The following website link (from the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office) contains frequently updated information on various product recalls and warnings for consumer safety purposes.  http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/Fir...ls/default.asp If you are not in Ontario, I'm sure your local jurisdication would have a similar resource available.  Again, this is something worth sharing with your clients / homeowners via newsletter.   03/27/2007

Can you feel the energy of a new season emerging all around you?  The days are longer, the birds are singing every morning.  It certainly is my favourite time of year. I feel inspired to do something around the house, but you can bet cleaning isn't exactly my first choice.  Painting perhaps - a cool shade of crisp linen or fresh mint.  A cleansing of the mind maybe - clearing the clutter that accumulates over the long, hard winter. Whatever it is that you choose to do - be sure it gives you a sense of freedom and lightness.  Get rid of a burden or two.  Add something bright and cheery to each room. For an interesting article (by Stephanie Roberts of www.clutter-free-forever.com) on the side effects of clutter and how to improve the Feng Shui in your home, click here.   03/25/2007

Take any room from cold to cosy, again using exclusively what the homeowner has.  None of these pieces work particularly well together - the size and scale is off - but my recent group of students managed to pull off this look.  Needless to say the homeowner was thrilled with the results. BEFORE AFTER 03/21/2007

Quick Tips for Accessorizing with Style A collection is 3 or more - but always use an odd number.  This will reinforce the rule that triangular shapes are visually pleasing. Look at colour, theme, texture and shape when forming a collection - 3 Native carvings; 5 square objects; 7 blue items. Make sure items are the correct size and scale for the surface - 3 heavy soapstone carvings on a tiny tea-table won't look or FEEL right. Make sure your accessory colours work with the colours used in the room. If you have a collection of many very small pieces, place them on a tray to unify them. Coordinate items with your artwork.  A pewter vase on the mantel below a pewter framed picture. Arrange with BALANCE in mind.  Place the largest item in the centre and fan out from there; tallest in the b... 03/14/2007

Spring is just around the corner.  Here are some quick tips to help lift your spirits and get you ready to enjoy those beautiful longer days.  Roll up the rugs and take down the heavy draperies.  Let the sunlight in - your rooms will thank you.  Take time to enjoy the little things in your home - that pretty pillow or the scent of lemons in a bowl.  Surround yourself with accessories that make you feel relaxed and serene. Don't waste your time dreaming of a larger room.  Embrace the intimacy of smaller spaces. Display an interesting collection on a shelf in your dining room.  Use something that will enhance your décor and create a conversation piece. Coloured ceilings are an easy way to give your room a new look.  Shades of mocha, sage or teal can bring warmth and dimension to your spac... 03/13/2007

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  But it takes more than a hammer and nail to make a statement.  Whether you have an original Monet or a print from Ikea, here's how to make the most of it. The most common mistake is hanging artwork too high.  Forget about "eye level" because there is a big difference between the 5'3" woman and the  6'2" man.  When hanging a picture over the sofa, a general guideline would be to place the frame's bottom edge approximately six to eight inches above the sofa back.  A horizontal row of medium-sized pictures will give the illusion of a wider space. A vertical row of two or three small pictures will draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of high ceilings.  Using small mirrors will have the same effect with the added bonus of bouncing more lig... 03/13/2007

Have you ever heard of the "ginger-ale effect"?  Perhaps some of you have already experienced it.This condition occurs because of a gradual yellowing of the lens of the eye.  It starts, on average, around the age of 65 but not everyone is affected in the same way.  Do not confuse the symptoms with cataracts.  As the yellowing descends over they eye, the cool colours that we see - shades of blue and green - start to appear somewhat "murky" and not clearly defined.  This is especially true when these colours are used in combination with each other.A practical solution for this phenomenon is to use warm colours - reds, oranges and pinks - that are vibrant and clear.  Another way to compensate is to divide the cool colours (blues and greens) with a neutral or contrasting warm shade between ... 03/09/2007

It's a great Canadian tradition and a fabulous way to recycle.  When you are downsizing or simply moving to a different home, it can be overwhelming.  Here are some tips & tricks for a successful sale.  sort your items by category, such as books, kitchen ware, toys etc. pick a date and an alternate rain date just in case advertise in your local paper, including the date, time and place of sale clean and polish those items that need it price your items in advance, with stickers or use a grease pencil on glass and ceramic post flyers in the neighborhood enlist a friend or family member to help; it's fun but tiring start the day with small bills and change keep your cash box out of sight have old newspapers and plastic bags on hand for wrapping purchases keep an extension cord nearby for t... 03/09/2007

Is it time to relocate? The City of Brampton proudly states it is ".. committed to the vision of providing a vibrant, safe and attractive city of opportunity where efficient services make it possible for families, individuals and the business community to grow, prosper, and enjoy a high quality of life for all who live, work, visit and invest in the City of Brampton". Wow, what a commitment and definitely worth researching.  What does this city offer that makes Bramptonians so proud and invested in their city?Brampton's proximity to Toronto Pearson International Airport and to Highways #407, #410, #427 and #401 puts Brampton on the business map.  The development of Highway 407 has been considered in the city's Official Plan, designating specific business park locations along this highwa... 03/08/2007

Our rest and relaxation is so important to good health and happiness.  Why then do we often neglect our bedroom décor?  Why do we retreat and awake in rooms filled with clutter, laundry, ironing boards and old magazines?  Do yourself a favour and reclaim your sanctuary. Declutter - Remove the kids' toys, clothes hamper, computer and TV so you can drift off to sleep without the chaos.  Sort through all of your clothing.  If you haven't worn it in the past year, you probably never will. Maximize Storage - There are so many products available now to divide, hang and conquer the space in your closet and drawers.  Avoid piling things on top of dressers and stashing stuff under the bed.  Move the Furniture - Position your bed differently and remove excess furniture.  If you have a comfortable... 03/08/2007

Call it colour therapy if you will.  Probably the most important element in any room, the right colour will immediately invoke the right feeling.  The challenge lies in choosing that exact shade to match your mood.  Here are some basic guidelines:Red - immediately creates drama, passion and excitement.Yellow - will brighten up a rainy day and lift our spirits.  Orange - full of energy and good cheer, it can stimulate the appetite.Blue - is tranquil, calming and serene.Green - is fresh and balanced, like the great outdoors.Purple - promotes creativity, combining the excitement of red and the tranquility of blue.Now let's apply these guidelines to various rooms ...Living Room or Family Room - If you spend a lot of time here, choose something that you can live with.  Think of it as your wa... 03/07/2007

A lot of people avoid entertaining at home simply because they feel their space is lacking in some way.  They fuss and fret that the living room décor seems dated or the room feels too small.  But a lot can be done to correct these problems in just one hour, one day or one weekend.  You've probably seen that adorable Nate Berkus demonstrate the inexpensive redesign process on the "Oprah" show.  Now here's a few ideas on how you can achieve a fresh new look for your space. Start by removing any clutter - magazines, mail, toys, craft projects, etc.  Redefine the purpose of your living room. Take down any heavy drapery panels - spring is here so you want to maximize that long awaited sunshine.  Nothing says spring like a pair of sheers fluttering in the breeze of an open window. If you've ... 03/07/2007

The term is now quite popular, and the concept is simple.  Yet many people are unclear of how a redesign can benefit their space.  Think of it as a make-over, facelift or rejuvenation of the beautiful things you already own.  Imagine your rooms as those shown in a model home.  You don't need the newest furnishings or the latest designer-endorsed pieces.  Using what you already own, your rooms can be transformed in just one day.  Your space will be functional and will reflect the needs of your family and lifestyle.  Your home should make you feel at ease.  Your rooms should showcase your treasures and highlight your personal style.  Perhaps you need to maximize your seating area or free up more floor space for entertaining.  Do you like your large room, but find the current arrangement l... 03/07/2007

  •  De-clutter each room •  De-personalize and keep those personal items out of site •  Focus on the positive selling features of each room •  Create a focal point in the living, dining and family rooms •  Create a serene atmosphere in bedrooms and bathrooms •  Neutralize the décor to appeal to more buyers •  Edit and remove unnecessary furniture and accessories •  Remove fridge magnets •  Maximize counter space in kitchens •  Free up storage space in cupboards and closets •  Eliminate visual distractions •  Make the rooms appear bright, warm and inviting •  Ensure all lights are in working order and at maximum wattage •  Be aware of and eliminate pet and cooking odours •  Clean everything from baseboards to light fixtures, windows & appliances •  Create curb appeal quickly with potted... 03/07/2007

If you are thinking about putting your house on the market now and hope to sell, move and get settled as quickly as possible - home owners take note.  The average buyer has little imagination when it comes to projecting themselves into a resale home.  Even though you spent countless hours painting and decorating for yourselves it means little to the young couple viewing your home.  They may enjoy a cursory glance at your novels and the cute family snapshots adorning the walls.  They may be awed by your china and crystal collection.  But it will never feel like their home.  They won't be able to get past your personal style.  You want them to feel at ease, welcomed and able to imagine themselves living there. Real estate agents know the importance of de-cluttering and de-personalizing an... 03/07/2007

Choosing the right community in which to settle and raise your family is a daunting task. There are just so many different things to consider. Employment opportunities, the quality of the educational system, transportation... All of these things need to be considered before investing in a community through a real estate purchase. You might also want to consider how an investment in real estate is likely to fare over the course of time. Is it likely that your home will appreciate, depreciate, or retain its value over the short and long term?A community that many people have been investing in is that of Brampton, Ontario. This community has seen an amazing 20 percent hike in population over the course of a year and this trend doesn't show any sign of stopping soon. The population hike is ... 02/21/2007