Roland J. Darel Okotoks Realty and Calgary Realty. Are you ready for financial independence?

(NC) Beginning a career and moving out on your own are two big steps toward financial independence. But becoming financially independent requires a plan. In Canada, November is Financial Literacy Month-the perfect time for young adults to review their short- and long-term financial goals and make a plan to put them into action.

Whether you're saving to buy a TV for your new apartment, to make a down payment on your first home, or to pay down student debt, a good plan will help you reach your goals. Make them a reality by listing them and assigning a timeline to each. Once you've established your goals, incorporate them into your monthly budget.

While a new job may mean a higher income, moving out on your own brings many new expenses. How do you know that you're ready financially? With the added financial commitments, how will you work toward your financial goals? How will you prepare for life's costly surprises?

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has resources, available at itpaytoknow.gc.ca, to help young adults plan to achieve their life goals. The Moving out on Your Own life eventhelps work out the costs associated with moving out and living on your own as a tenant or homeowner, and provides useful information on how to make a household budget. The Starting your First Job life eventhelps individuals manage their money wisely as they enter the workforce.

A realistic budget is only one aspect of securing your financial independence. An unforeseen event could become a budget breaker, which is why FCAC recommends building an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses.

It may require a new approach to your finances, but financial independence is attainable.www.newscanada.com

Courtesy of Newscanada

Dining outdoors? Tips for keeping food safe and delicious

(BPT) - Al fresco dining is one of the great pleasures of warm weather. Whether you're hosting a neighborhood barbecue or an intimate dinner party on your deck, outdoor dining is a great way to savor good food, company and the great outdoors. To ensure your meals are safe and enjoyable, it's important to know how to prepare, transport and store food for outdoor eating.



The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) offers some advice for safely handling food when you're dining outdoors this summer:



Purchasing



Warm weather brings a bounty of fresh produce, and a trip to the local farmers market can make a nice addition to your outdoor meal. Food safety starts in the field. It's important to get to know the growers selling produce at your local farm stand, and ask about their farming practices. How do they keep their products free from bacterial pathogens and other contaminants? Farmers may also have great tips for storing produce, testing for ripeness and even ways to prepare the fruits and veggies they sell.



IFT spokesperson and food safety expert, Don Schaffner, PhD, says that when you're purchasing produce, make sure it's free of mold, bruises or blemishes where bacterial pathogens can grow. Many grocery stores offer freshly cut, packaged produce for customers seeking nutritious convenience foods. Freshly cut vegetables and fruit need proper temperature control to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause foodborne illness.



Prepping



Before preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure all prep utensils such as cutting boards, dishes and countertops are clean before preparing each food item.



Dirt, dust and pathogenic microbes can linger on produce. It's important to wash fresh produce before consuming it. The only exception is are pre-bagged salads and leafy greens, as experts advise that additional washing of ready-to-eat green salads is not likely to enhance safety. Thoroughly washing in cold water will suffice for most fruits and vegetables, but some types of produce require special handling. Wash spinach or salad greens in a bowl of water and rinse them gently to remove dirt and other contaminants. -



Give extra attention to fruits with stems, such as apples, pears and peaches. You may be tempted to forego washing fruit with a rind, since you won't be eating the rind. But, it's still important to wash oranges, avocados, melons, cantaloupe, etc. - pathogens can linger in unwashed crevices and transfer to your hands or the knife you use to cut the fruit. In addition, wash items you'll peel - such as carrots and cucumbers - for the same reason.



Grilling



If you'll be grilling at home, remember to always marinate meat in the refrigerator, never on the kitchen counter or outdoors. Discard any extra marinade that's touched raw meat.



Grill food thoroughly, using a thermometer to ensure the proper internal temperature: 145 F for steaks and fish, 160 F for pork, hot dogs and hamburgers, and 165 F for poultry. Keep finished meats hot until you serve by moving them to the side of the grill rack, away from the coals or highest flame on your gas grill. Avoid cross contamination by using separate serving plates and utensils for different meats and vegetables.



If you'll be grilling away from home - in a park, tailgating at a sporting event or on a camping trip - consider purchasing pre-formed patties for burgers and pre-cut poultry. This minimizes the amount of handling meat requires and can help minimize the risk of bacteria and cross contamination.



Transporting



A picnic in the park can be great fun for everyone, but it's important to assure your food arrives safely along with your family and guests. Follow smart food packing guidelines. Keep meats, including lunch meats and raw meats, cheeses and condiments cold in insulated, soft-sided bags or coolers with freezer gel packs.



Food needs to be stored at 40 F or colder to reduce the risk of pathogen growth, so limit the number of times you open the cooler. Never allow food to sit for more than two hours at temperatures below 90 F, and no more than an hour when temperatures exceed 90 F. Throw away food that's been sitting out too long.



Securely package raw meat, seafood and poultry to ensure the juices don't contaminate other foods. Pack only the amount of perishable food that you think will be eaten. Beverages and perishable foods should travel in separate containers and coolers, especially if you'll be transporting raw meat.



When it's time to go home, don't reuse packaging material that has touched raw meats or meat juices. Make sure perishable leftovers stay cold on the trip home. Avoid taking home uncooked leftovers.



Courtesy of BPT

Strong dairy and poultry farming performance boosting taxes

(NC) British Columbia's dairy, poultry, and eggs producers continue to see their tax bills rise, hitting $223.1 million, an 8.3 per cent jump, says a new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

While other agriculture sectors in B.C. have had a tough time in recent years, dairy and poultry farmers continue to post strong results, including creating 3,350 new jobs, according to a newly released PwC report titled "Economic impact of British Columbia's dairy, chicken, turkey, hatching egg and table egg industries - update."

These sectors operate under the system of supply management, where farmers work with industry and government to set production levels and fair producer prices. This stability has been the anchor of B.C. agriculture's success, to the point where they now account for 45 per cent of all jobs and 42 per cent of total agriculture output, or $5.6 billion.

While all levels of government have enjoyed ever-increasing tax payments from supply managed farms, their treasuries are also spared from giving any of that money back. Agricultural subsidies - common in other countries - are not paid to supply-managed industries, making the dairy, egg, and poultry sectors virtual cash cows.

"The vast majority of farms in supply management are family run and are proud to play central roles in town economies across B.C.," says Al Sakalauskas, a spokesperson for the B.C. Dairy, Egg, and Poultry Industries. "Paying our fair share of taxes is just part of our commitment to the communities where we farm and live."

Of the 223.2 million paid in taxes in 2011, $119 million went to Ottawa, $81.8 million to Victoria and $22.4 million to municipalities.

Attention editors: This article is for distribution in British Columbia only.

Courtesy of Newscanada

Ideas for flooring in your home

Your home is your paradise and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that are not only eye-catching but also comfortable for you and your family. If you are going to change the flooring in your home, here are some tips for flooring the different parts of your house.



Bedroom flooring:



There are plenty options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which grabs a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling. You can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms. You can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess, which is unavoidable, the flooring can withstand the burden. Also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring you can choose laminate.



Living room flooring:



It is the most used area and withstands most of the traffic coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such amendments done with your furniture or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home.



Kitchen flooring:



Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile is a best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.



by: Builder Brian

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7342.shtml

Keep the home fires burning safely

During crisp, cold evenings, a warm blanket and well-equipped fireplace are all you need for a cozy night in.

However, a fireplace brings more than comfort. According to Fire Prevention Canada, fire kills over 400 people a year nationwide with residential fires causing 73% of those deaths. With winter around the corner, it's important to be aware of fire prevention and what your insurance policy offers.

"Fireplaces create a nice setting for homeowners to relax with loved ones," says Wayne Ross, insurance expert at Aviva Canada. "Unfortunately, they can also add to serious fire risks, but taking simple measures can help avoid traumatic situations."

Ross offers the following pointers to ensure that your fireplace remains a place of enjoyment in your home:

1. Get it ready: To avoid fire and smoke damage make sure that the damper opens and closes properly. If your chimney hasn't been cleaned in a while, call a chimney sweeper.

2. Remove flammable materials: Clear the area next to your fireplace of all flammable items including newspapers, carpets and fabrics. Even a small spark of fire can quickly spiral out of control.

3. Stay equipped: Install smoke detectors throughout your home. Time is of the essence when dealing with fires and a smoke detector can help avoid major disasters.

4. Fireplace accessories: Invest in a few tending tools. These can be used to rotate logs, ensure oxygen flow and clean up ashes-small steps that go a long way in fire prevention.

5. Check your insurance policy: Know your insurer's guidelines and coverage so there are no surprises if you need to file a claim for damage. For example, many companies only cover fire damage if fireplaces are installed professionally.

Following these simple tips will ensure that your fireplace only leaves your family with pleasant memories this season.



More information is available from your insurance broker or online at avivacanada.com.

Courtesy of Newscanada

Affordable decorating tips to take your home from ho-hum to high style

Feeling uninspired in your space? Updating the decor in your home is an easy way to add more color, style and personality to rejuvenate your residence. Whether you're making a few updates, like new artwork or wall colors, or renovating an entire room with a completely new look, decorating should be fun, not stressful. With a few simple tips, you can up the design ante in your home without breaking the bank.

Decorative painting for design

Painting can consist of much more than simple strokes of one color. Take things to the next level with decorative painting. Create different patterns on your walls with textured rollers to achieve an artistic design. Sponge and fabric paint rollers provide unique patterns to give your walls a one-of-a-kind look. Low in price and high in design, using textured rollers is a great option for redecorating on a budget.

Painting stripes in your room is a refreshing way to update your current color scheme. A sequence of wide and narrow stripes in complementing colors is a stylish option. To achieve crisp, clean lines between each stripe, painter's tape will get the job done. It will also help toprevent paint bleed, leaving precise lines and keeping the transition between your colors looking sharp.

A plethora of plates

Artwork is a great way to change things up and give any room a boost. Expensive traditional framed pieces of artwork aren't your only option anymore. Instead, create an eclectic art piece with plates you already own, or find them at garage sales and antique stores. Opt for various sizes and shapes and attach each one to your wall with plate hooks. You can cover an entire wall, or focus on a smaller area - but before you get started, be sure to lay out your design on the floor first. This way, you'll achieve your desired look, without extra nail holes on the wall from hanging as you go.

Perk-up hallways with runners; rooms with rugs

While re-energizing your home, the hallways may seem a little drab. Add a pick-me-up to your walkway by hanging portraits with funky frames along the walls. Add a runner along the length of the floor for a touch of pizzazz. Runners come in a multitude of lengths, patterns and colors - not to mention price ranges. Updating the flooring will keep your feet cozy and help to diminish the sound of footsteps during the night.

If you have a space you want to update, but a full room makeover isn't in your budget, consider an area rug to spruce things up. If the color in your room is dull, the rug can add visual interest and a pop of color, serving as an aesthetically pleasing addition. Area rugs also help to break up the space of a larger room and can add grandeur to a small space. A new rug will also protect your pre-existing carpet, vinyl and hardwood floors, keeping them looking newer, longer.

Opt for accents as design elements

No home redecorating project is complete without a few perfectly placed accents. These interesting items stand out from your primary colors and furniture pieces, offering a fresh look to any space. Accent pieces - like chairs, frames or vases - will spice up a monotonous color scheme, while harmonizing with everything else you may already have in a room. Consider a bright beanbag chair for your child's bedroom, a bold lawn chair on your patio to enthrall while entertaining or a lamp base in a complementary color on your console. Keep in mind accents are meant to speak for themselves; so there's no need to have another elaborate piece in the room to pair with an accent piece. Just one affordable piece is all it takes.

When the redecorating bug bites, embrace the opportunity to freshen up your home inexpensively. With a pinch of creativity and a dash of design inspiration, you can easily make over any space into one that's perfect for you.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

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Caption 1: Create different patterns on your walls with textured rollers to achieve an artistic design.

Caption 2: Painting stripes in your room is a refreshing way to update your current color scheme.

Courtesy of BPT

How small businesses can protect their floors and technology this winter

Snow, ice, wind and cold temperatures bring a host of problems that facility and IT managers must plan and prepare far ahead of the winter season. Not only do they need to consider the damaging effects that salt and sand have on flooring, but they should prepare for potential power outages that could impact their technology infrastructure.



Here are some proactive tips to stay ahead of the harsh impact of winter.



* Prevent slips and falls. One of the biggest concerns in winter for building occupants is falling on icy walkways. Deicers keep snow from sticking to the ground and increase the surface temperature enough to prevent ice from forming. Apply these in anticipation of each storm to keep people safe from injury.



* Protect surface areas - inside and out. Consider the impact deicing agents may have on walkways, carpeting, floors and even the plants around the building. Careful use of ice melt products can minimize damage to these surfaces. Also, consider installing quality, absorbent floor mats to help keep ice melt residue from being tracked into the building.



* Evaluate winter maintenance costs. The salt and urea-based ice melt products available range in effectiveness and cost. Take for example rock salt, which is the most common and the least expensive. However, it can be slow to help ice melt and harmful to vegetation alongside walkways. Make product effectiveness your primary consideration, since labor is the biggest cost of winter maintenance. Factor in product availability and disposal costs and order winter maintenance products well in advance to ensure best selection and price.



While cleaning and floor maintenance is an important and key aspect of winter preparation, don't forget to protect your technology investments.



* Guard your technology and data. Winter weather can result in costly power outages due to ice and wind. It is critical to back-up all company and client data daily, either onsite or through a hosted, off-site cloud service. Cloud services include benefits such as speedier recovery times, resulting in improved business continuity and revenue. They also offer decreased energy consumption while reducing the amount of space that is required to house storage servers. In addition, always check to make sure your back-up system is working properly before a storm hits.



* Avoid electrical shut downs. If you are at the office when an outage occurs, turn off all computers and other equipment as a precaution against the sudden increase in voltage when power is restored. In those instances when no one is present, it is key to ensure all computers and electrical equipment are connected to surge protectors, which act as a power strip, but absorb excess electrical energy and prevent it from reaching connected equipment. Determine if your office requires individual surge protectors or a large building surge protector with battery back-up. For data centers, it is recommended to use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). UPS units prevent a power shut-down that could cause business disruption or data loss, and also help to maintain the proper temperature and moisture control that is critical for data centers to operate efficiently.



* Review telecommuting protocol. In case employees are unable to safely get to work during or after a storm, make sure they are able to connect with the office remotely. Arm people with log-in instructions and protocol and suggest they test it out before the storm hits. Consider implementing a telecommuting program with technology and furniture solutions for employees in advance of the winter season.



Courtesy of BPT