King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine - JAN 2016

JANUARY 2016

H OHMOEM&E L E & I LF IEF SE TS Y T YL LEE M MAAGGAA ZZ II N NE

Winter Wonderland

THE 20-MINUTE

FITNESS PLAN

DOING OUR PART FOR

SYRIAN REFUGEES

www.KingLiving.ca

Photo by Lori Checkowy

contents JANUARY 2016

04

THE 20-MINUTE FITNESS PLAN

06

VALUE ADDED PROJECTS TO DO THIS WINTER

12

5 FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS ON FAMILY DAY

15

DOING OUR PART FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES

2

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

Published by

RAINMAKER REALTY INC. King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and delivered to over 7000 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 Magazine’s employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made.

Our November Photography Contest Winner

Lori Checkowy, Photographer My Husband and I moved to King City 30 years ago and have lived on Burton Grove ever since.

We love being on the edge of town and so close to nature where we can observe all kinds of birds and wildlife. My interest in photography started as a “scrap-book idea” for our garden and quickly expanded. I attended a seminar with Nature Photographer Garry Conway and that set me on path to see through the lens... but I’m still learning. The cover photo was taken while the sun rose and I spotted this cute Cardinal sitting in the ice-covered tree. With no hydro or power in our home, this image lifted our spirits on an otherwise worrysome situation.

FUELING YOUR

New Year’s Goals (NC) The New Year is a time to reflect on the year behind us and plan for exciting months ahead. For many of us, it’s a chance to re-evaluate our food choices and set new healthy goals. To help you kick start your resolutions and refuel after a season of indulgence, try adding superfoods to your everyday recipes.

Florida Grapefruit Superfood Salad Serves 4 Prep time: 35 minutes Ingredients:

Dressing:

• 1 butternut squash • 1 cup organic red quinoa • 2 Florida grapefruit • 1/2 small Napa cabbage • 2 cups baby romaine leaves • 1 cucumber • ½ cup goji berries • ½ cup hemp hearts • ¼ avocado

• 1 small carrot • 2 green onions • 2 tablespoons white miso • 100 mL Florida grapefruit juice • 1 inch piece of peeled ginger • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 teaspoon salt • 75 mL olive oil • 75 mL canola oil

Directions:

1. Peel and cut the butternut squash into 1 inch pieces. Blanch in boiling water for about 4 minutes or until just tender. Drain, pat dry and set it aside until ready to use.

2. In a small pot, bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to boil. Add the quinoa and turn heat down to medium. Cook the quinoa for 20 minutes or until the quinoa triples in size and becomes tender.

Drain and set aside to cool.

3. Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a blender and puree on the highest speed for several minutes until very smooth. This can be done a day in advance and held in the refrigerator.

4. Using a sharp paring knife, cut the ends off of the Florida

grapefruit so it sits flat on the cutting board. Carefully run the paring knife under the peel and trim away all of the pith, leaving just the grapefruit flesh. Slice the grapefruit into 8 even segments.

5. Cut the Napa cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Cut the cabbage crosswise into thin shavings. Hold this in a large salad bowl suitable for serving.

6. Cut the baby romaine leaves into bite sized pieces and add them to the salad bowl. Slice the cucumber lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut the cucumber on an angle into very thin slices and transfer to the salad bowl.

7. Combine the squash, Florida grapefruit slices, hemp hearts, goji

berries, avocado and quinoa into the salad bowl and toss liberally with dressing. www.newscanada.com

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

3

THE 20-MINUTE

Fitness Plan Most of us don’t exercise enough but the good news is that experts agree you only need 20 minutes each day to achieve long-term fitness success.

According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey, only 20 per cent of Canadians are getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week. Doing so provides many benefits, including better heart health, reduced risk of early mortality, improved mental health, and reduction in certain types of cancer.

“Our bodies were designed to move,” says Dr. Allana LeBlanc, Knowledge Manager at ParticipACTION. “You can split up the 150 recommended minutes pretty much however you want – you can even start with bouts of 10 minutes at a time and add onto it gradually”.

Fitting activity into your day is crucial to your overall health. Whether you go to the gym, take a walk, or do squats and push-ups during TV commercial breaks.

The important thing is to do something every day.

“We can all find 20 minutes in our day to be active,” says Kelly Musovic, personal training regional manager with GoodLife Fitness. Here she shares a 20-minute plan geared toward less experienced gym-goers or those getting back into fitness.

5 MINUTE WARM UP Run on a treadmill or go for a brisk walk. By the end, you should be short of breath but still be able to speak in short sentences.

DUMBBELL CHEST PRESS While lying down on a bench, hold two dumbells at shoulder width, with your palms facing away from your head, push the weights up and slowly bring them back down until your arms are at a 90 degree angle. 2 sets of 12 reps. Rest for 60 seconds between sets.

ONE ARMED ROWS 2 sets of 12 reps on each arm. Rest for 60 seconds between sets.

AIR SQUATS Simulate sitting in a chair by pushing your hips and butt back, keeping your chest up and ensuring that your knees do not push forward passed the toes – 2 sets of 10 reps. Rest for 60 seconds between sets. All you need is your own bodyweight.

5 MINUTE COOL DOWN You should be able to breathe easily and carry a conversation. Finish with stretching or foam rolling to prevent tight muscles.

If you do the math, 20 minutes is merely one per cent of your day – a small investment that reap incredible benefits for your health and overall wellbeing. www.newscanada.com

4

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

RENOVATION OPTIONS FOR

BUDGET CONSCIOUS

Homebuyers

It’s important to explore all options when purchasing a fixer-upper is appealing to investing in spaces like the kitchen, bathsearching for a new home. While we often budget conscious homebuyers. room or new flooring first – although more think new and shiny is always better, don’t costly - can offer the best return.“With overlook that fixer upper. With Greater “Often a fixer-upper can be a diamond in consumer confidence in professional renoToronto Area prices at record highs, poten- the rough, as long as the home has strong vators remaining high, with 68 per cent tial home buyers need to be savvier than bones,” says Denise Hayward, manager for of residents perceiving contractors as ever when it comes to making a home the show. “Living through major changes delivering high quality work, the idea of purchase decision to get the most from isn’t for everyone, but those savvy home- a fixer upper doesn’t have to be so scary their investment. buyers who have the foresight and ability anymore,” adds Hayward. to plan may be able to get more bang for If you’re planning a renovation, take your A recent survey by the Building Industry their buck from a renovation.” time and plan ahead to do it right. More and Land Development Association (BILD), which produces the GTA Home & Reno Also, knowing which elements of a home renovation help is available at the DestiShow, found that one in three GTA residents offer the biggest ROI when updated can nation Renovation booth at the upcoming are somewhat likely to purchase a home in build a homebuyer’s confidence, espe- 2016 GTA Home + Reno Show, February the next two years. But with 70 per cent of cially if considering future re-sale value. 12-15 at International Centre in Missisresidents having serious concerns over their For those interested in renovating in sauga. www.gtahomeandrenoshow.com. ability to buy their next home, the idea of stages to accommodate crunched budgets, www.newscanada.com

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

5

VALUE ADDED PROJECTS

TO DO THIS WINTER If your intent is to sell your home, now is the time to start preparing it for sale.

The weather outside might be frightful, but that doesn’t mean that your home improvement projects need to wait. In fact, tackling projects during the winter will give you more time to enjoy spring when it finally rolls around.

enough to do in the winter. In fact, cooler temperatures are ideal for paint to dry.

RENOVATE A BASEMENT You may encounter some dust or debris in your main floor living quarters, but most of it will remain contained in the basement.

“Homeowners planning to sell their homes in the spring are best to prepare them for sale now so that they’re ready to go in the new year,” says Pat Verge, president of the Ontario Real Estate Association. “If all that a home needs is a refresher in certain areas, ‘mini renos’ can often be done with only minor inconveniences. You won’t even need to move out during the process.”

Verge recommends that homeowners speak to their Realtor to find out what renovations would add the greatest value and provide a return on investment. Some value-added renovations that can be done now include: A FRESH COAT OF PAINT A fairly inexpensive project, sprucing up the walls with a fresh coat of paint is easy

BATHROOM RENOVATION If you plan on taking this renovation slowly, just make sure you have another toilet and shower at your disposal.

NEW KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Sometimes new countertops are all a kitchen needs to feel new again. There

is a wide selection available to best suit your reno. Be sure to keep the old one on until the new one has arrived and is ready to be installed.

INSTALL NEW KITCHEN CABINETS If you’re keeping the same layout, this project won’t be too complicated. A new kitchen layout may require moving electrical and plumbing, so just be prepared for some disturbances.

More information is available at www.wedothehomework.ca. www.newscanada.com

If all that a home needs is a refresher in certain areas, ‘MINI RENOS’ can often be done with only minor inconveniences. You won’t even need to move out during the process.”

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.

Paula Perri*, Joseph Cartaginese*, Jamie Goldenberg+, Stephen Ferritto+, Domenic Spina+, Chris Campoli+, Pamela Baril*, Christine Field+

*Broker

6

TheRainMakerTeam

905.833.1030

info@therainmakerteam.com

TheRainMakerTeam.com + Sales Representative

KING LIVING

|

we make “sold” happen

JANUARY 2016

Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale.

CREATING A STABLE

Financial Future

S

earching for a New Year’s resolution that will stick this year? Consider one that probably isn’t on anyone’s Top 10 list but will go a long way to reduce stress and provide some peace of mind: life insurance.

A recent study found that forty-three per cent of respondents believe it would take less than six months to feel the financial impact of the death of the family’s primary breadwinner. Life insurance is an easy and affordable way to protect your family’s future. Unlike resolutions to save money or lose weight, you won’t have to drastically change your lifestyle or habits to achieve results.

A recent study found that forty-three per cent of respondents believe it would take LESS THAN SIX MONTHS to feel the financial impact of the death of the family’s primary breadwinner.

Here are three facts you need to know about today’s life insurance products that will help your planning:

Even if you have group life insurance at work, you may still need more

Are you fortunate enough to have good group benefits at work? You may think you’ve got all the coverage you need but often, coverage is only the amount of your salary. Is that enough to cover your debts and protect your loved ones? You don’t need an insurance broker anymore to know which plan is best for you. There are plenty of Needs Analysis tools online that offer no-obligation information.

It’s not as expensive as you think Teachers Life, a not-for-profit insurance Did you know that 80 per cent of people company for the education community, think life insurance is more costly than it really is? Before you decide you can’t has developed an online application that afford it, get a quote. Most insurance fully underwrites a policy in an average of companies and banks have simple online 12 minutes – that’s more than 5,000 times quote generators that can give you an faster than traditional underwriting. No idea of the cost of term life insurance. For paper forms or lengthy questionnaires, instance, members of Ontario’s educa- and no needles or doctor’s note. tion community can get a free quote at TeachersLife.com. Statistics says you’ll be As we head into a new year, resolve to pleasantly surprised at the price. create a better financial future for your family. Life insurance will ease your It’s not as complicated as it used to be worries by ensuring you have the right Traditional underwriting has a policy amount of coverage. It doesn’t require issue time of 42–47 days, depending creating any new habits and will be one on the number of agents involved. But resolution you can stick to! www.newscanada.com KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

7

TheRainMakerTeam.com

we make “sold” happen FEATURE LISTING

SALT WATER POOL

NATURE IN YOUR BACKYARD

Approximately 1.5 acres in the heart of King City. Live and work in this 4-bedroom raised bungalow with a fully finished walk-out basement that has been used as a professional office for many years.

Brokerage in Canada*

Call

905-833-1030

*For Royal LePage based on real estate sales of independently owned franchises in 2015

TheRainMakerTeam.com

we make “sold� happen

Here we grow again!

We are pleased to welcome

Pamela Baril

TO THE

RAINMAKER TEAM

Broker

Pamela has been a licensed Real Estate Professional since 2000. Prior to that she worked in the building supply trade for many years. During that time she bought, renovated and sold several homes as well as building a new home. With this first hand knowledge she decided Real Estate would be a natural next career! She is passionate about her work and is constantly updating her business skills to bring a consistent high level of service to her clients!

Detached Homes

2015 SOLD HOME PRICES IN KING TOWNSHIP

# OF H OM ES

LOW

HIGH

King City

119

$599,900

$4,000,000

$1,332,439

Nobleton

83

$560,000

$2,385,000

$1,089,244

Pottageville

29

$450,000

$1,958,200

$821,912

Rural King

71

$290,000

$6,800,000

$1,148,111

Schomberg

51

$395,000

$2,295,000

$721,025

Attached Homes # OF H OM E S

LOW

King City

29

Nobleton

5

Pottageville

AVER AGE

Condos

H IG H

AV E R AGE

# OF H OM ES

LOW

HIGH

AVER AGE

$624,000

$915,000

$756,203

King

$654,990

$1,000,000

$764,196

Nobleton

10

$377,300

$900,000

$616,430

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Pottageville

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Rural King

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Rural King

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Schomberg

11

$500,000

$555,000

$528,864

Schomberg

26

$220,000

$387,000

$291,038

According to TREB MLS statistic for total units sold from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2015

Joseph Cartaginese Broker

Paula Perri Broker

Stephen Ferritto Sales Representative

Domenic Spina Sales Representative

Jamie Goldenberg Sales Representative

Chris Campoli Sales Representative

ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR

FITTING A

HOCKEY HELMET (NC) When worn properly, hockey helmets can help reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries. Before your child takes to the ice this season, make sure their hockey helmet fits and meets the safety standards by following these tips.

• Check equipment each season. Hockey helmets should fit snugly to prevent shifting and should be comfortable to wear.

• Make sure the helmet sits low on the forehead (only one to two finger widths above the eyebrows).

• Centre the chinstrap buckle and ensure it gently makes contact under the chin.

• Tighten the chinstrap. Only up to two of your fingers should fit under the chin.

There are regulations for face protectors and hockey helmets sold in Canada. When buying a hockey helmet or visor, make sure it has the CSA mark, which is required by law to show that it meets the requirements.

Hockey helmets must also show the date the helmet was made. Helmets more than five years old should not be bought or sold as the parts and materials can break down with age.

To report an incident, contact the manufacturer or retailer. You are also encouraged to contact Health Canada.

More tips on keeping your child safe from the risks of head injuries from winter sports can be found online at Canada.ca. www.newscanada.com

SHOW OFF YOUR TALENT

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Submit your photos of King Township and get the chance to be featured in upcoming issues of King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine and other King Living publications.

CONTEST RULES • Photo entries will be accepted by email only to info@kingliving.ca • Please include your name, photo title, and the location the photo was taken • Use the Subject line: King Living Photo Contest • Photo submissions accepted via email by Jan 31, 2016 • All photos must be taken within King Township • Please send High Resolution Photo’s

10

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

WINNERS • Winners will be featured in our King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine & other King Living publications • Winning photos will be featured on our social pages as well as our website

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

11

5 FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH

Your Kids This February 15th is Family Day. Here are some great projects to try with your kids.

(NC) Parents know that spending quality time with the kids is the best part of the day.

And organizing a family activity doesn’t have to cost much. Instead of signing up for pricey arts and crafts classes, you can get creative at home with your printer and create printable crafts the whole family can enjoy.

Many printers, including the HP Envy 5540 All-in-One, feature built-in printing apps that provide tactile fun for kids.

Here are some great projects to try: COLOURING BOOK PAGES There are hundreds of free printable templates that will keep your kids occupied for hours on end. From Olaf, to Mickey Mouse, your kids can select their favourite characters to create their own personal colouring book.

PUZZLES Keep young minds active with the world’s most popular crossword puzzles for every day of the week. There are also plenty of activity sheets to fill cold winter days.

MENU PLANNER Get your children involved with meal planning to help them feel comfortable in the kitchen and let them grow accustomed to making healthy choices.

Receive a week’s worth of nutritious and delicious meal ideas that you can make with your kids.

A strong family finds that opportunities for quality time emerge from quantity time: The more time you spend together, the better chance you have of sharing quality experiences.

PERSONALIZED INVITATIONS Having a birthday party for your child and all their friends? Make invitations with custom templates, graphics, fonts and borders that fit the theme for the party.

FAMILY PHOTOS Showcase your latest family photo by adding original word art, drawings and borders and print with professional quality photo paper to hang around your home.

While printing at home is fun, the last thing you want to worry about is running to the store to buy more ink when you run out. HP Instant Ink is an ink replenishment service that starts at $3.99 per month and provides cost savings and convenience so you can focus on what’s important − spending more time with your family. www.newscanada.com

12

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

THE FACTS ON

SHINGLES

(NC) According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus - the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your body in nerve cells and as you get older it can reappear as shingles. Although it is most common in people over age 50, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk.

Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can last several weeks.

Although it usually occurs in one part of the body, such as the torso, shingles can also affect the face and eyes.

For Cathy Dillon of Toronto, 61, the first occurrence of shingles was discovered by her hair stylist when a cluster of red dots on her scalp became apparent during a trip to the salon. Her rash gradually spread along the side of her head and face dangerously close to her eye. “I had to go to a specialist to make sure the shingles weren’t going into my eye,” she explained as cases of shingles affecting the eyes may lead to a loss of vision.

Not only was the rash spreading it was becoming more and more painful. “I had excruciating pain, it felt like my face was on fire,” described Dillon.

It is estimated that nearly 1 in 3 people will experience shingles in their lifetime. For most people, the pain from shingles resolves as the rash heals, but for others it can cause long-lasting nerve pain. This potentially severe nerve pain (called postherpetic neuralgia or PHN) can last for months or years after the rash heals.

In several cases, this ongoing nerve pain can cause complications that may affect normal, daily activities such as walking, sleeping, and socializing. The pain can be debilitating and lead to a loss of independence, anxiety and even depression.

Here are some common shingles symptoms: 1. Pain, itching, or tingling in an area on the sides of your body or face.

2. A rash breaks out on the same area a few days later.

3. The painful rash spreads in a single stripe around one side of the body or one side of the face. The rash then forms blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and clears up within 2 to 4 weeks.

4. Symptoms can also include, fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.

5. Nerve pain where a breeze or the touch of clothing can cause severe pain.

For more information about shingles speak to your doctor or pharmacist. www.newscanada.com

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

13

Founded in 1985, JTF Custom Home Builders is a family owned and operated builder, specializing in the development of custom estate properties throughout the most affluent neighborhoods within the Greater Toronto Area, ranging in scale from 3,000 to upwards of 20,000 square feet.

Homes has been privileged to work with some of the most highly regarded designer’s and architect’s in the industry, who have contributed to our award winning custom built homes and renovations.

Our mission is simple; to provide our clients with the highest standard in pristine home development, while building every element to perfection. JTF Custom

JTF Custom Homes is proud to develop environmentally friendly, functional and economically sound homes, without sacrificing elegance and quality.

Our commitment to client dedication comes is based on our philosophy that your “family home” comes first.

www.jtfhomes.com I 416.787.1333 I info@jtfhomes.ca 1927 Avenue Road, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5M 4A2

HEALTHY EATING FOR

HEALTHY BONES (NC) Bone health plays a key factor in your overall health. Each year in Canada, there are 30,000 hip fractures and many more suffer osteoporotic fractures in their wrists, spine and shoulders.

Eating a balanced diet including sufficient calcium, vitamin D and protein is important for building and maintaining strong bones. A great source of these bone healthy nutrients is milk and milk products as they contain a high amount of calcium.

As the weather gets cooler, there is no better time for comfort food, such as this calcium-rich Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Cheese, a recipe developed by Dairy Farmers of Canada. A serving of this dish will give you a full serving of Milk & Alternatives.

14

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

Broccoli Soup with Cheddar Cheese Serves 4 Ingredients • 1 1/2 lb (675 g) 1 bunch of broccoli • 1 chopped onion • 2 potatoes, peeled and diced • 1 garlic clove, minced • 2 cups (500 mL) chicken broth or vegetable broth • 1 tsp (5 mL) grated orange rind • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried thyme • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper • Dried red pepper flakes • 2 cups (500 mL) milk • Salt, to taste • 1 cup (250 mL) shredded Cheddar cheese

Preparation Peel and chop broccoli stems; coarsely chop florets to make at least 6 cups (1.5 L) total.

In saucepan, combine broccoli stems, onion, potatoes, garlic, broth, orange rind, thyme, pepper and red pepper flakes; bring to boil.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 min.

Add florets; simmer, covered, for 5 min or until vegetables are softened.

In blender or food processor, purée soup, in batches, with milk until smooth. Return to pan and heat through but do not boil. Add more milk if too thick. Season with salt. Spoon into bowls; sprinkle with Cheddar cheese.

For more information and recipes, go to Getenough.ca. www.newscanada.com

DOING OUR PART FOR

SYRIAN REFUGEES King is gearing up to resettle Syrian family to live independently with dignity. refugees over the next few months. An offer of housing does not need to be a donation. Initially we are looking for We invite you to participate.

“King for Refugees” was formed to organize and co-ordinate the individual contributions of King Township’s people, civic groups, faith groups, schools, organizations, and businesses. It was formed in response to peoples’ interest in responding to the crisis in a meaningful way. “King for Refugees” wants to receive families in Canada and to support them as they experience their first year as new Canadians.

We will accomplish this either as hosts for government sponsored refugees and/or as private sponsors.

Whether government sponsored or private we need to identify housing for families.

The housing needs to offer space for a

housing in King City because of easy access to public transit (York Region Transit and GO Train); there may be opportunity to consider accommodation outside King City once we are more comfortable with our roles and responsibilities. If you know of accommodation please contact us at king4refugees@gmail.com so we can discuss further.

In addition to offering accommodation there are many other ways to participate.

Teams are already assembled to address various issues such as fundraising, managing donations of goods, social support for the new Canadians, communications. If you want to get involved contact us at king4refugees@gmail.com.

KING LIVING

|

JANUARY 2016

15

TheRainMakerTeam.com

we make “sold” happen

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

TheRainMakerTeam

CHECK OUT THE NEW

RainMakerTeam

WEBSITE!

www.therainmakerteam.com

Joseph Cartaginese Broker

Paula Perri Broker

Pamela Baril Broker

Stephen Ferritto Sales Representative

Domenic Spina Sales Representative

Jamie Goldenberg Sales Representative

Chris Campoli Sales Representative