Heart Smart Recipes You’ll Love
(Family Features) Eating for heart health is actually easier — and more delicious — than you might think. When you have a good plan and plenty of mouthwatering recipes, you’ll enjoy taking care of your heart.
According to the FDA, diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are some tips to help you make these kinds of heart-smart choices:
• Choose leaner cuts of meat. You can find plenty of delicious options such as skinless chicken, lean pork and beef. And you can make smart substitutions, too — use ground turkey instead of ground beef to make meatloaf or burgers even leaner.
• Add fruits and veggies to every meal. Strawberries in yogurt, blueberries on a salad, carrots and hummus as a snack, roasted sweet potatoes with dinner — it’s easier than you think to add nutrient-dense produce to your diet. Eat plenty of different coloured produce for variety and a wider range of health benefits.
• Enjoy more whole grains. Whole grains add carbohydrates for energy, fiber to fill you up, and nutrients important for good health. And, according to a recent national survey, 4 out of 5 doctors recommend Post Shredded Wheat as part of a healthy, low-sodium diet, to maintain a healthy heart, reduce the risk of heart disease, and support healthy blood pressure levels.
These recipes are a great start to adding more whole grains — and they’re so good, you might forget they are heart smart. Get more tips and heartsmart recipes at www.PostShreddedWheat.com.
APPLE CRISP
PEANUT BUTTER BARS
BANANA BREAD
SAVORY MEATLOAF
Servings 6
Total Time 65 minutes
INGREDIENTS
5 cups apple slices peeled
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar divided
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp tapioca
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups Post Original Shredded Wheat Spoon
Size Cereal finely crushed
1/4 cup margarine 1/2 stick, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Servings 16 bars
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup reduced fat peanut butter
3 cups Post Original Shredded Wheat Spoon Size Cereal coarsely crushed 3/4 cup raisins
DIRECTIONS
1. Mix sugar, honey and peanut butter in large microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until bubbly at edge; stir until well blended.
Servings 16 slices Total Time 65 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 3/4 cups flour
1 cup Post Original Shredded Wheat Spoon Size
Cereal finely crushed
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup 1 stick margarine
2 eggs
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 large bananas
2. Mix apples, 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, tapioca and cinnamon in large bowl. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. To make topping: stir crushed cereal, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and margarine in medium bowl until well blended.
4. Spread apple mixture in ungreased 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cereal topping.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until topping is browned and apples are tender when pierced with fork.
2. Stir in cereal and raisins.
3. Press firmly into 8-inch square pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into bars.
4. Store in airtight container.
Take Along Tip: After completely cooled, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap. Leave in bowl on kitchen counter for a great grab-and-go snack.
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, cereal, spice, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl; set aside.
2. Beat sugar and margarine in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs; mix well. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Blend in bananas.
3. Pour into greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes on wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely.
Special Extra: Toast the bread slices and top each with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate sorbet and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a different kind of banana split.
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 eggs
1 cup milk
2 lbs lean ground beef
3 biscuits Post Original Shredded Wheat Cereal crushed
1 can stewed tomatoes 8 ounces, undrained
1 medium onion chopped
1/4 cup green pepper chopped
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat eggs and milk in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Add remaining ingredients; mix well.
3. Shape meat mixture into oval loaf in shallow baking pan.
4. Bake 1 hour or until cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
Variation: Prepare as directed, using fat-free milk and substituting 1/2 cup cholesterol-free egg product for the eggs and 2 pounds thawed frozen ground turkey for the ground beef.
Publisher’s Note
Do you enjoy writing poetry? We have started the “Poetry Corner”. If you would like your poetry considered for publication in What’s Up? Georgian Bay, please email your poem to: vledden1@gmail.com. Thank you to all of our readers, contributors and advertisers for your continuing support.
Publisher
Victoria Ledden
March
July
OWNER/PUBLISHER/AD SALES
Victoria Ledden | 705-429-0761 | vledden1@gmail.com
AD SALES Joy Drew-Tucker
PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER Don Beaulieu DESIGN
Project 818B Marketing | kim@project818b.com
MAILING ADDRESS
2-291 Main Street, Suite 434, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 0E8
John and Nickel (his
April
JOHN ARMSTRONG, Sales Representative john@armstrongs4u.com Cell: 705-351-2767
Collingwood Office: 330 First Street Collingwood and THE ARMSTRONG TEAM! Brenda - Cell: 705-828-4571 Candy - Cell: 705-817-1007
Wasaga Beach Office: 1249 Mosley St. Wasaga Beach
NEW KITCHEN CABINETS
Refinish your existing cabinets or install new doors, hardware, sinks, counters, even add to your existing cabinetry. Showroom: 1470 Mosley St., Unit 5, Wasaga Beach 705-429-9382 info@georgiangraniteworks.ca georgiangraniteworks.ca @GeorgianGW
INDOOR MARKETS
August October
November
9:00am to 1:00pm Saturday, March 8 Saturday, April 12
OUTDOOR SUMMER MARKETS Begin May 17, 2025 Vendor Applications available online. creemorefarmersmarket.ca 705-606-9519
December
unlicensed assistant)
The Master Gardener’s Corner
March
• WOW! What a winter! Feet & feet of snow! No January or February thaw. But, it’s not all bad. When it finally melts, there will be lots of much needed moisture deep in the soil.
• To get a WHIFF OF SPRING, take in the Barrie Spring Garden & Home Show, March 8th & 9th, from 10am to 5pm at the Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery in Springwater, on Hwy 90, just west of Barrie, or east of Angus.
• After the 15th you can start tuberous begonia & caladium corms in pots, or in a tray of peat moss. Keep it moist, but not soggy.
• Plant brassicas, like kale, turnip and radish seeds plus hardy annual seeds indoors for late May planting outdoors.
• Start tomatoes, lettuce and other fast-growing vegetables from seed in late March to early April.
• Make a list of spring garden chores in the order they should be done, if you haven’t already done so.
• Order summer flowering bulbs & plants. Try www.botanus.com.
• Order or buy flower & vegetable seeds NOW for summer planting to get the best selection!
• Check, repair and sharpen your gardening tools on a snowy day.
• Apply combination dormant oil spray to fruit trees & pest-prone shrubs when above-freezing weather permits.
• Bring spring indoors. Start forcing branches of spring-flowering shrubs like Forsythia, if you can get through the snow to get at them.
• If you can find them, buy Narcissus bulbs and grow them in gravel with water for spring flowers indoors.
• Prune summer-flowering shrubs and vines late in the month.
• When the snow is finally gone from your garden beds (maybe in April) and they are still damp, but before new plant leaves emerge, buy and apply triple-19 agricultural fertilizer liberally, but only to your garden beds. It’s available now at the Midwest Co-Op on Hwy 10 south of Markdale.
• Plan to plant a few native shrubs that have berries for the birds, plus pollinator perennials for the bees and butterflies.
• When the snow finally goes, loosen up and dig-in any packed winter mulch, and press perennials that have heaved, back into place.
• Think about your garden and make a list of the perennials you could dig, divide and donate to the St. George’s Annual Plant Sale in Clarksburg, Saturday, May 24, 2025. Donate 15 or more plants and get a tax receipt for the value your plants sell for. I have 327 on my list!
• If there are any students out there who are interested in garden work after school this spring, plus during the summer months as well, please get in touch now. There are lots of jobs available.
Contact John Hethrington casacarolejohn@gmail.com
Things to do in your garden each month, taken from the Ontario Master Gardener Calendar by John Hethrington, Past President, Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. For more information, or to get your own copy of the 11” x 17” calendar of the full year’s tips for a $2 contribution to Master Gardeners, call 519-599-5846.
Jaqueline YoungHypnotist
Jaime ArmstrongComedian
Melanie Case Emcee
Appliance Maintenance
We have many household appliances in our home to aid our cooking, cleaning, washing etc. But do we take care of them regularly? Constant maintenance and cleaning is necessary for these appliances to perform continuously without breaking down. It takes time to execute the maintenance, but in the long run we benefit from it. The following list contains some tips on basic appliance care.
FRIDGE
• At least once a year clean the fridge back. Pull it out from the wall and clean under it too. For your safety unplug it from the outlet. Dust can build up after a while. Use a duster to remove dust particles, cobwebs from top, back and sides.
• After removing all the contents from the inside shelves clean it with a baking soda and water solution (1 litre warm water and 1 tablespoon baking soda).
• Dry the shelves with a dry cotton or microfibre cloth.
• To clean a stainless steel surface use 1 litre water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Use a bit of mild dishwasher soap in the water mixture to remove any harsh stains.
FREEZER
• Unplug the freezer. Use hot water to remove ice build up.
• Use the water vinegar mixture to get a spotless freezer. Dry it with a dry cloth.
• Keep your fridge and freezer odour free! Place 1 cup baking soda in a bowl and leave it on a shelf or use some charcoal granules, placing them in a container without a lid.
CONVECTION OVEN, GRILL
• It’s important to prevent grease build up on the bottom of your oven. Sprinkle some salt there. It will soak up the grease and cleaning will be much easier!
• Clean the outside of it with great care. The air intake vent is usually located at the back. If neglected it can harm the appliance performance.
• If the oven is too close to the wall/backsplash tiles it can leave grease build up there too. Regular cleaning prevents this.
• To clean hard to reach areas, use an old toothbrush. Dip it in soapy water. Scrub off the grease and grime.
• Use a vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle to remove baked-on food and grease from the glass door.
• If there are some stubborn stains soak the components overnight in white vinegar and water mixture.
WASHING MACHINE
• Monthly cleaning makes your machine performance better. To clean out soap scum and disinfect your washer put in 2 cups white vinegar and run the machine through a full cycle without any clothes or detergent.
• If your washing machine is very dirty, fill it with hot water and pour a bottle of white vinegar in it. Let the agitator run for 8-10 minutes. Turn it off and keep the solution stand overnight. Empty the basin the next day and run the machine through a complete cycle.
DRYER
• Dryers save you time, you don’t need to hang the wet clothes on the drying racks or outside. If you want to keep your dryer performing properly for a long time, take time to clean it.
• Unplug the machine. Wipe off the stubborn residue on the inner side of the drum that can cause build up.
• Clean the lint trap. A clean lint trap allows optional performance and prevents fire hazards. Open the lint trap and pull out the mesh screen. Use a brush to gently lift away all the lint. Vacuum both sides of the lint trap with a crevice tool.
• Keeping the dryer vent system clean on a regular basis is important. Vacuum the duct to remove lint build up.
• Inspect the exterior vent of the dryer, where the hot air is released into the air.
• After removing the cover of the vent, clean off the debris and gunk with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Cover the vent; push the machine to its original place. Plug in the machine. Turn on the dryer and run an empty cycle for at least 15 minutes. If the dryer operates fine you can go ahead with the laundry.
REMEMBER!
CLEAN APPLIANCES SAVE YOU MONEY. THEY PERFORM BETTER AND LAST LONGER THAN THE ONES ARE NOT LOOKED AFTER!
If you have any questions regarding this article or any other cleaning related issues, I am happy to help you.
Please contact me at: 519-938-1702 or email to: grcleaner@gmail.com
Baker - Greencleanercanada
BARRIE . WASAGA BEACH
A Heartwarming Breakfast
(Family Features) A cozy morning at home sharing a delicious breakfast – for many families, it’s a picture of perfection. Whether your brunch favourites include pastries and pancakes or fruits and French toast, enjoying a meal together is a heartwarming way to start the day.
To learn more about the campaign, visit naturesownbread.com/.
Bananas Foster French Toast
Servings 4
Total Time 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
French Toast:
4 eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 stick butter
1 loaf Nature’s Own Butterbread
Bananas Foster Sauce:
1/2 stick butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 bananas sliced lengthwise and quartered
DIRECTIONS
1. To make French toast: In mixing bowl, combine eggs, half-andhalf, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
2. On nonstick griddle or griddle pan on medium heat, melt butter.
3. Dip each bread slice into egg mixture until fully coated (two times each). Place on griddle and cook until each side is slightly brown.
4. To make bananas foster sauce: Melt butter and brown sugar together; add cinnamon. Once melted into caramel, add sliced bananas.
5. Continue spooning sauce over bananas in pan.
6. Plate French toast and spoon bananas with sauce on top of each French toast stack.
(Family Features) Begin building tiny, healthier practices into routines you already have to help make it easier to establish habits you can stick to. This concept is called “habit stacking,” and it can help you improve habits from morning to night.
Visit Heart.org/eatsmart to find more habits that contribute to heart health.
Green Tea Berry BananaSmoothies
Servings 4 1 1/2 cups
INGREDIENTS
3 cups water
8 single-serving green tea bags
16 ounces frozen mixed berries about 3 cups
2 medium bananas peeled, cut in half and frozen
1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons fresh-grated peeled gingerroot optional
2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional
2 teaspoons chia or flax seeds optional
DIRECTIONS
1. In small saucepan over high heat, bring water to boil. Remove pan from heat. Submerge tea bags. Steep 4 minutes. Discard tea bags. Let tea mixture cool 30 minutes. Pour into pitcher. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until chilled.
2. In food processor or blender, process tea, berries, bananas and yogurt until smooth. Add gingerroot and vanilla, if desired, and process until smooth. Pour into four glasses. Sprinkle with chia seeds, if desired.
Achieving Clean Drinking Water
in First Nations Communities
(NC) Clean water is essential for daily life—from cooking and drinking, to showering and bathing. But it’s also crucial for public health and community wellbeing. That’s why it’s so important that we prioritize clean drinking water on reserves.
It is people like Warren Brown, water operator of Lytton First Nation, who are ensuring their communities have safe drinking water for generations to come. Brown received the 2023 National First Nations Water Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving safe and clean drinking water in First Nations communities.
When wildfires threatened Lytton First Nation in 2021, Brown was critical to protecting his community’s water supply by staying behind—even as others evacuated to safety—to make sure the water treatment plants remained up and running. He wanted to do everything he could to keep safe and clean drinking water available when his community returned home.
“Water is everyone’s responsibility,” Brown explains. “Water professionals are some of the protectors of water and educators of future protectors. And conservation of water is needed, ensuring our water is safe from industry and natural disasters.”
Not only did Brown save the water systems in his own community, he also helped the Village of Lytton and continues to lead conversations about best practices for water services in the village. Today, he oversees 13 drinking water systems and has helped lift six long-term drinking-water advisories. He’s even developed a summer program for youth interested in becoming certified water operators.
Brown’s efforts support the work other local leaders are doing to end long-term drinking-water advisories. Since 2015, 83 per cent of these advisories have been lifted. Additionally, as of January of this year, 29 First Nations communities are working with the Government of Canada to address the 31 remaining ones.
Learn more about the plan for clean water for all at canada.ca/ water-on-reserve.
THE LONE SPACESHIP TRAVELLER
He flies over Saturn
In a tight knit pattern
Then over the moon
Mars he will be by soon
Somewhere on Earth
He knows it is half past noon
Then goes by Neptune
Admiring all the stars
Then he just barely passes over Mars
Then brings the man great joy
For his spaceship is a well kept machine
Not a magnificent toy
However he will soon land
On the south Australian sand
Then go in for the night
Near the great Australian bite
Then knowing spaceship to anyone
Is a most impressive sight
But due to exhaustion he becomes like a cadaver
For that is the life of the lone spaceship traveller
Written by Ryan P. Barnett
Poetry Corner
Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie
(Family Features) While some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations call for green beer and large gatherings, you may instead opt for a cozy evening at home with comforting foods and close friends. Whether your shamrock spirit leads you out for a local parade or you’re more of a stay-at-home leprechaun, there is one tradition all can agree on: delicious Irish food.
A hearty home-cooked meal loaded with flavour and sure to fill you with cheer, Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie is made piping hot to warm up any St. Patrick’s Day party. Full of hashbrowns, carrots, peas and beef, it’s a twist on tradition served with puff pastry topping the tasty stew. A cup of your favourite stout beer, of course, will come in handy for deglazing the skillet to ensure you enjoy every bit of beefy flavour.
Make your home a St. Patrick’s Day haven with this hearty recipe then discover more celebratory meal ideas from “Cookin’ Savvy” by visiting Culinary.net.
Servings 4
INGREDIENTS
1 pound ground beef
1 cup stout beer
3 tablespoons flour
1 can tomato puree 15 ounces
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 cup beef broth
1 bag hashbrowns with peppers and onions
28 oz
1 can carrots 14 ounces, drained
1 can peas 14 ounces, drained salt to taste pepper to taste
1 sheet puff pastry thawed
1 egg
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 400 F.
2. In large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef; drain and set aside.
3. Over medium heat, deglaze skillet with beer and whisk in flour. After thickening, whisk in tomato puree and add Worcestershire sauce. Mix in ground beef, garlic powder and beef broth. Add hashbrowns, carrots and peas. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Place puff pastry sheet on cookie sheet. Beat egg and brush over pastry. Bake 10 minutes. Place hot puff pastry on top of beef mixture and serve.
Veronica’s Flowers by the Bay
Veronica Vescio and her fur babies are celebrating their 5th year in business, as the owner and operator, of the only retail flower location here in Wasaga Beach.
Just over 5 years ago, Veronica was visiting her friend Cathy who announced she was retiring and selling her business. Leaving her surprised, Veronica began asking Cathy many questions, when? Where will you be traveling? What kind of buyer are you looking for? This conversation went on for about an hour. She looked at Cathy, without a blink of an eye, Veronica asked, “What about me?” Cathy loved the idea, and thought Veronica would be a perfect fit.
Her journey has transitioned from owning her own painting and decoration business to a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, to a florist and shop owner. Veronica brings with her experience in corporate management, business, life coach and customer service. She has contributed to the community through volunteering with the Lions Club, VCAR’s, Victims Crisis Assistance Referral Service and WSA, Wasaga Society of the Arts as a Protections Officer.
Veronica lives and works in Wasaga Beach with her fur babies Ellie and Tucker. Ellie and Tucker are regulars at Veronica’s Flowers by the Bay; Veronica’s customers love visiting her fur babies giving them lots of love.
She has transformed the flower shop and made it her own with a new look, new design, new colour and new branding. The business’s logo was created with a lot of thought and intention:
• The Lotus flower is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the lotus flower produces the most beautiful flowers.
• Blue ... colour of the sky and sea, depth, stability, symbolizes trust and loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth and heaven, beneficial to the mind and body.
• Green...colour of spring, renewal and rebirth, harmony, balance, growth, renews and restores energy and a sense of wellbeing.
Veronica’s business continues to grow with the input and expertise of her team. They are ready to create unique floral arrangements just for you or for that special someone in your life.
We are always excited to serve residents and businesses in Wasaga Beach and surrounding areas. Veronica and her team provide exceptional customer service, affordable pricing and a variety of dish gardens, fresh bouquets and more. All created and designed to suit any occasion.
We’ve created a place for healing and hope for our community, Helping our customers through their life’s journey as they celebrate all occasions; birthdays, births, anniversaries and memorials.
Drop by to meet Veronica and her team and say hello!
Let Veronica’s Flowers by the Bay be your first choice for flowers, gift ideas from local artisans for those special occasions, events or just because! Offering online, telephone and curbside orders as well home delivery and curbside pick up.
Locally owned right here in Wasaga Beach.
705-429-1112
3081 Mosley St. #1
Wasaga Beach veronicasflowersbythebay.com
jeff@gravitysunpower.ca
Danger; How Plastic is Harming Your Health
Plastic is an essential part of modern life, but its widespread use has raised serious concerns about its impact on human health. While the environmental consequences of plastic pollution are well-documented, its effects on human wellbeing are equally alarming. From production to disposal, plastic exposes humans to toxic chemicals that can have both short-term and long-term health effects.
CHEMICAL EXPOSURE FROM PLASTICS
Plastics contain a variety of harmful chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These chemicals are often used to enhance the flexibility, durability, and heat resistance of plastic products. However, they can leach into food, beverages, and even the air, leading to chronic exposure. BPA, for example, is a known endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen and has been linked to reproductive issues, obesity, and increased cancer risk. Similarly, phthalates, commonly found in packaging and personal care products, have been associated with developmental and hormonal disorders.
MICROPLASTICS AND THEIR HEALTH RISKS
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size—are an emerging health threat. These particles are now found in drinking water, seafood, and even the air we breathe (and even in snowflakes). When ingested or inhaled, microplastics can accumulate in organs and tissues, potentially leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage. Recent studies suggest that prolonged exposure to microplastics may contribute to immune system suppression and metabolic disorders. A 2019 study estimated that the average person consumes approximately 5 grams of plastic per week, (like a credit card per day!) equating to about 0.71 grams per day, and much more for individuals who drink exclusively bottled water.
PLASTIC WASTE AND AIR POLLUTION
The incineration of plastic waste releases toxic pollutants, including dioxins and furans, which are known carcinogens. Individuals living near plastic manufacturing plants or waste disposal sites are at higher risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and neurological disorders. Additionally, burning plastic contributes to air pollution, which exacerbates asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic lung conditions.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Reducing plastic exposure is crucial for human health. Individuals can take proactive steps such as opting for glass or stainless-steel containers, avoiding plastic-packaged foods, and supporting regulations that limit the production of hazardous plastics. Governments and industries must also invest in sustainable alternatives and promote plastic recycling programs to mitigate health risks.
TO SUMMARIZE:
While plastic has undeniably revolutionized various industries, its detrimental effects on human health cannot be ignored. Given the widespread presence of microplastics, ongoing research is essential to fully understand their impact on human health and to develop strategies to mitigate exposure, some as simple as installing microplastic filter on washing machines or ban plastic bottles and plastic food containers. Awareness and action are essential to minimize plasticrelated health risks and safeguard future generations from the toxic consequences of plastic pollution.
ENGAGE WITH WASAGA BEACH CLIMATE ACTION TEAM
LOCAL ACTION PRODUCES GLOBAL IMPACT
Wasagabeachclimateaction.com info@wasagabeachclimateaction.com
Submitted by Gerard Dusastre
Just Desserts
CHEESECAKE COOKIE CUPS
(Culinary.net) This Cheesecake Cookie Cups recipe is super easy and takes no time at all to put together. I promise your special someone will feel appreciated and loved that you took the time and effort to make this special dessert for them. Which in reality won’t take that much time or effort, but I won’t tell if you won’t! Now that’s what I call a super special dessert! Till next time, I will be Doin’ My Best at Cookin’ Savvy!
Servings 12 cups
INGREDIENTS
2 packages chocolate chip cookie dough 16 ounces each Whipping Cream:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream crumbled cookies for topping (optional) sprinkles for topping (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. In muffin tin, press three pieces of cookie dough into each muffin hole. Bake 15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes then use shot glass and press into each hole. Let cool another 5 minutes and place on rack to cool completely.
2. With hand mixer, mix heavy cream and sugar until it thickens then add cream cheese and powdered sugar; cream together. Spoon into cool cookie cups.
3. If desired, use piping bag and pipe a pretty edge around cup. Top with crumbled cookies or sprinkles, if desired.
MINI PECAN CHEESECAKES
(Culinary.net) Instead of assigning cake cutting duty at your next party, let dessert serve itself with these Mini Pecan Cheesecakes from “Cookin’ Savvy.” Individually wrapped for ease and convenience – or for giving as parting gifts – they’re a rich and delicious treat. Find more desserts at Culinary.net.
Servings 20 mini cheesecakes
INGREDIENTS
1 package plain round shortbread cookies
1 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 packages cream cheese 8 ounces each, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup sour cream
1 stick butter melted
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup crushed pecans
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 325 F.
2. In muffin pan, fill each hole with paper cupcake liners. Place one cookie in bottom of each cup.
3. Whisk flour and sugar. Mix in cream cheese. Using hand mixer, blend in eggs one at a time then add vanilla and sour cream. Mix until smooth then spoon on top of cookies.
4. Mix butter, brown sugar and crushed pecans. Spoon on top of cheesecake mixture.
5. Bake 25 minutes. Let cool before serving.
BOSTON CREAM PIE CREPES
Culinary.net) Turn your morning breakfast crepes into a delicious and totally satisfying dessert with creamy custard filling and decadent chocolate sauce. See more of our delicious dessert ideas.
INGREDIENTS
Filling:
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 4 egg whites
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Crepe batter:
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 4 eggs
* 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 cup flour
* 1 1/2 tsp sugar
* 1/8 tsp salt
* 8 tsp butter
DIRECTIONS
Filling:
1. Saucepan: milk, sugar, cornstarch and salt over medium heat. Stir until thickens.
2. Pour 1/3 of sugar mixture into egg whites and stir, return to saucepan and heat for 1 minute.
3. Remove saucepan from heat and pour in vanilla.
4. Transfer filling to medium bowl, cover and press plastic wrap to the top of the mixture. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.
5. Whip heavy whipping cream till stiff peaks are formed. Fold into the filling mixture. Crepe Batter:
1. Whisk milk and eggs.
2. Combine flour, sugar and salt then add to milk mixture.
3. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Coat pan with butter. Pour about 2 tbsp of batter into pan. Lift and move pan around to coat with batter.
5. Cook batter until top looks dry then flip and then transfer to plate.
Mind. Body. Spirit.
How to Implement Omega-3s in Your Diet
(BPT) - February is Heart Month, making it the perfect time to reflect on heart-healthy habits and incorporate positive changes into your daily routine. One of the easiest ways to support your heart health is by adding more Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that support brain health, heart function and overall well-being. They help reduce inflammation in the body, lower the risk of chronic diseases - and even play a role in maintaining healthy skin. Omega-3s are also known to help improve mood and reduce stress, making them a powerful addition to a balanced diet.
To get you started, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares simple and practical tips for including more Omega-3s in your daily routine.
1. PUT OMEGA-3S ON THE MENU
Omega-3s are found in fish and certain types of plant-based foods. When it comes to fish, Omega-3s are found primarily in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring and tuna. So, consider planning a fish night once or twice a week where you experiment with hearthealthy recipes like baked salmon bites on a Caesar salad or mackerel & avocado tacos. For an even quicker option, add canned tuna or sardines to salads or pasta dishes for an effortless way to boost your Omega-3 intake.
2. HARNESS THE POWER OF SMARTER SNACKING
Need a mid-day boost or evening pick-me-up? Snacks can be an easy way to incorporate Omega-3-rich foods into your day. Add snacks such as hard-boiled eggs (especially Eggland’s Best Eggs, which have double the Omega-3’s compared to ordinary eggs), walnuts, edamame and even seaweed. Dried seaweed snacks, which are often conveniently packaged, can be eaten straight from the pack or sprinkled over popcorn for a fun twist on a classic movie night treat.
Breakfast Cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes; Cook time: 10 minutes; Yield: 18
Busy mornings are about to get a whole lot easier with these Breakfast Cookies. They’re full of nutrient-dense ingredients like oats, nuts, dried fruit and eggs. The best part? You can make them ahead and grab them on your way out the door in the morning!
INGREDIENTS
2 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3. DO AN OIL CHANGE
Switching up your kitchen oils is another simple way to add more Omega-3s to your meals. Replace your usual salad dressing with an easy vinaigrette made with lemon juice and flaxseed oil or walnut oil to incorporate more Omega-3s into your diet. You can also drizzle these oils over cooked vegetables or use them as a dip for fresh bread for an added nutritional boost.
4. SNEAK IT IN
Incorporating Omega-3s doesn’t have to disrupt your favourite recipes. Ground flaxseed or chia seeds can be easily added to smoothies, pancake batter or baked goods like muffins without altering their taste or texture. Try mixing a tablespoon of either seed into recipes you already love to give your meals a subtle but powerful Omega-3 upgrade that even picky eaters won’t notice.
5.
MAKE EVERY MORNING COUNT
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s the perfect time to start incorporating Omega-3s. Trying a new recipe like these Breakfast Cookies from Eggland’s Best, which include heart-friendly ingredients like chia seeds, nuts and Eggland’s Best eggs, is an easy way to kickstart your day with essential nutrients.
Compared to ordinary eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Omega-3s, which help maintain healthy blood pressure, support blood vessel function, and promote a healthy heart, along with 25% less saturated fat to support healthy blood cholesterol levels. By implementing these tips into your day-to-day life, you can make heart health a priority this February and beyond. Small changes can have a big impact, and adding Omega-3s to your diet is a simple yet effective way to support your overall well-being.
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup dried fruit, such as raisins, blueberries, cranberries, etc.
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350F and line two cookie trays with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Whisk together coconut oil, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and almond extract in large bowl. Stir oats, all-purpose flour, almond flour, chia seeds, baking soda and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir in nuts, shredded coconut and fruit.
3. Use a 1.5 tablespoon scoop to measure dough into balls. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on prepared cookie trays.
4. Bake until cookies are set on the bottom and outside, but still look a little doughy in the middle, about 9-11 minutes, rotating
the trays once halfway through.
5. Let cookies cool on the trays for 10 minutes before removing.
6. Using these tips, you’ll be sure to benefit from including a lot more heart-healthy Omega-3s into your diet, every day.
To learn more, visit EgglandsBest.com.
Avoiding GERD
(BPT) - Some heartburn after eating a heavy meal is not uncommon. However, if you regularly experience persistent acid reflux even after returning to your normal eating habits, you may be dealing with something more serious: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What is GERD?
GERD is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, with approximately 1 in 5 adults living with this condition. Depending on the severity, GERD can cause heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty eating and drinking and damage to the esophageal lining, and may limit your social and physical activities.
There are two main types of GERD people can develop. About 30% (or roughly 20 million adults) suffer from Erosive GERD, also referred to as erosive esophagitis. Erosive GERD occurs when stomach acid damages the lining of the esophagus.
The other main type - and the largest subset of this prevalent GI disease - is Non-Erosive GERD, which affects about 45 million adults. People with Non-Erosive GERD may experience reflux-related symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation, but no acid-related damage to the esophagus.
Without effective management, uncontrolled reflux can lead to serious complications and burdensome symptoms. Lifestyle changes may help manage GERD symptoms.
The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), an organization created to inform, assist and support people affected by GI disorders, recommends these five helpful tips to manage your acid reflux and relieve heartburn during the holidays and beyond.
1. AVOID CERTAIN FOODS AND DRINKS. Not all foods cause GERD, but some foods and drinks may trigger or worsen GERD symptoms. These might include:
* High-fat foods
* Chocolate
* Peppermint
* Onions
* Citrus and tomato products
* Caffeine
* Carbonated beverages
GERD food triggers vary from person to person. Start with this list and keep a journal of other foods and drinks that exacerbate your acid reflux.
2. CHEW NON-MINT GUM. Strangely enough, non-mint gum can help manage your GERD symptoms. Chewing gum can increase saliva production and reduce the amount of acid reflux.
3. AVOID ALCOHOL. Alcohol can irritate and weaken your lower esophageal sphincter, setting off reflux symptoms. While this doesn’t happen to everyone, it may be best to pass on wine or spiked eggnog during large family feasts.
4. SIT UP DURING AND AFTER A MEAL. Don’t slump at the dinner table! While eating and after the holiday meal, sit up straight. If you can, take a short walk after dinner to encourage gastric juices to flow down instead of up.
5. AVOID EATING IMMEDIATELY BEFORE LYING DOWN. It may be tempting to take a nap after a large holiday meal. However, when you lie down, your lower esophageal sphincter has trouble preventing stomach contents from traveling up the esophagus. Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating a full meal to help avoid triggering GERD.
Talk to your doctor about effective GERD treatments
In addition to these steps you can take to help manage GERD symptoms, there are also several medication options available, including antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and a new class of treatment called potassium competitive acid blockers (PCABs). When it comes to GERD, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Talk to your doctor about what lifestyle changes and GERD medication may be right for you. To learn more about GERD and treatment options, visit aboutgerd.org.
SPRING WHEELS
(NC) Unused vehicles can be turned into cash, and there are even greater rewards if you explore your options wisely. While many people naturally consider selling their car, donating it to a reputable Canadian charity can offer you enhanced benefits and personal satisfaction.
Here are four compelling reasons to consider making a car donation today.
MIKE’S TIRES
ELIMINATING THE HASSLE
Selling your car can be stressful and time-consuming, with negotiations and paperwork adding to the hassle. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you struggle to find a buyer. Donating your car is a simple solution, as many charities streamline the process, letting you hand over your vehicle effortlessly.
TAX BENEFITS
More than a generous act, donating your car can also lead to substantial financial benefits for you. If you donate your vehicle to charity, you’ll receive a tax receipt to help reduce your taxable income.
SUSTAINABILITY
Donating your car is an environmentally friendly choice that recycles your vehicle, reduces waste, and promotes sustainability.
SUPPORTING THOSE IN NEED
You can create meaningful change and uplift those in need when you donate your car to charity, helping to create a better world for all. Your contribution can fund groundbreaking research, support essential human services or raise awareness about important issues in your community.
Learn more about donating your vehicle at kidneycar.ca.
Warm Winter Goodness
Let’s talk savvy warm winter meals for a minute. The hustle and bustle of the holidays may be over but winter is here and so are all the things that come with it: cold nights with warm comforting food and gathering with friends and family.
This one-pot soup recipe is both warm and filling. That makes it perfect for a cold snow day or a stay-at-home family night. It can also be doubled for a crowd whether you are hosting or bringing a dish to share. Now that’s what I call savvy soup goodness!
Till next time, I will be Doin’ My Best at Cookin’ Savvy!
Meatball Tortellini Soup
Servings 6
INGREDIENTS
4 cups beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes 14 ounces
16 ounces frozen meatballs
19 ounces tortellini
6 ounces frozen spinach
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, divided salt to taste
pepper to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream bread for serving
DIRECTIONS
1. In Dutch oven, pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Fill empty diced tomatoes can with water and add to pot. Stir in meatballs, tortellini and spinach. Cook over medium heat then add onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add heavy cream and cook 5 minutes.
3. Serve with bread and additional Parmesan cheese.
LINKE’S LOCAL ARTS - WE ARE CANADIAN!
With the economic uncertainty that has been created over the last few months, it has never been more crucial that we show a united front. Canadian businesses of all sizes need to show that we can weather this storm. We can start by buying Canadian products whenever possible. Canadian consumers buying Canadian first will help strengthen our economy in the long term.
One small business in Stayner, Ontario, Linke’s Local Arts, is truly Canadian at its core. Owned and operated by Artist Frieda Linke for over the last 15 years. This art business has celebrated our Canadian way of life in the amazing artwork displayed there. Her own artwork consists of many Canadian landscapes from coast to coast. Frieda has a very rich heritage, mainly British and European ancestry, with Indigenous blood as well. She takes great pride in her roots, but above all she is a proud Canadian. Frieda wears many hats; artist, business woman, art instructor and much more. She is an example of just how resilient and versatile we Canadians are. We are not just polite, we are stead fast and strong.
What’s for Dinner?
(Family Features) Hearty, comforting foods that go perfectly with cold weather may be some of your family’s favourites, but if all those filling meals are starting to (litreally) weigh you down, it’s time for a better-for-you spin.
Add a superfood to your winter menu for cold-weather dishes you can feel good about serving to your loved ones. Sweet potatoes, known as a “diabetes superfood”, are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre, all of which are good for overall health. They’re a natural sweetener for that “sweet” flavour you crave without the added sugar, making them a perfect addition to this Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole made with sweet potato puree, warm spices and ground turkey.
A healthy and easy weeknight dinner, this creative spin on a classic casserole takes advantage of sweet potatoes’ sweet, savory versatility. They enhance both flavour and nutrition content in simple and elevated recipes alike. Plus, they can be cooked and prepared in several ways, such as on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled, slow cooked or, in this case, boiled and pureed.
Visit ncsweetpotatoes.com to discover more ways to cook better-for-you family meals this winter.
Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweet potato Commission
Servings6
INGREDIENTS
1 medium sweet potato
16 ounces shell pasta or any kind of noodle
Ground Turkey:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 medium yellow onion minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon powdered mustard
Cheese Sauce:
3 tablespoons tomato puree
1/2 cup chicken broth or any kind of broth
1 cup shredded colby jack cheese plus additional for topping (optional) salt to taste
nonstick cooking spray
fresh parsley for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Peel sweet potato and chop into 1-inch cubes. Place in pot and cover with water. Bring to boil over high heat. Cook 13-15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Drain and let cool 2-3 minutes then puree in food processor or blender.
2. Bring large pot of water to boil. Add shell pasta. Cook until slightly harder than al dente as it will continue to cook in oven.
3. Strain pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside.
4. To make ground turkey: Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. When olive oil is fragrant, add ground turkey. Break turkey into small pieces. Mix in onion, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper and powdered mustard; cook 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. To make cheese sauce: Heat oven to 375 F and place sweet potato puree in blender or food processor with tomato puree, chicken broth, 1 cup shredded cheese and salt, to taste. Blend until combined and sauce is smooth.
6. Spray 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place noodles, ground turkey and sweet potato sauce in casserole dish and mix until coated in sweet potato cheese sauce. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese, if desired, and bake 15 minutes.
7. Remove, let cool 10 minutes and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Club
End to End Hike
May 24-26, 2025
Join us this spring for the Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Club 2-day or 3-day End-to-End hike event. Both hikes will wind through the beautiful and varied terrain of the Blue Mountains Club trails. Enjoy the early signs of nature awakening, the beautiful vistas and the rugged escarpment.
Whether you choose the 2-day or 3-day option, both hikes will cover the 69 km distance of our section, which runs from Lavender to Swiss Meadows. Checkpoint stations will be offered ~ every 10 km, offering snacks, water refills, and assistance. The 2-Day hike fee for members is $70 and $80 for non-members and includes bus transportation to the start point each day, refreshments, a Saturday end-of-hike BBQ, online registration fees and the E2E badge. The price for the 3-Day hike is $80 for members and $90 for non-members and includes all the same benefits of the 2-Day and the added cost of busing the extra day.
Registration opens on March 4, 2025. Once registration is received, details will be emailed to participants. Note that these are longer distances and not suitable for beginning hikers.
To register: https://hikes.brucetrail.org/ecwd_calendar/blue-mountains/
Submitted by Sarah Corrigan
My Life in Cars
Automobile wrecking yards and abandoned vehicles in farmers’ fields have always held a fascination for me. There was a time, when one could wander among rows of vehicles in scrapyards and hope to find a treasure. There was a time when one could hop a fence and rummage around old cars set aside in a field. I wouldn’t try that today!
Once upon a time, in my Barrie, Ontario, days, Laurie Commer and I pulled a 1936 Chevrolet, four-door, from a farmer’s field and got it running. That was in the early 1960s.
While working at E.J. “Zeke” Firman’s Texaco on Dunlop Street in Barrie, I worked my way through a number of used cars. One was a 1952 Meteor business coupe. I totalled it on a curved driveway at Bonabec Acres at Big Bay Point. That’s another story!
I was quite proud of my 1951 Austin A-40 with its four-cylinder engine, a stick shift and leather interior. It ended its life when an oncoming 1956 Chevrolet hit me head-on on Highway 90 near Angus during an ice-storm. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in that mishap.
Along came a 1954 Pontiac four-door with front and back bench seats as big as chesterfields. Later, I bought a 1955 Dodge station wagon, a Texas car, from David Carruthers. That was in the mid-1960s.
At another stage of my loving-automobiles life, John Eacott and I took an old coupe, with a flathead Ford V-8 in it, and raced it at a stock car track at Wasaga Beach. My car-racing days were very short-lived, but John went on to win some checkered flags at the Barrie Speedway back in the 1960s along with my good friend Don Wardle who became a repeat-champion there.
Years ago, on St. Vincent Street North in Barrie, one of my friends, Peter Murdock, and I delighted in wandering around some old cars that were left to rust in a farmer’s field. We took photographs of each other in such cars as a 1930s Hudson Essex. I photographed a 1936 LaSalle roadster from every angle.
A few years later, David Hill, who once owned Hill’s Second-Hand store in Barrie, took that roadster and restored it. I was able to assist him by giving him my photographs so that he could see how some things, such as convertible
bows, fit together.
I went off to hitch-hike in Europe in 1967 and never had another car until I was back in Canada, married to Nancy, and we bought our first brand-new car, a 1970 Toyota Corona. It replaced a 1969 BSA motorcycle! Nancy learned to drive that four-on-the-floor Toyota and almost hit a deer on the 10th Concession of Oro Township during her first lesson!
We had a variety of vehicles after that from a 1973 Dodge Swinger, powered by a V-8, to a 1988 Bronco which I traded to somebody for a case of beer and a 12-volt battery. That Bronco had to come off the road at 285,000 miles. Later, we had a 1990 Oldsmobile and a 1994 Chrysler Intrepid. The latter was sleek and went like stink!
In 2002 we bought a new Honda Civic, the best little car we ever had. It had more than 200,000 kilometres on it by October 2015 when a distracted driver, cellphone in hand, rear-ended us when we were stopped at a traffic light in Barrie. It was a shock to find out how much another vehicle would cost us and how depreciation had dropped the value of the Honda. That distracted driver, whom I describe as a “traffic terrorist”, robbed us of a perfectlygood vehicle.
Sadden by the loss of our Honda, we were happy once again when we found a used 2009 Equinox at LaFreniere Motors in Stayner. The Equinox had 49,000 kilometres on it and had been owned by somebody from Ottawa. They had taken care of it and we continued to do so with regular service at Kells Service Centre in Collingwood.
Then came the sad news that forced me to take the Equinox, now with 210,874 kilometres on it, to the wreckers. We knew the end of the road was coming for the Equinox, because the terrific service folks at Kells had warned us that the frame of this General Motors product was rusting. They warned me that someday, the rust would be too much and the car would have to come off the road.
Last January, doomsday came for the Equinox. The guys at Kells showed me how bad the rust was while our maroon-coloured auto-friend was on a hoist. Too bad, really, because the car
was running beautifully and the exterior did not hint that, underneath, the car was rotting. I’m sure there are excellent auto-wrecking firms in Collingwood and district but I did not call around to see who could give me what price. I just called Huronia Auto Wreckers and Recycling on the Beachwood Road and asked what they would give me for the 2009 Equinox. I could drive it to their doorstep, I promised, and asked if the price they offered me would allow me to keep the 12-volt battery.
Every business should have a telephone receptionist, such as Joanna Lane, answering their telephones. She was friendly, professional and to the point. She told me the price and, yes, I could keep the 12-volt battery. (I have a solar project in mind!)
I contemplated keeping the Equinox and using it in the next demolition derby at the Great Northern Exhibition in Clearview Township. That idea brought raised eyebrows from family members and I put it on the proverbial backburner.
It was a snowy day, with sub-zero temperatures when the Equinox started like a charm in our driveway. I drove it to Huronia Auto Wreckers after loosening off the battery-terminal connectors to make it easy to remove the battery. The Equinox had 210,874 kilometres on it when I shut it off and walked away to turn in the ownership to Joanna Lane. While I was doing that, a Huronia Auto Wreckers’ employee drove the car into the scrapyard area, then brought me back my battery. Thanks!
Joanna told me that the first thing they do after taking in a vehicle is to empty the oil and other fluids. There are strict environmental rules that they follow.
I wondered if Huronia Auto Wreckers takes in used boats, for example sailboats. No, said Joanna, pointing out that one company, Mike’s Auto and Salvage near Vasey, Ontario, does. Closing the door on my Equinox ownership, I realized that it is only the second vehicle I have ever taken to an auto-wreckers. My Austin A-40 was the first. Our write-off Honda Civic went to an insurance company and probably a scrapyard after that.
Now, we are driving a low-mileage 2017 Honda CRV. It’s a lovely car that almost got sideswiped recently when some driver suddenly backed out of an angled parking spot on Hurontario Street in Downtown Collingwood. I swerved sharply to the left to avoid the rear-end of that reversing car, then sharply to the right to avoid an oncoming snowplow!
Phew! Close call!
Submitted by George Czerny-Holownia of Collingwood.
The author, George Czerny-Holownia, in the early 1960’s.
A stock car, at the end of its life, which the late John Eacott and I raced at Wasaga Beach Speedway. Ah, those were the days... up to one’s axles in sand if you went off the paved, oval track.
BLOOM BUDDING
CROCUS
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
GREEN
GROWTH
IRISH
LEPRECHAUN
MARCH
MARCH BREAK
MUDDY
OPTIMISM
PUDDLES
RAINBOW
RAINCOAT
RESILIENCE
SHOWERS
SPRING TULIPS
6 Actions to Help Avoid Money Mistakes
(NC) According to recent research, while three-quarters of Canadians say they have strong financial habits, many are still making money mistakes that could be impacting their financial wellbeing. These actions range from not setting financial goals to not keeping track of expenses. The research also uncovered that many Canadians feel they lack the time or knowledge to make good financial habits stick.
Want to avoid money mistakes and build stronger financial habits? Here are six actions to help get you started.
SET GOALS AND CREATE A PLAN: Knowing what you want to achieve and creating a plan is an important step in making new financial habits stick. It allows you to see where you are financially and identify the habits you will need to create, and stick to, in order to reach your goals.
MAKE A BUDGET AND TRACK YOUR SPENDING: These are two important habits that can improve your financial wellbeing. Start by looking at your spending habits and then create a budget that aligns with your monthly earnings. Make sure to capture all expenses, big and small, and to review your budget regularly to ensure you are staying on track.
MONITOR YOUR CASH FLOW: Knowing and staying on top of your cash flow is an important step to not only ensure you have enough money to cover your expenses today, but to make long-term planning easier by identifying how much money you have to put towards savings and investing goals. It can also help you determine if you need to tighten up your spending.
SAVE AND INVEST WHEN AND WHAT YOU CAN: With everyday expenses adding up, it can sometimes seem impossible to find money to save or invest. A common misconception is that it takes a lot of money get started or make a difference. In reality, finding even a small amount of money to put away can add up over time. The most important thing is to just get started.
CHIP AWAY AT DEBT: Knowing how much debt you have is a good first step. Make a list of all your current debts, along with interest rates, then look at your budget to see how much you can put towards paying off your debts. While there are many approaches you can take, one strategy is to focus on your highest-interest debt first.
GET EXPERT ADVICE AND USE TOOLS THAT CAN HELP: Get expert advice and use tools to help you keep your financial habits on track. For example, digital tools like RBC’s NOMI, which provides a suite of capabilities that use artificial intelligence to help Canadians manage their money, can help remove some of the barriers and friction that can come with creating better financial habits.
Find more tips to help you navigate creating better financial habits at rbc.com/nomi.
5 Tips for Teaching Your Kids About Money
(NC) Many parents today believe their children will face greater financial challenges in life than they did, especially when it comes to achieving major milestones like buying a home or retiring. One way to help set your kids up for success is by talking about money and teaching them good financial habits early.
“By fostering an open dialogue about finances, parents are not just teaching their kids about saving and budgeting, they’re helping them to build a more secure financial future,” explains Emily Ross, vice president of everyday advice at TD.
Here are some tips to get started:
1. CREATE AGE-SPECIFIC FINANCE GOALS. Tweens and teens can work towards a bigger purchase, like a new laptop or special activity. Younger kids can save birthday money for a toy or learn about saving money at the grocery store by comparing prices of items.
2. PROVIDE AN ALLOWANCE. Consider starting with a small amount, and chat with parents who have kids of a similar age to see what they’re giving. You can consider connecting the allowance to completing chores like setting the table or vacuuming.
3. TAKE YOUR CHILD ALONG ON BANK VISITS. If you’re looking to start your child’s saving journey or have a teen who’s ready to take the next step towards their financial goals, you can speak with a personal banker at your branch.
4. CHECK OUT ONLINE RESOURCES. There are online resources and games that can help build financial litreacy at home for kids as young as three years old up until the age of 18.
5. DEVELOP A BUDGET TOGETHER. Look for money management tools. For example,TD has MySpend, which can help teenagers who have a debit or credit card account create a budget and work towards their saving goals.
