Cool grilling tools could make you a backyard hero

(NC)-A number of nifty new grilling accessories are sure to attract the attention of outdoor chefs of every experience level. Why not impress the grill master in your life by giving them one or all of the following cool grilling tools as a gift for any occasion?

Weber suggests:

Tongs remain an indispensabletool and the one item cited as being both owned (86%) and most used (70%) by Canadian grillers. Outdoor chefs also own a basting brush (79%), a grill fork (73%), a wire grill brush (71%), and a turner/spatula (64%).

The Ebelskiver: This European-inspired grilling tool creates traditional Danish pancakes in a perfect sphere shape. Also idea for making individual pizza puffs or turkey/chicken/beef pot pies.

With hamburgers remaining the food item most often grilled, Weber has developed three new accessories for this devoted audience:

Weber Burger Press: Designed to create the perfectly formed burger patty, this press makes a dimple in the middle of the burger for even cooking from centre to edge.

Weber Slider Press: Form two perfectly shaped sliders at the same time with this press that makes a dimple in the middle of the burger for even cooking throughout.

Weber Meatball/Slider Rack: This stainless steel two-sided rack holds up to 15 meatballs or eight sliders. It allows for even cooking and a one-flip approach to grilling several small burgers or meatballs at once.

Cast iron Griddle: When you need a flat surface, you need a cast iron griddle. It's the perfect accessory for grilling food, from pancakes to scallops, without mess or fuss.

Potato Nails: A sure hit for baked potato lovers, these stainless steel nails allow for quick, even cooking of potatoes.

Portable Table: The perfect gift for tailgaters and campers, this portable table goes up quickly and stores flat.

Grilling tips and recipes can be found online at www.weber.com.

How to add value to your home

When you want to improve the value of your home, get the most out of the money you spend on renovations with a few easy remodeling tips from Sally Morse, director of creative services for window fashions company Hunter Douglas:

An Updated Kitchen - Gone are the days of the purely utilitarian kitchen. Today, kitchens require a balance between functionality and personal style. Invest in a new kitchen table that is both serviceable and aesthetically pleasing. Ever wondered what to do with that dining room you never use? A lot of families are doing away with the tradition of having a separate dining room by joining the two rooms. That way you get added space and value in the room that you are using more often.

Storage Space - A stuffy old attic or basement that hasn't been cleaned out in years is a waste of valuable space. Start by clearing out your storage areas and organizing their contents. Uncluttering your home will instantly make it look bigger and cleaner.

Window Shutters - One of the best ways to add value is at the window. The refreshed, fashionable Palm Beach polysatin shutters with the DuraLux finish by Hunter Douglas are virtually indistinguishable from finely painted ones - making these shutters an excellent investment choice for your home.

Modern Bathrooms - Just by making a few changes in your bathroom you can create a more attractive and comfortable space, as well as increase the value of your home significantly. Updating simple fixtures such as your faucet and sink, or adding in a bath, can give any outdated bathroom new style.

More information is available online at www.hunterdouglas.ca.

Room to spare

What do you do with that extra room in the house? The one that has no real purpose except to collect things? Or you may have an empty room or two when the last of the kids have moved out or gone away to school. We end up with lots of remnants of their lives, but no kids. This room becomes either a shrine with no real purpose or a place to collect all the things we don't know where to put.



We are so often cluttered with the stuff from grown children that gets left behind as they get established elsewhere on their own. They like to have the unpaid additional storage space in a parent's home or they just don't want to make any decision about what to do with their things. So, their things are left taking up lots of precious space, even though the stuff may not be so precious to anyone anymore.



What to do with a spare room:



1. Dump the junk- Don't waste that spare room with an accumulation of junk. It won't go away on its own. Make a plan to clear out the clutter and disperse of the goods to people who can better use them. Your home's square footage is too valuable not to be using it.



2. Guestroom- Create a spa-like retreat for your guests. Include reading materials and brochures for local activities. Have some hotel-like amenities ready to go in a decorative basket so they feel welcome, knowing you have thought of their needs.



3. Craft or hobby room- You finally have a place to do your scrapbooking, sewing, or painting! Let this room be your private studio where creativity flows.



4. Gifting- Have a room just for gift giving. Keep ribbons, gift bags, tags, and wrapping paper in the room along with any items you have purchased ahead of time for gifts. Don't forget the scissors and tape. So whenever you need a present, it will be a snap to put one together.



5. Exercise room- This does not mean you have to have all the big equipment that you find at a gym, but if the area is designated as a workout space, you are more likely to do your yoga, palates, and strength training. Clear out the room and put your yoga mat, weights, TV, audio equipment and workout DVDs in it.



6. Home office- Instead of letting paper pile up on your coffee table or kitchen counter, set up an area to pay bills and answer mail. Put everything you need for these activities in the room including a desk, stamps, stationary and pens. Create a simple filing system and get a jump on tax preparation for next year.



7. Mediation room- Oh to have some peace and quiet-create it! Don't allow anything in this area that doesn't bring you peace and tranquility. Some suggested contents include a water fountain, floor cushions, candles, incense, and chimes. Selected reading and audio materials will also set the mood. A serene start or end to you day, or a quick getaway to rejuvenate.



8. Room to spare, room to share- create that media room, music, pool, puzzle, card or board game room and invite friends over for a night of fun and hospitality.



9. Renovators rescue- Use the empty room as the spare room to hold addition furniture, etc. when you are renovating - flooring especially is difficult as you need room to move all your stuff. When all your renovations are complete, rework your spare room into one of the above suggestions.



Often your spare room can be used for several of these purposes. So next time you walk by that room, stop a moment to think about the possibilities. Take the next steps today to give that spare room some real purpose and turn it into a room that will give you a feeling of satisfaction and relaxation.

Friends, fun and philanthropy - five ways to make this your summer of doing

With so many summer activities to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do with your carefree days. From planning weekend getaways to finding ways to give back to your community, there are endless possibilities for your sunshine-filled summer.



Friends play not only a huge part in summer fun, but they also help you decide which activities to partake in. According to a recent Bing survey, more than 90 percent of people seek the opinions or advice of friends and family as part of their decision-making process for trips, purchases, events and more. In fact, 44 percent said they get the most useful recommendations on things such as travel and restaurants from their connections on Facebook and Twitter. Luckily, there are easy ways to involve friends and family in all of your planning this summer, no matter what kind of adventure or activity you're looking for.

* Plan a getaway. There's nothing like a weekend away to refresh the body and mind. Whether you prefer the city, the mountains or the beach, with the weather warm and bags packed, you can be on your way in no time. Looking to family and friends is a great way to get recommendations you can trust. At www.bing.com you can see which of your Facebook friends have visited your favorite locale, get recommendations and more, right as you search.

*Get outdoors. Grab a friend and get outside. Now is the time for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, surfing and biking. Tap friends and family for recommendations on best trails and equipment and you may even find a new running buddy as you research and plan.

*Plan a summer night out. Even if you can't get out of town this summer, there is plenty to do in your own neighborhood. Use www.bing.com to find hot restaurants and events, such as concerts in the park or sporting events - you can even book a table, purchase tickets and suggest your friends join you right within your search. Some of the hottest musical acts will tour the nation this summer; don't miss out on the fun.

* Get involved in the community: Giving back to the community through volunteerism is a great way to enjoy the sun and the perfect way to get kids involved in a good cause. During the summer, many organizations host community volunteer events, such as beach cleanups, park beautification and other activities that get you outside and doing good. This summer, Bing and DoSomething.org are teaming up to inspire people to get out and do good in the community. Visit www.bing.com/doing for more information and to find out how you can get involved in projects in your community.

*Celebrate: Take time to celebrate summer birthdays, holidays or just being together with friends and family. Plan a summer barbecue, keeping your friends involved and getting their input along the way as you research recipes, games and entertainment. Once the party rolls around, you know everyone will have a blast.

Taking time to plan ahead and keeping friends and family involved can ensure you have a great fun-filled summer.

Where there's a will, there's a way

Many Canadians will sit down and put together a will - and believe that means they're prepared in the event of the unforeseen, such as a serious illness or death. Or, they may have joint bank accounts with their spouse or partner, and believe this is everything they need to do to pass their assets to their partner. However, we often fail to remember that there are many pieces required to protect your hard-earned savings and ensure your loved ones are taken care of.

"What gives people peace of mind is knowing that their wealth is properly managed, preserved and transitioned," says Reg Swamy, Vice President, The Trust Businesses, TD Waterhouse Private Client Group. "The best way to feel this relief is to stop procrastinating and tackle the process today."

When sitting down to create - or update - your will, here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Keep it current: It's important to not only have a will - but ensure it's updated regularly (as family dynamics change, your wishes, etc.).

• Consider your legacy: Remember, a will isn't just for dictating who should inherit your assets or care for your children. Other things to think about are making contributions to charity or donating organs, as well as specifying funeral arrangements.

• Really consider your options: Take the time to carefully consider who should be the executor of your will and ensure you update it if there are any changes, such as the executor moves out of the country, or becomes ill.

• Talk about it: Have an open and honest discussion with your family and loved ones - talk about your wishes and what's most important to you now, and in the future.

"Professional advisors help families navigate the complex and emotional world of will, estate and trust planning," says Swamy. "They can help explain your choices and ensure that the documents you sign reflect your wishes, are legally valid and provide for alternate decision makers."

Whether you choose to write a will alone or with the help of a professional, begin researching and planning today. Ask yourself the tough questions, so that should the worst happen, your family and children suffer far less with a tangible and concrete outline of your wishes.

Serve up an ideal space for summer outdoor entertaining

(BPT) - The arrival of milder temperatures means dining al fresco, hosting neighborhood cookouts and enjoying intimate cocktail parties under the stars. When creating a backyard oasis to entertain family and friends this summer, it's important that it be both inviting and able to withstand the wear and tear that goes hand-in-hand with warm weather fun.



The outdoor living experts at Trex suggest the following tips:



Maximize your space. Think about your deck in terms of different activities - and dedicate separate areas for relaxing, grilling, dining and socializing. Consider creating a simple seating nook or an elegant outdoor bar. Structures like trellises, or even tall potted plants, can help establish settings for cozy conversations between guests - while a pergola may offer much-needed relief from the summer sun.



"When you take a situation where you can entertain and move it outside, it immediately feels special," says Tyler Florence, culinary artist and one of the faces of Trex's new Engineered Artistry campaign. "First and foremost, think about how your space interacts with the environment and use that as inspiration to create a deck that suits your personal interests and preferences."



Create a "full service" outdoor kitchen. If you're planning to spend most weekends entertaining on your deck or patio, consider adding an exterior kitchen to your home. Incorporate elements like a grilling station, cooking range, sink, compact refrigerator - or even a built-in rotisserie or pizza oven. You'll be able to prepare and serve food while outside conversing with guests - rather than being stuck inside behind the stove. Just remember to build your outdoor kitchen in an area protected from the elements and make sure that its style - whether modern stainless steel or rustic country - complements the look of your home's exterior.



Choose low-maintenance materials. Spills, splashes and other mishaps are inevitable when entertaining outdoors. If you want to spend more time enjoying - rather than maintaining - your deck, choose materials that need only a soap and water cleaning to retain their enduring good looks.



"Because I have so much going on, I try to keep things as simple as possible and avoid situations that require an enormous amount of upkeep," says Florence. "If you're going to make the investment in a gorgeous outdoor living space, use decking and railing that will look amazing for decades to come."



High-performance, wood-alternative decking like Trex resists fading, staining, scratching and mold growth thanks to an exclusive protective shell and high-traffic formulation - even after several summers of dropping grill tools, spilling barbecue sauce and moving around heavy outdoor furniture. And while these materials offer the natural look of wood, you never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting.



Design with distinction. Select a style and color scheme for your deck that best complements your home's exterior and reflects the natural environment. Today's wood-alternative decking offers high-definition wood grain patterns and rich, saturated colors inspired by the outdoors - with a vibrancy that remains unchanged for years. When combined with a modular railing system that provides similar high performance and long-lasting beauty, composite decking offers endless mix-and-match options for incredible design flexibility to suit the style of any home.



"Go online and experiment with different resources and tools to figure out how your outdoor living elements can be integrated," says Florence. "With Trex, for instance, the ideas are endless because you have so many more opportunities to create a really luxurious space."



Don't forget the finishing touches. Customize your outdoor living space to make family and friends feel truly welcome. Add ambience for evening cookouts with dimmable LED deck lighting, and create an inviting lounge area with comfortable, durable furnishings - or even outdoor speakers. You can choose to truly "deck out" a space with luxuries ranging from flat screen televisions to stone fire pits, but if the budget is tight, adding vibrant pillows or tropical flowers and plants serves as a quick and colorful pick-me-up.



For more inspiration to create an amazing outdoor entertaining space - or for favorite outdoor living recipes from Tyler Florence - visit www.trex.com.



Courtesy of BPT

Okotoks Realty, Calgary Realty Roland J. Darel. Kitchen space-saving tips for city dwellers

(NC) As Canadians continue to opt for condo and apartment living, maximizing space has become increasingly important. This is especially important for kitchens, which have the tendency to collect an abundance of utensils and gadgets, from coffee makers and mugs to containers and cutlery. To keep your kitchen in tip-top shape and free of anxiety-causing clutter, follow these space-saving tips:

• Think up: Don't limit yourself to using what's been provided; utilize the ceiling to install a pot rack to free up drawer space. Have empty space above your cupboards? Pop some pretty storage containers on top to help clear counter space.
• Use your walls: Since you're short on space, hanging mirrors on your walls can help create the illusion of a larger kitchen. You can also add inexpensive shelves and hooks to help store items and keep your kitchen looking tidy.
• Edit: If you don't need it and you can live without it, get rid of it, especially in your fridge. Condiments that don't need to be refrigerated, for example, can be moved to a cupboard. In small spaces it's especially important to control odour; use Arm and Hammer Fridge Fresh, which can be suctioned to the inside of the fridge to increase shelf space and eliminate odour. Remember to replace it every three months, say on the first day of every new season.
• Store unused items: Do you really need that ice cream maker on your counter all year? Store it away for the season to free up counter space. The same goes for those other gadgets you love but rarely use. Consider putting items you don't use frequently up high or under your counter.

More information can be found at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.

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