Feb. 9, 2009 - Canadians show 'alarming' lack of awareness on fire safety

Canadians show 'alarming' lack of awareness on fire safety

(NC)-'Fire Prevention Week' kicks off in Canada during October and not a second too soon for the majority of Canadians who need to start doing their homework when it comes to improving fire safety at home, according to a new survey.

The seventh annual Duracell Fire Safety Survey reveals that a whopping 77% of Canadians admitted they failed to practice a home fire drill in the past year. Worse, one in four Canadians admitted to not changing home smoke alarm batteries at least once in the past year as recommended by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), rendering the critical first line of defense in home fire safety useless.

With Oct. 5 - 11 marking 2008 Fire Prevention Week in Canada, Duracell and the CAFC are urging Canadians to improve their fire safety awareness, particularly as it relates to keeping home alarms in proper working order.

"A working smoke alarm is a key step in fire safety preparedness and Canadians need to be more dedicated to maximizing safety in their own homes," said Pat Burke, president of the CAFC, Duracell's partner in the 2008 national fire safety survey.

The CAFC and Duracell are advising Canadians to get into the habit of refreshing alarm batteries at least once a year and they suggest that an easy way to remember is to do so when resetting clocks every fall.

This year, as the CAFC marks its 100th anniversary, Canada's fire chiefs are partnering with Duracell and Canadian Tire Stores to name Canada's Junior Fire Chief. The contest gives Canadian boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years the chance to win a trip Ottawa to spend a day with the city's fire chief. Details on the contest are available online at www.juniorfirechief.ca.

The seventh annual Duracell Fire Safety Survey was conducted by Omnitel, a division of Acrobat Research, between May 8 and May 11, 2008 and involved a sampling of 1,000 Canadians. More information is available online at www.duracell.com/ca/firesafety.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Feb. 4, 2009 - Low Rates Mean It's Time to Re-Finance!

low mortgage rates, refinance, for sale, real estate, chris newell

Refinancing to Take Advantage of Lower Rates

With interest rates falling as of late, refinancing your existing mortgage and switching to a lower rate may save you a lot of money – possibly thousands of dollars per year. Imagine what you could do with the savings – anything from renovating or investing to going on a much-needed vacation or putting money towards your children’s education. Perhaps your home is financed through a first and second mortgage. If so, reviewing your options to combine the two could also result in having more money left over at the end of each month. With the high cost of holiday gift-buying and entertaining now behind you, this may also be the perfect time to get 2009 off to a fresh start by refinancing your mortgage and freeing up some money to pay off high-interest credit card debt. With access to more money, you will be better able to manage your debt. By refinancing now and paying off your debt, you can put yourself and your family in a better financial position. It’s very important to not rack up your credit cards after refinancing, however, so set your goals and budgets, and stick to them. There are penalties for paying out your existing mortgage loan prior to renewal, but these may be offset by the extra money you could acquire through a refinance. Also keep in mind that by refinancing you may extend the time it will take to pay off your mortgage. That said, there are many ways to pay down your mortgage sooner to save you thousands of dollars. Most mortgage products, for instance, include prepayment privileges that enable you to pay up to 20% of the principal (the true value of your mortgage minus the interest payments) per calendar year. This will also help reduce your amortization period (the length of your mortgage), which, in turn, saves you money. You can also change the way you make your payments by opting for accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments. Not to be confused with semi-monthly mortgage payments (24 payments per year), accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments (26 payments per year) will not only pay your mortgage off quicker, but it’s guaranteed to save you a significant amount of money over the term of your mortgage. If, for instance, you have a $100,000 mortgage, an interest rate of 5% and an amortization period of 25 years, your monthly mortgage payment would be $581.60 and your total payments for a year would be $6,979.20 ($581.60 x 12). To understand the savings accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments can make, take the monthly mortgage payment of $581.60 and divide it by two ($581.60 ÷ 2 = $290.80).  Next, take that payment and multiple it by 26 to arrive at your total payments for the year ($290.80 x 26 = $7,560.80). As you can see, by using the monthly mortgage payment plan, you’ve made payments totalling $6,979.20 for the year, while using the accelerated bi-weekly mortgage plan you’ve made payments totalling $7,560.80 – a difference of $581.60.  Basically, with accelerated bi-weekly mortgage payments, you’re making one additional monthly payment per year. Using this example, you would reduce the amortization on your $100,000 mortgage from 25 years to just over 21 years and your total savings on interest over the life of the mortgage would be just over $12,000. As always, if you want to talk about your refinancing options, I’m here to help.

Feb. 4, 2009 - Quartz Tops Granite In Countertops

Countertop trends: Quartz tops Granite as strongest rock in consumer reports

(NC)-Consumers in the market for a premium countertop surface are discovering early in their search that quartz, and not granite, has become the highest rated and most popular option available.

That's because quartz countertops have emerged as the new worry-free, elegant alternative to high-maintenance granite for architects, designers and homeowners alike. They're stronger than granite, require no resealing, are highly resistant to scratches and stains, and come in a huge variety of colours.

In fact, Consumer Reports Magazine rated quartz as the top performer among countertop materials such as granite, ceramic tile, stainless steel, laminate, marble, limestone and concrete when it came to resisting prime kitchen hazards such as stains, heat and scratches.

According to the recent Freedonia Group Report on countertop industry trends, there has been a definite shift in the marketplace over the last few years as quartz has become the fastest growing market segment in the industry with 13 per cent growth compared to granite's five per cent.

Quartz surfaces are growing in popularity because they have the appearance of natural stone, but unlike granite, these surfaces never need to be sealed. Quartz is a nonporous material, which means it will not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. This is why leading brands such as HanStone Quartz surfaces are certified NSF 51 (with the National Sanitation Foundation).

"HanStone quartz countertops have an aesthetic that can emulate the look of granite, but are also available in unique colours and surface effects not found in natural stone," explained Mark Hanna, President of Montreal-based Leeza Distribution Inc., one of North America's leading distributors of HanStone Fine Quartz Surfaces (leezadistribution.com). "The benefit of quartz is that it doesn't have any of the drawbacks associated with materials such as granite."

What is quartz?

Quartz is silicon dioxide and it occurs as individual crystals and fine-grained masses in a large variety of forms, patterns, and colours. It is naturally hard and scratch resistant.

Most quartz countertops are manufactured with up to 93 percent quartz mixed with pigments and resins. This prescribed mixture results in a product that is non-porous, exceedingly durable, and more than twice as strong as granite.

The top rated quartz surface in the industry by designers, architects and developers a like is HanStone, because it contains a higher quartz content than the norm and includes clear and multiple quartz colours, bringing greater depth, dimension and style to its surfaces.

HanStone is also accredited with Greenguard environmental certification for low emitting products. The Greenguard certification is becoming an important requirement for consumers looking for premium countertops following recent news reports that the Environmental Protection Agency has been receiving increasing calls from radon inspectors and concerned homeowners about granite countertops emitting dangerous levels of radon and radiation. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

As a result more and more consumers are looking for healthier options for their countertops such as HanStone for its Greenguard certification to ensure their countertops emit low to no emissions of toxic chemicals into their home environment.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Jan. 31, 2009 - Beware of Invisible Hazards Lurking In Your Home

Beware of Invisible Hazards Lurking In Your Home

(NC)—When you hear the word pollution usually the first picture that comes to mind are large clouds of smoke billowing from factory smoke stacks or a line of countless vehicles spewing exhaust fumes. In fact, the majority of people still blame poor indoor air quality on outdoor air pollution. But this is simply not true.

Did you know that outdoor air pollution only counts for a fraction of indoor air pollution? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of the average home can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Invisible pollutants produced by common household substances, plus dust and excess humidity that get trapped in today's houses, can increase your risk of chronic respiratory illness and your home's risk of serious structural damage.

Today's well-insulated homes often lack the ability to "breathe" freely. Trapped, stale air and excess humidity can lead to mold build-up, unpleasant odors, condensation on windows, and even structural damage to your home.

Pervasive irritants such as dust, dust mites, cigarette smoke and other pollutants commonly found in household air may increase the risk of chronic respiratory illness, allergies, sinusitis, frequent headaches, coughing and asthma.

According to the Canadian Lung Association the most effective ways to control humidity and remove excess moisture and pollution levels from your home, apart from source control, are ventilation and filtration of circulating air.

The air exchanger manufactured by Venmar Ventilation is the first system to offer a unit that integrates heat recovery ventilation technology with HEPA filtration at an affordable price.

"With our system you can get the best of both worlds," says Gagnon. "It works to provide fresh air through ventilation and at the same time ensures the best indoor air quality by trapping airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander mold and bacteria through its HEPA filter with antimicrobial protection. The HEPA filter traps and removes up to 99.97% of airborne allergens and assists in distributing fresh air throughout the home." More information on the benefits of ventilation is available at www.venmar.ca.

- News Canada

Jan. 28, 2009 - Reduce Carbon Footprint in 2009

Resolved to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint in 2009? Think Packaging


(ARA) – You conserved energy in 2007 by installing programmable thermostats in your home. In 2008, you replaced your home’s incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights. If you’re wondering what you can do in 2009 to further reduce your carbon footprint, just take a look at product packaging.

Americans generated 60 billion pounds of plastic waste in 2006, and recycled just 7 percent of it. Despite our noble efforts, Americans still recycle less than we should. Every day, one landfill closes somewhere in the United States, so reducing the amount of materials that need to be disposed of is a critical part of environmental efforts.

From milk cartons and cereal boxes to household cleaner bottles, the packaging we use in our daily lives generates a lot of waste. In 2009, consider focusing your eco-friendly efforts on reducing the amount of packaging you and your family use and – ultimately – dispose of. Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you visit the grocery store.

Household Cleaners

Traditional cleaners may become passé as more people opt for natural products over harsh chemicals. Even if you are using natural cleaners, however, you can still do more for the environment -- by choosing products that come in environmentally sensible packaging.

Some cleaning product manufacturers, like Arm & Hammer, are offering ways to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging. The company’s new Essentials Cleaners use plant-based cleaners (with other biodegradable ingredients) with a twist -- the “starter kit” includes an empty, reusable trigger-spray bottle and a cartridge of cleaner concentrate. Consumers fill the bottle with tap water, twist in the cartridge and are ready to clean. When they run out, they purchase a refill cartridge and reuse the same bottle.

The bottles can be reused, extending the usable life of the packaging -- and keeping them out of the waste stream. The refill cartridges are also smaller and lighter than a full bottle of traditional cleaner, so it’s less costly to manufacture and transport them, reducing fuel expenditure and carbon emissions.  The two-pack refill cartridge system uses 80 percent less packaging than two traditional 32-ounce cleaners.

“Plastic from household cleaners and containers can generate more waste than many people suspect- 28 billion pounds in 2006 alone,” says David Bach, eight-time national bestselling financial author and green lifestyle expert who wrote “Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth (and Get Rich Trying).”  “Furthermore, people don’t think about recycling their cleaning products, meaning that most end up in landfills.  Reducing packaging reduces the volume of plastic entering the waste stream.”

Cosmetics Industry

Much of the packaging used by the cosmetics industry is plastic and most of that does not get recycled -- from lipstick tubes to eye shadow compacts. Just as consumer demand for cruelty-free products drove the industry to find alternatives to animal testing, cosmetics manufacturers are now offering more environmentally sensible packaging options.

For example, one company has introduced a lipstick tube made of a biodegradable polymer of organic sugars and oils. Other companies are using recycled materials to manufacture packaging or are designing their packaging with easily recyclable materials like aluminum. Some manufacturers are even offering products like eye shadow in reusable compacts -- when the eye shadow is empty, consumers simply dispose of the cartridge and refill the compact with a new one.

Bottled Water

Many bottled water drinkers imbibe in packaged water for their health – bottled water is perceived as clean, healthy and convenient. But until recently, the industry also produced vast quantities of plastic bottles that never made it to recycling bins.

Bottled water manufacturers are trying to turn those numbers around, introducing compactable bottles designed to crumple easily, which makes it easier to recycle them after use. Some companies have also begun making bottles from recycled material. Others market reusable bottles that consumers can fill on their own by purchasing larger sizes of bottled water and filling the smaller, more portable bottles as needed.

Packaging Pointers

Consumers needn’t simply wait for companies to improve their packaging process, however. There are plenty of ways environmentally conscious Americans can help reduce packaging’s impact on the environment, including:

* Shop for items with packaging that clearly states it is made wholly or in part from recycled materials.

* Avoid buying products in packaging that is not recyclable. You can check to be sure a bottle or other packaging is recyclable by looking for the recycling code – usually located on the bottom of the package.

* Choose to do business with companies that minimize packaging. For example, large wholesale club stores may not provide bags because it saves them money, but they’re also helping the environment by curbing packaging.

* Let eco-friendly businesses know you appreciate their efforts, and voice your concerns to those that fall short in the area of environmental responsibility.

* Choose products that have made an effort to improve their packaging and supply chain. Transporting goods through lower-impact transportation options, like railways and barges, produces less pollution than other alternatives such as trucking or air transport.

* Look for companies and brands that have an established history of environmental and social responsibility.

To learn more about Arm & Hammer Essentials, visit www.armandhammeressentials.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Jan. 27, 2009 - Canadian Budget Highlights

Relief for home buyers and renovators

. . . . . .The other major pieces of tax relief are addressed at prospective and existing home buyers. The budget is raising the amount that first-time home buyers can withdraw from an RRSP to $25,000 from the previous $20,000. And first-time home buyers will also benefit from a new non-refundable tax credit of $5,000 for qualified homes that close after January 27, 2009. That $5,000 equates to $750 in tax savings, Ms. O'Hagan calculates.

Those who already homes will benefit from a temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC), worth 15% on home renovation projects between $1,000 and $10,000. O'Hagan says this is worth up to $1,350 on a $10,000 project, which is 15% of $9,000. Note that this is a short-term stimulus that applies on work performed or goods acquired after Budget Day and before Feb. 1, 2010. It's a non-refundable tax credit, which means it can reduce taxes payable but there is no refund if your taxes are reduced below zero.

According to the radio commentary, new sod and landscaping also are covered in this HRTC!

Jan. 24, 2009 - Top Ten 2009 Gardening Trends

Top Ten 2009 Gardening Trends






(ARA) – Americans craving authenticity and fretting over a bleak economy have reinvigorated the trend to grow-it-yourself (GIY). From blueberries to houseplants, GIY is the new mantra as folks turn "back to the future" to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.

"It’s a resurgence of gardening for the greater good -- for the earth and our wallets," says Susan McCoy, trend spotter and president of the Garden Media Group (GMG). "The most exciting movement seems to be that gardening is popular again, particularly among younger homeowners," she adds.

GMG’s gardening trends for 2009 reveal a resurgence in perennials, growing native plants, creating "blended" gardens using vegetables and herbs in flower beds, cultivating with best practices, planting to attract wildlife and going local.

"The urgent commitment to environmental sustainability and the basic desire to make our homes our havens is reflected in all gardening trends for 2009," predicts McCoy.

What’s in: Eco-boosting
What’s out: Conspicuous consumption
One simple way to be an eco-booster is to create natural habitats for wildlife with native plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies. Look for eco-friendly plants like the line of native plants from American Beauties (www.ABNativeplants.com) or the Knock Out family of roses (www.TheKnockoutRose.com), which are drought- and disease-resistant, and require little care or chemicals. Go organic with peat-free soil from The Organic Mechanics Soil Company (www.OrganicMechanicSoil.com) that supports sustainable practices and feeds plants from the soil up.

What’s in: Grow-it-Yourself (GIY)
What’s out: Having someone do it all for you
Tranquil moments may be few but the recent rise in gardening reconnects us with nature, family and friends as we share our bounty. With the increase in demand for year-round fresh fruits and vegetables, local farmers markets are seeing an upsurge in business, community gardens have waiting lists, and plant swaps are on the rise.

What’s in: Blended gardens
What’s out: Segregated gardens
Plant mint and fragrant thyme varietals in between cracks of stone pathways and grow strawberries for a delightful edible groundcover around trees. Fruit-bearing shrubs and trees provide color, privacy and fruitful bounty mingling among veggies and perennials. Garden centers are reporting an increase in demand for fruit-bearing shrubs like blueberries and raspberries as ornamentals. Briggs Nursery (www.BriggsNursery.com) is introducing the first-ever pink blueberry, "Pink Lemonade."

What’s in: Locavore
What’s out: Big carbon footprint
Buying local is all the rage. Gardeners are aware of their role as naturalists and conservationists, and are looking for native plants that thrive in their own backyards. “Native plant cultivars are selected to perform better in specific areas under local conditions,” says Steve Castorani, from American Beauties Native Plants. “When you select a plant that is native to the local area, it will thrive with little to no water, fertilizer or effort.”

What’s in: Water
What’s out: Water
For the first time, water is in and out. Whether bringing in fountains, endless waterfalls, or fish ponds, the soothing sounds of water can turn any backyard into a private oasis. Costa Farms (www.CostaFarms.com) offers plants that drink responsibly like succulents, cactus, yucca and ferns, which are easy, conserve water, and add sizzle to your landscape. The Knock Out family of roses, from bright red to sunny yellow, is drought-resistant.

"Water features such as fountains are showing up not only in the garden but on tabletops, and sometimes more than one in the garden," says Jon Carloftis, a renowned garden designer. He likes the classic and contemporary options from Campania International (www.CampaniaInternational.com) to bring the sight and sound of water into gardens without a lot of fuss or maintenance.

What’s in: Outside inside
What’s out: Outside only  
From bean sprouts on kitchen countertops to green walls laden with herbs and micro-greens, plants are decorating spaces as "art- in-motion." Tropical plants like bromeliads and orchids create instant beauty and give a boost of oxygen and clean the air.

"It’s easy to expand your home’s boundaries and add indoor charm to your patio, deck and garden using great indoor plants like ferns and palms. And ornamentals continue to be fashionistas beautifying containers, landscapes, mixed or mass planted," McCoy adds.

What’s in: Info lust
What’s out: Lack of knowledge
Lack of time and knowledge have been primary reasons people hesitate to garden. Not anymore. Novices and experienced gardeners hungry for inspiration, information, and instruction are packing master garden classes for instruction and gardening "how-to" tips. Gardeners are gobbling up information from friends, classes and workshops, local garden media, magazines, and the Internet and sharing their success stories with bloggers and friends

What’s in: Quick and simple
What’s out: Over-the-top and complicated
As time-starved consumers try to juggle busy schedules most seek quick and simple solutions to meet their gardening needs. Containers are no longer a trend but a garden staple in large and small spaces.

Select natural materials like cast stone and terra cotta containers and accessories that are perfect eco-friendly accents. "Big and bold is ‘in’ and square is the new round," says Peter Cilio, creative director for Campania International.

What’s in: Global colors
What’s out: Safe colors
The 2009 color forecasters predict a funky mix of colors that reflect a jambalaya of world cultures. Today’s main color influencers are our global connectivity, cultural unity, and environmental responsibility.

"Colors are bold, crazy, exaggerated, and in-your-face, almost like pop-art, and reflect a playful spirit in the face of world events," says Donna Dorian, former style editor of Garden Design Magazine.

Be uber-trendy with anything red this spring from the Carefree Spirit shrub rose and true red rhododendron "Trocadero" to tropical red Sun Parasol Crimson mandevilla.

What’s in: Worldly
What’s out: Cookie-cutter
Americans have embraced the world bazaar of vibrant colors, textures, sights and sounds. Asian, African, Indian, and Mid-Eastern influences are showing up in patterns, textures and colors.

"As we travel more, we tend to bring more of our memories home -- creating escapist retreats," says John Kinsella, brand director for terrain (www.terrainathome.com).  

For a complete look at the GMG 2009 Garden Trends, visit www.GardenMediaGroup.com or subscribe to www.GardenPlot.Blogspot.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Jan. 21, 2009 - Decorating Trends & Influences for 2009

Decorating Trends for 2009: Economy, Nature and Fashion Influences


(ARA) - What’s in store for home decorating in 2009? No matter what your taste, you’ll find a hue in the 2009 forecast of popular paint colors to suit your style. Since the average consumer spends two to three months planning a painting project, now is the ideal time to review your options, see what’s predicted to be popular and choose that perfect color.

Color Influencers
Looking to 2009, color experts are seeing three top drivers of color trends -- the economy, nature and fashion.

“It’s not surprising that the primary driver of our 2009 color forecast is the economy,” says Donna Schroeder, Dutch Boy color marketing and design manager. "During an economic slowdown, consumers traditionally become more conservative when decorating, oftentimes shifting to neutral colors when painting. However, even with the slower economy, we still expect to see the use of brighter paint colors as accents to the always-popular neutrals."

In addition to the economy’s influence on consumer color choices, the mainstreaming of the green movement is creating a renewed consciousness and sensitivity to the environment. The focus on bringing the outdoors into the home has once again made its way into the color forecast. The desire to incorporate basic elements of nature into interior design is still very prevalent.

In contrast to the two more serious drivers, the economy and nature, consumers still want to have fun when decorating their homes. So, many of the bolder and brighter clothing and fashion accessory colors seen on the fashion runways and in retail outlets are also reflected in the forecast.

2009 Color Forecast
All of the colors in this year’s forecast can be found within Dutch Boy’s Color Simplicity System. The five color themes for 2009 are:

Handmade
Look to this color palette to bring a personal homemade sensibility to your decor. Simple patterns and authentic colors are reflected in the desire to simplify, conserve and repurpose.  Colors in this palette include: Dried Stem, Beloved, Sidewalk Square, Mandarin Cove, Tulip Stem, Creamy Camel, Bull Frog and Espresso Latte.

Honest
Clean, natural colors capture the essence of ecology and preservation while the honest simplicity and sustainable sensitivity complement today’s contemporary styles. Colors reflect a raw, pure and organic feel.  Colors in the Honest palette include: Remember the Alamo, Western Cactus, Berber Carpet, Northern Climb, Not So Neutral, Sea Monster, Route 66 and Twisted Knot.

Dream
Conjuring up images of mystery and fantasy, the soft, floral-inspired colors found in this palette give an enchanting aura to any home. Feelings of whimsy and magic abound in these colors. Colors in the Dream palette include: Amethyst Gem, Purple Ash, Clover Bed, Concrete Thought, Beautiful, Flip-Flop, Pink Satin and Forest Hill.

Ancestry
Connecting with roots and heritage, the Ancestry trend palette lets you embrace your culture with a variety of warm colors that are anchored to a vibrant, global community. Colors in the Ancestry palette include: Infinity Pool, Young Sprout, Fresh Linen, Bronze Beauty, Mount Royale, Classic Red, Carmel and Distinguished Navy.

Construct
Bold and simple, linear and structured, these colors enhance a home’s architectural features and add a sense of Euro-modern geometry and order to any room. Colors in the Construct palette include: Dried Thyme, Sullen Mist, Rocket Red, Founding Father, Guess Hue, Laguna Blue, Pumpkin Stem and Empire State.

For more information about how to choose the perfect color, please visit www.dutchboy.com, or call (800) 828-5669.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Jan. 21, 2009 - Bank of Canada Drops Rate to 1%; Banks to Follow Suit!

Bank of Canada lowers overnight rate target by 1/2 percentage point to 1 per cent

OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada today announced that it is lowering its target for the overnight rate by one-half of a percentage point to 1 per cent. The operating band for the overnight rate is correspondingly lowered, and the Bank Rate is now 1 1/4 per cent.

The outlook for the global economy has deteriorated since the Bank's December interest rate announcement, with the intensifying financial crisis spilling over into real economic activity. Heightened uncertainty is undermining business and household confidence worldwide and further eroding domestic demand. Major advanced economies, including Canada's, are now in recession and emerging-market economies are increasingly affected. Energy prices have fallen as a result of substantially weaker global demand.

Stabilization of the global financial system is a precondition for economic recovery. To that end, governments and central banks are taking bold and concerted policy actions. There are signs that these extraordinary measures are starting to gain traction, although it will take some time for financial conditions to normalize. In addition, considerable monetary and fiscal policy stimulus is being provided worldwide.

Canadian exports are down sharply, and domestic demand is shrinking as a result of declines in real income, household wealth, and consumer and business confidence. Canada's economy is projected to contract through mid-2009, with real GDP dropping by 1.2 per cent this year on an annual average basis. As policy actions begin to take hold in Canada and globally, and with support from the past depreciation of the Canadian dollar, real GDP is expected to rebound, growing by 3.8 per cent in 2010.

A wider output gap through 2009 and modest decreases in housing prices should cause core CPI inflation to ease, bottoming at 1.1 per cent in the fourth quarter. Total CPI inflation is expected to dip below zero for two quarters in 2009, reflecting year-on-year drops in energy prices. With inflation expectations well-anchored, total and core inflation should return to the 2 per cent target in the first half of 2011 as the economy returns to potential.

Against this background, the Bank today lowered its policy rate by 50 basis points, bringing the cumulative monetary policy easing to 350 basis points since December 2007. Guided by Canada's inflation-targeting framework, the Bank will continue to monitor carefully economic and financial developments in judging to what extent further monetary stimulus will be required to achieve the 2 per cent target over the medium term. Low, stable, and predictable inflation is the best contribution monetary policy can make to long-term economic growth and financial stability.

Information note:

A full update of the Bank's outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, will be published in the Monetary Policy Report Update on 22 January 2009. The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is 3 March 2009.

Jan. 19, 2009 - Valentines on a Budget?

Valentine’s Day Luxury for Less


(ARA) – Valentine’s Day inspires some of the most expensive and luxurious gifts. But in an economic downturn, what do you do when you have champagne taste, but a beer budget?

Luxurious doesn’t necessarily mean expensive and with some creativity you can give lavish gifts on a limited budget. Some of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts are jewelry, gourmet food and personal indulgences and all of them can fit into a small budget.

A Toast to Love:
Many couples pop the cork on a celebratory bottle of champagne, but a bottle of the real French spirit can run you a costly $40 to $120 or more. Instead, look for domestic sparkling whites or an Italian Prosecco, an inexpensive, crisp sparkling white wine.

Gourmet Chocolates:
A heart-shaped box filled with chocolate is almost cliche. When it comes to chocolate, it’s quality, not quantity, that counts. A small box of gourmet chocolates in trendy flavors like curry, cardamom, black pepper, red wine and goat cheese will make much more of an impact than a big box of boring generic chocolates with mystery filling. If you’d like to try something different, try a small tin of caramels with sea salt.

Jewelry:
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but a piece of classic and stunning pearl jewelry for Valentine’s Day is an affordable, unexpected and appreciated surprise. Freshwater pearl earrings or bracelets give a high-end look for a budget price and you can celebrate the colors of the holiday with a gorgeous pink or lavender cultured freshwater pearl necklace. PearlParadise.com offers freshwater pearl earrings starting at just $19. Make a unique statement and show her she’s the only one in your life with the symbolic and exotic Tahitian pearl pendant from PearlParadise.com.

Dinner for Two:
A romantic dinner for two at a restaurant can easily break the bank. But a candlelit gourmet dinner for two at home comes in at much less and also scores points for thoughtfulness. You can break out the cook book and make recipes from scratch or log on to any number of Web sites and have a three or four course feast delivered to your door.

The Gift of Time:
Time is the ultimate luxury and giving the gift of your undivided attention for an entire weekend, running a relaxing bubble bath or giving a foot massage is the best and most heartfelt gift of all.

Whatever you’re shopping for this Valentine’s Day, don’t wait until the last minute. Shopping ahead can save big money. Look for sales at your favorite stores and surf around for great deals online. PearlParadise.com, for example, offers pearls up to 80 percent off retail price. Remember, putting some thought into your gift and thinking ahead truly shows you care.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Jan. 14, 2009 - Remodelling Hints For a Tough Real Estate Market

Remodeling Hints for a Tough Real Estate Market

(ARA)  – If you’re selling your home, you’re not just competing against the house down the street anymore. You’re mixing it up with desperate new-home builders with pockets deeper than yours, banks willing to sell foreclosed homes at a loss, and buyers who know that sellers are at a disadvantage. You definitely need an edge.

Remodeling remains one of the best ways to set your home ahead of the competition. Upgrades to outdoor areas that expand the living space and add curb appeal can help sell your home faster and for a better price. Homeowners seeking to improve their living spaces are not making the traditionally popular – yet costly – upgrades to kitchens and baths.  Instead, they are adding to the curb appeal with outdoor structures or landscaping if they are planning to sell.    

But did you know that using high-quality materials throughout your home can also improve value and salability? Homeowners need to make the whole package appealing, which means it has to be long-lasting, low-maintenance and visually attractive.  

“Cheaper materials may save money at the outset of a renovation project, but in the long run they reduce the potential value of a home,” says Richard White, an architect who specializes in custom homes.

In fact, in homes that increased in value by at least 100 percent, owners spent 2.5 times more on improvements than in homes where the value increased by less than 50 percent, according to a study by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

White offers the following insight into using high-quality materials to enhance the value of your home:

Choose timeless, not trendy. Often, trendy building materials can’t compete with traditionally popular ones for staying power and durability. Choosing traditionally popular materials for your renovation can help ensure your house is appealing to a wide range of buyers through years of evolving fads.

“People trust building materials they know,” White says. “If I grew up in a home with Western red cedar siding, I know the qualities of the wood and what it will do for my home.”

Long a traditional favorite, Western red cedar has a number of qualities that make it a preferred, quality material for decking, siding, and the increasingly popular outdoor living spaces that can enhance a home’s value, White says. Natural preservatives in the wood make it very durable for outdoor uses, even in more severe climates, according to Web site realcedar.org. Its texture and coloration give it a rich, natural beauty that enhances interiors as well, in features such as interior paneling, vaulted ceilings, trim and boxed-in beams.

One trend worth tapping, however, is the movement towards more eco-friendly homes. Many buyers are looking for homes that incorporate recycled materials or new ones drawn from renewable sources, energy-efficient design and a minimal carbon footprint. When choosing products for your remodeling project, consider the steps the product took to reach your home.

Curb appeal projects can be as simple as sprucing up the landscaping with a Western red cedar arbor, trellises, or adding a wood fence to increase privacy; or they can take the form of a pergola or even a gazebo or deck to expand the outdoor living space.  From the smallest project to the grandest, Western red cedar’s versatility can add beauty to the outside of a home

Synthetic materials such as vinyl and plastic are manufactured with nonrenewable materials. Minerals making up cement, stucco and metal are mined from the earth and not replaced.

Woods such as pine, fir, and Western red cedar are renewable resources, grown and harvested sustainably. The environmental costs of wood production are also much less than mineral or synthetic materials. Production of concrete requires 70 percent more energy than wood building products and releases 67 percent more pollution into the air.

”Wood has a lower environmental impact throughout its life cycle than other building materials” says Paul Mackie of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.

Even if you have no immediate plans to sell, and are remodeling to improve your enjoyment of your home, remember that someday you may want – or need – to compete for buyers in a tight market. The right remodeling enhancements, done with the right high-quality materials, can help any home become more attractive to buyers and sustain its value through conditions such as the current market.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Jan. 14, 2009 - Winter Basement Makeover

Winter Wake Up for Your Basement

(ARA) – A few years ago you finished your basement. You put in all the hard work to make it a perfect retreat and lounge. But you haven’t done a thing with it since. So often, people finish their basements and then forget about any upkeep.

Though the basement is often viewed as a rugged recreational room, it still deserves the same decorative and functional attention as the rest of the home; and the winter months provide the perfect opportunity to tackle some of those projects.

These simple tips will help renew and rejuvenate your basement by making it more usable, durable and inviting for your family and friends. Plus, each project is affordable and won’t require excessive work to accomplish. Most can be completed in one weekend, or a few evenings after work.

Paint in the Winter? Yes, You Can
One of the best ways to make your basement look brand new is to repaint. A fresh coat of paint will re-energize the room and provide a whole new feel. And, with newer paints having very low VOC (volatile organic compound) content, it’s safe to paint even with the windows closed.

Additionally, many of today’s low-VOC paints, like Pratt & Lambert’s RedSeal Porcelain, are also extremely durable, which is essential in a basement. This green-certified latex interior paint is actually scrubbable. Tiny porcelain beads in the paint don’t allow stains to penetrate the wall surface, making it simple to clean up. So whether your 2-year-old splashes his grape juice on the wall, or a Sunday football game ends in a celebration of flung nacho cheese, wall cleanup will be quick and easy.

Light it Up, or Down
Basement lighting can be tricky. Trying to balance the volume of light emitted from fixtures ranging from a single pull-chain bulb to fully-integrated recessed canister lights is no easy task. Simple dimmer switches are one of the easiest ways to make sure you can balance a basement lighting scheme at any point in the day.

Dimmer switches allow for a multitude of lighting options, whether you have a windowless basement that is completely lit by artificial lighting, or even if you have a fully finished walk-out basement with large windows and sliding glass doors. Dimmers can be purchased at any hardware store and are quickly and easily installed even by novice electricians and homeowners.

What’s Under Foot
Generally, because basement flooring is set on top of concrete slabs, most people opt for heavily padded carpet so they won’t feel the rigidity and hardness of the slab. The problem, however, is basement carpeting can become very dirty, worn and outdated rather quickly. The good news is that even if you already have carpet installed, you can update the flooring to a more modern, sophisticated pattern relatively simply and inexpensively.

Tarkett’s FiberFloor resilient flooring offers what homeowners desire most in their basements: resistance to water and moisture, scratches, scuffs, stains and indentations. And, it’s easy to clean – a basement must. Resilient sheet flooring offers an attractive option for a high-end appearance with the latest styles and patterns in a wide array of colors, designs and textures. Plus, after tearing up the existing carpet, all you need to do is roll out the sub-floor padding and then lay the floor.

The Good Kind of Mold-ing
Decorative architectural elements such as baseboards and crown molding can add dramatic effects to a basement, but many homeowners are concerned that using these molding pieces will shrink the appearance of the room.  Though it is true that most basements have lower ceilings than the rest of the home, some simple, thin, crown molding creates a very polished look in a basement.

Accenting the crown molding with color-matched baseboards easily turns the basement from a modest recreational area to a coveted destination area for your family and guests.

Each of these basement remodeling options is easily accomplished, no matter how cold it might be outside. The basement is most often a multi-use room, and these simple projects will certainly improve the room’s usability, quality and appearance.

For more information about Pratt & Lambert’s RedSeal Porcelain visit www.prattandlambert.com.  For more information about Tarkett flooring, visit www.tarkett.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Jan. 13, 2009 - Garden Superstars for 2009

Garden Superstars for Spring 2009

(ARA) - From picture-perfect roses to containers that are works of art, spring 2009 promises wonderful color and exciting new products for garden lovers everywhere.

“People want shrubs and plants that look great, are easy to grow, are good for the environment and perform well in their gardens,” says Susan McCoy, garden writer and trend spotter. “That’s just what the new products this spring promise to deliver.”

McCoy reveals a few of her favorite garden superstars for spring 2009 to help scratch that itch to get out in the garden after a long winter.

Let the Sun Shine  

McCoy loves “Sunny Knock Out," the newest addition to the Knock Out Family of Roses (www.TheKnockOutRose.com). It lives up to the Knock Out reputation for blooming continuously with little to no effort, and is naturally resistant to rust, mildew, blackspot, Japanese beetles and rose midge, making it easy to avoid harsh chemicals. It is bright yellow, the latest trendy color, and has a mild, sweet fragrance. From Canada to the Gulf states, you can expect the same profusion of sunny blooms on this compact shrub that grows up to 4.5 feet tall, making it perfect to mix in flower beds, for mass plantings or as a specimen plant.

Tropicals Sizzle in Your Garden

Add lots of color right up until fall’s first frost with the new Sun Parasol Crimson mandevilla. This easy tropical from Costa Farms (www.SunParasol.net) has huge crimson red, bell-shaped velvety blooms that cover the 12- to 15-foot vines, making it perfect for hanging baskets, containers, climbing up a trellis or in a landscape. Available in “Pretty” and “Giant” sizes, Sun Parasol Crimson comes in a 10-inch hanging basket or a 6-inch pot with or without a trellis. Either way, the saucer-sized blooms will add some tropical zest to your garden landscape, decks, patios and apartment balconies. Plant these beauties in six to eight hours of sun each day.

Pot up Some History  

For instant garden style, McCoy loves the latest “designer” containers and accessories from Campania International (www.CampaniaInternational.com).  The 2009 Chicago Collection reflects the city’s prairie style and art deco traditions with clean lines and minimal design. If you appreciate historical craftsmanship, the 18th century Colonial Williamsburg collection contains an array of garden containers, including cast-stone replicas of urns that blend a refined look with a contemporary feel. From window boxes to birdbaths, their accents will add an elegant touch inside or outside your home.

Grow ‘em Right

Start your containers off right with peat-free, organic potting soil. The Organic Mechanics (www.organicmechanicsoil.com) “Container Blend” is made of 100 percent organic materials from recycled agricultural waste products. With this rich potting mix, you’ll water less but your container plants will flower more and look greener. Plus the nutrient-rich product is reusable, a real cost benefit for gardeners. Perfect for all your containers, hanging baskets and window boxes, it is available this spring in Mid-Atlantic garden centers and Whole Foods stores.

Go Native, Go Local

Be a star in the garden this spring with American Beauties native plants (www.ABNativePlants.com), and the wildlife will thank you for providing food and shelter. Plus you’ll be making a contribution to the National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitat program. But don’t get these natives confused with roadside “wild” flowers. These shrubs, trees, vines, grasses and perennials were hand-picked for their beauty, and their minimal need for fertilizer, water and pest control. The newest is “Iron Butterfly” Vernonia lettermannii, from Dr. Alan Armitage. This brilliant purple ironweed attracts butterflies in a wide range of soils and conditions.

Tickled Pink  

This first-ever pink blueberry -- “Pink Lemonade” -- is a sweet new introduction from Briggs Nursery (www.BriggsNursery.com), and one of the most exciting new plants McCoy has seen in years. The pink blueberry bush provides delicious fruit rich in antioxidants plus four seasons of color -- white flowers in spring, bright pink fruit in summer, great fall color and finally dusky auburn stems in winter. Growing about five feet around, this ornamental shrub looks great as a hedge border or stand-alone shrub with the added benefit of tasting great in cereal and pies, or to feed the wildlife.

Drowning With Love

Did you know that the No. 1 reason indoor plants die is people love them so much they over water them? That’s why McCoy loves the WaterStik -- a no-brainer watering system that tells you when to water and when not to. Just insert the WaterStik into the container, and it blinks to tell you if it needs more water, needs you to stop watering or anything in between. For this and other state-of-the-art plant irrigation systems, visit: www.Waterstik.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent