King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine

January 2017

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FEATURE

5 Spectacular Destinations for WINTER

GETAWAYS

KingLiving.ca

January 2017

PUBLISHED BY

Rainmaker Realty Inc. King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and delivered to over 7500 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.

07

5 Spectacular destinations for WINTER GETAWAYS

04 Mortgage

insurance vs. Term insurance.

RECIPE

11 A taste of the South with Beans from the NORTH

12 HOW TO

CREATE a cozy finished basement

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THE SECRET TO A WARM, SAFE WINTER? DRESS LIKE AN ONION Reports indicate that this winter will be particularly cold for most of Canada.

Wearing the appropriate clothing, for children at play as well as adults, can be a first line of defense against hypothermia, frostbite and other cold-related injuries.

Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, professor of thermophysiology at the University of Manitoba — a.k.a. “Professor Popsicle” — is one of the world's foremost authorities on the body's response to cold. The celebrated hypothermia expert recommends a layering strategy similar to dressing like an onion.

Inner layer The layer closest to the skin (this includes underwear) should draw or wick moisture or sweat away from your body to help keep you dry. Keeping dry is

critical to keeping warm. Fabrics like wool and polyester are recommended instead of cotton, which actually absorbs and holds water and takes a long time to dry.

Middle layers These layers hold the heat and provide insulation. Look for wool, or fleece and other synthetic fibres.

Outer layer The outer layer or protective shell should be wind resistant and repel water to protect the insulating layers. It includes both jacket and pants.

When choosing a jacket, Dr. Giesbrecht recommends a parka or other outer garment with an insulated hood and a high collar that zips up to the top of the collar. Sleeve ends and cuffs should be elasticated, and mitts should fit easily and

fully inside or over the sleeve. The jacket should be longer so it overlaps the pants.

This minimizes heat loss at the waist.

Don't forget your hands and feet. Mitts are warmer than gloves, and a thin glove made of wool, silk or nylon next to the skin will help if mitts need to be removed to handle clothing or equipment. Winter boots with good insulation are important.

Find more information about hypothermia and how to keep you and your family safe and warm at www.ownthecold.ca. www.newscanada.ca

Because we can do it together.

Shovels are in the ground and we are excited the expansion of King Campus is becoming a reality. Generous donors are stepping forward in support of this project, for which we are incredibly thankful. We are getting closer to our goal but still have a ways to go.

Seneca is calling on the individuals, companies and organizations who benefit from the positive and extraordinary work our graduates bring to the region — to help bring the campaign home.

Help us realize our vision by contributing to the Campaign for King. We can do it together.

Donate Today.

senecacollege.ca/king

KING LIVING

3

MORTGAGE INSURANCE vs TERM INSURANCE Making the Right Choice Mortgage Insurance Basics

Introduction to the concept

The individual buys a house and takes out a big loan to pay for it. Now, the bank is asking whether they want life insurance.

Reluctant to leave an unpaid debt when they die, they say yes. Within minutes, their application is approved and the cost is added to their mortgage payments.

For lenders, life insurance is an easy sell. They suggest it at a time when the customer is most vulnerable and have yet to do any comparison shopping. The customer also sign a waiver form if they decline the insurance, agreeing not to hold the lender responsible if something happens to them.

Most people don’t realize that the life insurance sold by mortgage lenders is different from the policies sold by life insurance agents and brokers. While it sounds like a great deal at the time, this type of mortgage life insurance is great for the bank, as they are fully protected, but is it great for you? Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks with bank group mortgage life insurance.

■ A mortgage is the single largest debt most Canadians will ever assume. Most consumers will take the time to shop around for good interest rates and terms that suit their needs, but not everyone bothers to do the same for the accompanying life insurance.

■ Many simply accept the coverage that's offered by their lender without investigating other options. That's a pity, because in many cases you can obtain better coverage for a lower price from an independent financial advisor.

What is mortgage insurance for?

■ Mortgage insurance is about protecting your loved ones. If something should happen to you (or your partner), mortgage insurance will pay off your debt. It's a simple concept, but the details in each contract can vary significantly.

What kind of coverage does the bank offer?

■ If you purchase mortgage insurance from your bank or credit union, you are purchasing creditor’s group insurance.

■ You are a certificate holder. You do not own the policy. The bank may make changes to the coverage without your consent, and coverage will terminate as soon as the mortgage is paid off.

■ The premium you pay remains the same, but the coverage decreases along with the balance of your mortgage. You are paying a level amount for decreasing coverage.

■ You are not able to name your own beneficiary. If something should happen to you, the bank receives the insurance proceeds directly.

■ If you decide to change banks at a later date, you will have to reapply for insurance coverage – you will pay rates based on your age at that time, and if your health has changed, you may be declined.

■ In most cases, creditors group is based on “blended rates,” meaning that smokers and non-smokers pay the same amount for the same coverage. If you live a healthy lifestyle, you will pay the same amount as someone who is overweight and smokes a pack a day.

■ Bank mortgage insurance only covers the first to die, but charges you for two people insured. That means, if you and your spouse are both killed in the same car accident, the bank mortgage policy only pays for one life.

What are the advantages of owning my term insurance policy through an insurance company?

■ An individual term insurance policy, obtained directly from an insurer, puts you in control of your own coverage.

■ You own the policy. If you decide you want to keep some or all of the insurance after the mortgage is paid off, you may do so.

■ Your insurance is for a fixed amount, based on the original amount of your mortgage. If you purchase a policy for $200,000 and you die when your mortgage is only $100,000, your heirs will still receive the full $200,000.

■ You may name whomever you please as beneficiary – spouse, child, grandchild or friend. They receive the funds directly from the insurance company, meaning they are free to decide whether they want to pay off

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MOST PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE that the life insurance sold by mortgage lenders is different from the policies sold by life insurance agents and brokers.

While it sounds like a great deal at the time, this type of mortgage life insurance is great for the bank, as they are fully protected, but is it great for you? the mortgage, or invest the funds and use the interest to make the monthly payments.

■ An individually-owned policy is fully portable. When your mortgage renews, you are free to shop around for the best rate. If you decide to change lenders, your individual policy will come with you – completely unchanged from when you first obtained it.

You will not have to reapply for coverage, and your premiums will remain unchanged.

■ Ask your banker about “Waiver of Premium for Disability”, rights of “Convertibility”, “Guaranteed Insurability Rider” if you move to a new home or change banks.

You’ll probably get a look of confusion.

Solution: An Insurance Agent has many valuable options that can be included in a policy that you own and control.

■ An individual policy is fully underwritten based on your individual circumstances.

Someone who leads a healthy lifestyle could end up paying a much lower rate for better coverage. The banks have post-claim underwriting, where the underwriting is completed after a claim is submitted. A customer could be declared uninsurable after they have submitted a claim resulting in years of paid premium, their claim being denied and leaving the mortgage unpaid.

Next Steps Do you have any questions? Would you be interested in obtaining a no-obligation review to see if an individual term insurance policy suits your circumstances?

Anna Raeli, State Farm Agent 2201 King Road Suite 2 King City, ON L7B 1G2 905-833-ANNA(2662)

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

It can also provide for today.

I'll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.

We put the life back in life insurance.™ CALL ME TODAY.

Anna Raeli, Agent 2201 King Road, Suite 2 King City, ON L7B 1G2 Bus: 905-833-2662 Bus: 905-833-ANNA www.annaraeli.com

State Farm branded policies are underwritten by Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company. ® State Farm and related trademarks and logos are registered trademarks owned by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, used under licence by Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company.

1401845 CN.1

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5

TIPS FOR RECOVERING FROM HOLIDAY SPENDING Post-holiday credit card statement time isn't exactly the most wonderful time of the year, so check out these tips to help your wallet recover faster.

Experiment in the kitchen Save on fancy dinners out and eat healthier after a season of indulging by heading back into your own kitchen. Make things exciting by looking up new recipe ideas online and trying out new foods and flavours.

Involve kids in the planning or have them help out with age-appropriate tasks.

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Plan a staycation Between entertaining at home, late-night parties, and having your extended relatives visit, the holidays often don't feel like much of a holiday. If you're itching for a break, opt for a staycation instead of a pricey vacation. Take some time off work to explore local favourites you haven't been to in a while or hibernate at home during a long weekend with some great books and films.

Sign up for direct deposit Sometimes you just need that tax refund to come in a little bit sooner. Don't wait for your cheque to come in the mail by signing up for direct deposit.

You'll get your income tax refund,

GST/HST credit, and other tax-related payments deposited straight into your bank account and have immediate access to your money. Sign up for direct deposit by visiting your financial institution or go to directdeposit. gc.ca for more information.

Use that return policy Many stores offer generous return policies, especially after the holidays — giving as long as three months to return an item.

So keep those gift receipts and don't be ashamed to take back

unused merchandise. If you're never going to use something, trade it in for something else you do need or a store credit you can use to purchase a gift for an upcoming birthday.

Free entertainment Just because you're trying to stick to a budget doesn't mean you can't have any fun. Check out winter fairs, free outdoor skating, visit the library for books and movies, and explore smaller local museums that are often free. www.newscanada.ca

If you're itching for a break, opt for a staycation instead of a pricey vacation... hibernate at home during a long weekend with some great books and films.

5 Spectacular Destinations for WINTER GETAWAYS Embrace the gorgeous snowy weather on your next holiday by visiting a location that thrives in the winter and celebrates the season. “There are plenty of destinations that are even better in the cooler months,” advises Pierre-Jean Mayol at Aeroplan.

Here are some Instagram-worthy suggestions that will make you only too happy to pack some extra cozy layers:

Nelson, British Columbia

Nelson, British Columbia Nestled deep in a secluded region of the West Kootenays, this winter spot is a favourite of skiers, snowboarders, photog-

raphers, and writers. Enjoy excellent powder and terrain while you go sledding or cross country skiing and impressive lakeside views during ice fishing.

Lapland, Finland At this picturesque spot above the Arctic Circle, snow can last for more than half the year and you have a chance of spotting the Northern lights during a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride safari.

Lapland, Finland

Hyde Park, London, England Winter Wonderland is more than a word to describe this place — it's also the name of an annual festive event that happens here. It features ballet, circus shows, the Magical Ice Kingdom, German Christmas markets, the U.K.'s largest open air ice rink, and stunning views of London from the giant observation wheel.

Experience amazing, breathtaking scenery at your favourite

destination sooner with Aeroplan's Fixed Mileage and Market Fare Flight Rewards, which give you the flexibility to book your ticket up to two hours before departure and give you access to any seat at any time on all Air Canada flights. “Our members can redeem miles for both Air Canada and the Star Alliance network that together offer travel to more than 1,300 destinations worldwide,” says Mayol. www.newscanada.ca

Plaster Rock, New Brunswick Hockey lovers will be delighted to visit in February, when the World Pond Hockey Championships bring competitors to pond rinks created on top of Roulston Lake.

Reykjavik, Iceland This capital city features hot springs, horseback riding in the snow, and day trips driving around The Golden Circle where you can see geysers, volcanoes, glaciers, and the Northern lights.

Reykjavik, Iceland

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KLEINBURG Oversized lot backing onto lush forest with city views. This luxury home proves to soar above & beyond expectations. Walk-out basement leads to a covered loggia, salt-water pool, exterior fireplace & wrought iron fencing. Great entertaining home. Interior designed

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Faizel Virani

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HOW TO SURVIVE A RENOVATION WITH KIDS Renovating your home is stressful enough on its own, but include children and the pressure can be overwhelming. Here are three tips to help your family survive an upcoming renovation.

Establish routines Keeping life as normal as possible for your children will help maintain calm within your home. “As kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms most often renovated — and the rooms that must be accessed by everyone —

trying to create temporary family routines around your contractors' working hours will help,” recommends Denise Hayward, show manager for the GTA Home & Reno Show.

Making meals in large batches that can be quickly reheated or prepped helps keep your days on schedule. Setting a bathing time that allows all to get in and out of an in-progress bathroom efficiently and without disturbing any unfinished work is a good habit to get into.

Safety hazards Ensure tools are always stored out of little hands' reach and safely put away at the end of each day. New “toys” can be appealing to children who may have seen plastic versions of hammers, drills and saws in their own playrooms, but might not realize how dangerous the real ones are without adult supervision. Sealing off nearby HVAC ducting or vents, using plastic hang sheets, and vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered vacuum twice a day are integral to protecting your family from dust and allergens.

Tackle one room at a time Trying to upgrade more than one space at a time can be a recipe for chaos — or worse, injuries. Choose one room or area to

fully complete before moving onto the next.

This helps keep potential hazards and air allergens contained to one space at a time, which in turn makes it easier to keep kids away from the area.

If you're planning a home renovation, help and expert advice are available at the Destination Renovation booth of the 2017 GTA Home & Reno Show, running February 17 to 20 at the International Centre in Mississauga. Find more information at www. gtahomeandrenoshow.com. www.newscanada.ca

S H O W O F F Y O U R TA L E N T

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 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. Photos must be taken within King Township. Please send High Resolution Photos.

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

A TASTE OF THE

SOUTH WITH BEANS FROM THE NORTH ONTARIO BEAN GROWERS grow some of the best white pea beans (or navy beans) in the world. Added to this Creole-inspired recipe, they bump up the protein and fibre content to make for a delicious filling soup.

Creole-Style Bean Soup Ingredients • 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) white pea beans, soaked and drained • 3 cups (750 mL) chicken broth • 1/2 cup (125 mL) diced cooked ham or smoked sausage • 2 stalks celery, diced • 1 onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt • 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) pepper • 1 bay leaf • 1 tsp (5 mL) thyme • 1 tsp (5 mL) Worcestershire sauce • 1 can (19 oz./540 mL) tomatoes • 1 can (5 1/2 oz./156 mL) tomato paste • 1 tbsp (15 mL) dry mustard • 1 (300g) pack frozen okra, partly thawed and sliced • 1 cup (250 mL) medium-sized shrimp, fresh or thawed frozen • 2-3 drops hot pepper sauce (optional)

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 90 minutes Makes: 4 servings

Directions 1. In a large saucepan combine beans with broth.

Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer 45 minutes until beans are tender.

2. Add ham, celery, onion, garlic, seasonings and sauces. Break up tomatoes; mix with tomato paste and mustard; stir into bean mixture. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Bring to boil; add okra and cook 6 to 8 minutes.

Stir in shrimp, cook 3 to 4 minutes until shrimp and okra are cooked. Serve with whole grain bread or cornmeal muffins.

Find more recipes online at ontariobeans.on.ca www.newscanada.ca

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HOW TO CREATE A COZY FINISHED BASEMENT

Only finish a reliably dry basement Even a small amount of leaked water can trigger mould, mustiness and poor indoor air quality. That's why your basement needs to prove itself reliably dry before you invest time and money into finishing. Monitor the space and make sure it's dry for at least a year.

Install a subfloor Proper basement subfloors make finished floors warmer and reduce the chance that humid summertime air will condense against cool concrete. Choose inorganic eliminates this problem because it's selfsubfloor products to put against the base- sealing when applied at least three inches thick. You'll need a professional installer ment floor. to do this work.

Spray foam the rim joists Although it's common to insulate the area Install a proper heating system where joists meet outside walls using fibre- Just because you have a furnace in your based insulation and a vapour barrier, it's basement doesn't mean it will automatdifficult to get a proper air seal around ically heat the space. You need sufficient all those joists. The resulting air leakage ducts to deliver heat to all areas as well is why many homes have some kind of as cold air return ducts at floor level to mould in the rim joist area. Spray foam promote air circulation.

Use moisture-resistant inorganic materials Even a dry basement might get unexpectedly damp. So use inorganic materials that won't feed mould even in the presence of moisture. Foam-based insulation is best at reducing mould risk in basements. Avoid putting wood in contact with concrete.

Even a dry basement might get unexpectedly damp. So use inorganic materials that won't feed mould even in the presence of moisture.

A warm, comfortable finished basement is a great feature that adds value to your home.

But too few owners realize that finishing a basement the wrong way can bring mould, mildew and lower indoor air quality.

Building a healthy finished basement comes down to these five elements:

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If you're planning to hire a contractor, make sure they're experienced, knowledgeable and professional. The Canadian Home Builder's Association is a great source of free advice for hiring a pro and avoiding suspicious contractors. Find more information at www.getitinwriting.ca. www.newscanada.ca

CURE WINTER WOES WITH SEASONAL SWEETNESS As we get deeper into winter, it becomes more difficult to fill our shopping carts and dinner plates with fresh, in-season produce. During these months however, Florida Grapefruit reaches peak season, making it ripe for grocery aisle picking.

Florida Grapefruit supports our bodies with the essential nutrients and high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A we crave in the winter. Harvested in subtropical growing conditions, the versatile super fruit adds a splash of sunshine to bland winter dishes.

Honey Fennel and Grapefruit Glazed Chicken Prep time: 1 hr 30 minutes Serves: 4 to 6 Ingredients • 2 Florida Grapefruits • 1 whole fresh organic chicken • 1 tbsp fennel seeds • 1 tsp black peppercorns • 1/2 tsp coarse salt • 2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 cup honey Instructions 1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Place chicken

into a roasting pan and set aside.

2. Toast fennel seeds and pepper in a small pan over high heat for two to three minutes until fragrant.

3. Transfer to a mini food processor. Add salt and garlic powder and pulse until granular.

4. In a small mixing bowl, stir together spice mixture, 1/4 cup grapefruit juice and honey. Drizzle chicken with half the glaze, reserving the rest for basting.

5. Slice second grapefruit into thin rounds and place on top and around chicken.

6. Roast for 1.5 hours until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. 7. Re-glaze after 45 minutes.8. Serve with pan juices if desired and a side of roasted fennel. www.newscanada.ca

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13

HOME PRICES SOAR 30% HIGHER It has been quite the year for King Township!

Average detached homes rose in value over $330,000 in one year. This is approximately a 30% increase. In 2015, there were 344 detached homes sold; while in 2016, there were 380. The figures indicate that in all other categories, sales increased marginally. This evidences that detached homes in King Township have become a desirable purchase. Clearly, demand is greater than supply. Will these rapid increases continue into the New Year? Time will tell and we predict an interesting year ahead.

King Township homes are in high demand - who would not want to participate in our beautiful community? As King Township expands, our infrastructure is growing and improving. After all, we are the City above the City of Vaughan.

My family and I have enjoyed King Township for over 30 years. We have watched it grow into the great place it is to live today. I still see an increase in sale prices in the near future as more and more families choose to migrate to our little piece of heaven.

Article written by Joseph Cartaginese Stats as per the Toronto Real Estate Board

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TheRainMakerTeam.com

we make “sold� happen

KING CITY Prestigious private, wrought iron gated, green and gorgeous 5 acre lot offers tranquility with nearby groomed hiking trails perfect for a country equestrian. Backyard oasis, more than welcoming with cascading pool and fully integrated cabana. Breathtaking marble & 5" Brazilian cherry wood floors accented by granite counter tops. Heated garage & workshop. Stunning home that you can call yours! Contact Stephen Ferritto for the fine details on this incredible, exclusive opportunity. www.281sprucehill.ca

Joseph Cartaginese Broker

Paula Perri Broker

Stephen Ferritto Sales Representative

Domenic Spina Sales Representative

Jamie Goldenberg Sales Representative

Chris Campoli Sales Representative

Christine Field Sales Representative

Faizel Virani

Sales Representative