 27), catch a glimpse of products decked out in Pantone’s colour choice this year (page 34), revisit a few historic health scares that St. Albert successfully endured (page 36), find out how vegan café kb&co draws customers with its unique plant-based cuisine (page 39), and get the scoop on an innovative circus this summer, spearheaded by Edmonton aerialists Firefly Theatre (page 42).

Finally, showcasing the greatest things about St. Albert isn’t merely a boastful exercise; it’s also about figuring out what it takes to hit that pinnacle, whether it be via hard work or pure determination. But former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry probably nailed it when he said, “Being the best at whatever talent you have, that’s what stimulates life.”

And with that, enjoy this issue! t8n

Old meets new in this unique fashion spread which took place at the Multicultural Heritage Centre Public Art Gallery, featuring the Fiber Arts Network “Chromatopia” exhibit curated by Alexis Marie Chute. “Estate” cropped patchwork jacket from Prairie Trail Goods, $180 with “Minnie Mouse”’ denim from DeKill Designs, $150 and Prelove lace insert shoes from The Little Honey Bee Boutique, $19. Photography and Styling by Brenda Lakeman, modeling by Nikki Bosh. See page 12

St.

Designers breathe new life into previously worn outfits

THESE DAYS, HAND-ME-DOWNS are enjoying brand-me-up status, adding more mileage to the fabrics, but with new identities all their own. In part, you can credit the environmentallyinspired recycle movement for hinting that even clothing can be repurposed into creative fashion designs. Maybe give kudos to an unpredictable economy for triggering ideas to revitalize outdated outfits or other items that no longer fit the youngsters. Or tip your hat to the notion that some of the stuff folks used to wear is simply too good to throw out.

Local crafty designers have already been going the upcycle route by taking vintage and other previously-worn wares and with a stitch here and there have come up with new looks for old items. The result is an array of wardrobe pieces from jackets and tote bags reconstructed from vintage quilts to denims paired with upcycled fabric inserts. Round it out with second-hand jewelry and accessories and you’re good to go.

To further press the point, this photo essay was shot in the art gallery of the Multicultural Heritage Centre in Stony Plain, located in a repurposed institution that was previously the Old Red Brick School House built in 1925. t8n

“Stars and Squares” patchwork jacket from Prairie Trail Goods, $150 with Preloved pink t-shirt from The Little Honey Bee Boutique, $13 and “Groovy Flower Power” denim $200 and scrunchie set $12 from DeKill Designs with “Material Existence” multimedia sculpture by Alexis Marie Chute

“Pretty in Pink at Grandma’s House” crewneck $45 and “At Home Together” cross-body bag, $60 from DeKill Designs with Preloved green pencil skirt from The Little Honey Bee Boutique, $10 with “Material Existence” multimedia sculpture by Alexis Marie Chute

“Springtime” granny square duster $180 and vintage tooled saddle purse $120 from Prairie Trail Goods with “Lake Side Dream” baby doll top from DeKill Designs, $60 and Preloved white denim jeans, $17 and Preloved lace insert shoes, $19 from The Little Honey Bee Boutique

Vintage denim patchwork jacket $100 and “All The Things” patchwork tote $150 from Prairie Trail Goods with “Groovy Flower Power” denim from DeKill Designs, $200 •

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