Tips from Susan Uram, Brand Manager, Olympic Exterior Stains to Turn Your Weathered Deck into an Inviting Space

Tips from Susan Uram, Brand Manager, Olympic Exterior Stains to Turn Your Weathered Deck into an Inviting Space

Nothing says summer like BBQs, pool parties and relaxing out on your deck. Here are some helpful tips from Susan Uram, Brand Manager, Olympic Exterior Stains, to transform a weathered deck into an inviting summer escape.
Before pulling out patio furniture, check your deck for deterioration. Monitor exposed wooden surfaces for wear and tear. If your deck is in less-than optimal shape, you’ll need to prepare and clean it for staining.

2. Avoid using a power washer to clean your deck. Even the low-intensity models from home improvement stores are powerful enough to damage and gouge even the hardest of wood, if you don’t know how to properly use the equipment. Using a power washer can drive a lot of dirt and mildew into the wood when you power wash, so it’s best to simply hose off the deck with a garden hose.

3. Give your deck a facelift with a good cleaning using Olympic Deck Cleaner and apply a waterproof sealant or stain such as Olympic Exterior Stains’ Maximum line, designed to protect wood from water, mildew, scuff and UV damage.
4. It’s important to seal and protect it (even if it isn’t damaged) with an exterior wood stain to prevent damage and fading.
5. Enhance the beauty of your summer hangout by combining colours, plants and décor to achieve the perfect look. Olympic Exterior Stains has over 100 semi-transparent and solid-colour stains.
6. Identify the right type of stain by considering your patio furniture and the architectural details of your home such as stone or brick work. The stain colours you choose should complement your home’s existing features. As a guide, here is what to remember:
o Clear or tinted sealants allow the woodgrain to show through your finish providing a beautiful, natural look

o Semi-transparent stains contain additional pigment and come in a variety of colours that provide a wide range of options

o Solid colour stains provide a rich, opaque finish that allows the wood’s texture to show through

7. Don’t rush. Many deck owners hope to slap down stain and have a party the same night. If you expect the deck to look a certain way, you need to take the time to figure it out. And make sure to consider the whole deck. Harried homeowners usually forget to clean and maintain the underside of a raised deck in the rush to get the season underway.

Ever wonder what might be lurking inside your dishwasher?

Many Canadians rely on their dishwashers to clean their dishes every day. But not everyone knows that residue can build up inside dishwashers over time.

This residue can be found in almost any dishwasher, especially if recommended use and care isn’t followed. Fortunately for Canadians, affresh Dishwasher cleaner is designed to remove odour-causing residue, leaving a cleaner, fresher dishwasher.

www.affresh.ca

Affresh is non-corrosive, contains no phosphates and is safe for use in areas with septic systems. Available at a suggested retail price of $8.99 for a package of six tablets, affresh Dishwasher cleaner can be found at grocery, select drug and home improvement stores.

FDA CONSUMER HEALTH INFORMATION – Barbecue Bliss: Keeping Bacteria at Bay

Preparing food or eating outdoors is a fun summer activity, but the warmer weather also means that illness-causing bacteria multiply faster in food.
Learn how to keep your barbecues and picnics safe with these six food safety tips from FDA.

Summer brings out barbecue grills—and bacteria, which multiply in food faster in warm weather and can cause foodborne illness (also known as food poisoning). Following a few simple guidelines can prevent an unpleasant experience.
Wash your hands

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. If you're eating where there’s no source of clean water, bring water, soap, and paper towels or have disposable wipes/hand sanitizer available.
Marinate food in the refrigerator
Don’t marinate on the counter—marinate in the refrigerator. If you want to use marinade as a sauce on cooked food, save a separate portion in the refrigerator. Do not reuse marinade that contacted raw meat, poultry, or seafood on cooked food unless you bring it to a boil first.

Keep raw food separate
Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood in a separate cooler or securely wrapped at the bottom of a cooler so their juices won’t contaminate already prepared foods or raw produce. Don't use a plate or utensils that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood for anything else unless you wash them first in hot, soapy water. Have a clean platter and utensils ready at grill-side for serving.

Cook food thoroughly

Use a food thermometer to make sure food is cooked thoroughly to destroy harmful bacteria. Refer to the Safe Minimum Temperatures chart4 for safe internal temperatures for foods. Partial precooking in the microwave oven or on the stove is a good way to reduce grilling time—just make sure the food goes immediately on the preheated grill to finish cooking.

Keep hot food hot and cold food cold
Keep hot food at 140°F or above until served. Keep cooked meats hot by setting them to the side of the grill, or wrap well and place in an insulated container.

Keep cold food at 40°F or below until served. Keep cold perishable food in a cooler until serving time. Keep coolers out of direct sun and avoid opening the lid often.
Cold foods can be placed directly on ice or in a shallow container set in a pan of ice. Drain off water as ice melts and replace ice frequently.
Don’t let hot or cold perishables sit out for longer than two hours, or one hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90°F. When reheating fully cooked meats, grill to 165°F or until steaming hot.

Transport food in the passenger compartment of the car where it’s cooler—not in the trunk.
Put these items on your list-These non-food items are indispensable for a safe barbecue.

-food thermometer

-several coolers: one for beverages (which will be opened frequently), one for raw meats, poultry, and seafood, and another for cooked foods and raw produce

-ice or frozen gel packs for coolers

-jug of water, soap, and paper towels for washing hands

-enough plates and utensils to keep raw and cooked foods separate

-foil or other wrap for leftovers

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page5, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

PRIORI CoffeeBerry -Nature’s most potent anti-aging botanical to fight free radicals and the causes of skin aging

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PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals Finishing Touch Loose powder, 100% Natural formula with CoffeeBerry®, Nature’s most potent anti-aging botanical to fight free radicals and the causes of skin aging. Loose powder that provides an instantly perfected finishing touch.

Child Table & Chair Set for Garden & Home

Solid & Durable Children Kids Table & 2 Chair Set

Product Features


Assembled Size Chair: 11" x 11.8 " x 19.7"

Assembled Size Table 19.7" x 22.8" x 18"

Weight Capacity (Chairs): 160 lbs !!

Two Durable Chairs & Table

Made from coated Cardboard

RIVER ISLAND HAT

http://www.fashiolista.com/item/1020134/

Cloche hat by River Island. Featuring wool main, with wide cream and beige bow to the brim.River Island brings us an eclectic collection of fashion forward styles. Look out for vibrantly printed party dresses, feminine detailing, statement jackets and a covetable range of denim including skinny cut jeans and cute denim shorts.

Cascades Launches Innovative-Thermafresh™ Recycled Cardboard Cooler

Perfect for picnics, family outings and other summer activities....

The Cascades E-Boutique today announced another eco-friendly summer solution for Canadians everywhere. The new ThermaFresh™ cardboard cooler box adapted technology normally used for the conservation and the commercial distribution of fresh fish, which was repurposed for outdoor summer activities. The cooler is an affordable green alternative to non-recyclable limited-use coolers as it is composed of 70% recycled fibres and is itself fully recyclable.



The outer shell of the cooler is made entirely with water-repellent FSC® certified NorShield® cardboard. The inside insulating layer is made of a special honeycomb paperboard and covered with a metalized film liner which acts as a thermal barrier, making it just as effective as traditional limited-use coolers.


This model is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, the beach and picnics, easily storing beverages as well as food. Once finished, the cooler is completely foldable for ease of storage.


This innovative product aligns perfect with Cascades’ values as well as its innovative low environmental footprint product offerings, always manufactured with recycled and recyclable materials.

Cascades E-Boutique on the Web

The outdoor ThermaFresh cooler is only offered online at Cascades’ E-Boutique: boutique.cascades.com. There will be many more eco-designed products slated for launch between now and the end of the year. Please visit Cascades’ E-Boutique regularly for information on Cascades’ most recent innovations.

™ ThermaFresh is a trademark of Fresh Bailiwick Inc. Patent in pending.

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs more than 11,000 employees, who work in more than 100 units located in North America and Europe. Its management philosophy, its more than 45 years of experience in recycling and its continued efforts in research and development are strengths that enable Cascades to create new products for its customers. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS.

Life is good on Canada Day - kids gear for July 1st

This Canada Day, help your kids show their true patriot love in comfortable and durable Canadian branded gear from Life is good.  The summer’s seasonal gear includes caps, t-shirts and fun accessories

Ideal for a rainy day or a drive to the cottage, this colouring book lets kids bring their own creativity to fun, classic Life is good graphics.

Draw what you like Coloring Book
Price: $9 CAD
Visit their site for more gift ideas !
Show our country some love: visit http://www.lifeisgood.com/   to buy the ultimate gifts for Canada Day.


Visit their site for more gift ideas !

Hellmann’s®-REAL FOOD FUNDS UP FOR GRABS

REAL FOOD FUNDS UP FOR GRABS
Hellmann’s® continues to get more real food on Canadian tables with $100,000 in Real Food Grants

Hellmann’s® is awarding up to $100,000 in Real Food grants to Canadians who are passionate about real food • Hellmann’s® is raising an additional $10,000 for real food initiatives through Facebook • Canadians can get tips and share ideas with celebrity chef Chuck Hughes on Facebook – Hellmann’s® is kicking off another year of its mission to get more real food on Canadian tables with $100,000 in Real Food grants.

MARZETTI®™ LAUNCHES NEW OTRIA®™ BRAND GREEK YOGURT VEGGIE DIPS- & - RECIPES !

With Canadian’s interest in healthy eating continuing to grow, the T. Marzetti®™ Company has introduced a new line of Greek Yogurt Veggie Dips.

Greek yogurt, also known as strained yogurt, yogurt cheese and labneh, has been produced in Greece for thousands of years. A much healthier alternative to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt contains at least two times the amount of protein than other yogurt types, half the sodium and nearly half the amount of carbohydrates.

Three flavours of Otria®™ Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip are now available in 8.75 oz (248g) containers in the grocery store produce section.

• Cucumber Dill Feta - Flavours of crisp cucumber, finely chopped dill and crumbles of feta cheese create a refreshing taste experience
• Garden Herb Ranch – An array of herbs including rosemary, thyme, basil and marjoram adds a zesty twist to a classic dip
• Spinach Artichoke – A classic combination of spinach, artichoke and onion brings a flavorful twist to any snack

Each 2 tbsp. (31g) serving of Otria®™ Greek Yogurt Veggie Dips contain:

• Only 60 calories
• No MSG added
• 0 Trans Fat

A healthy dip for every day, serve Otria®™ Greek Yogurt Veggie Dips with:
• A variety of sliced vegetables
• Whole grain crackers and baked pita chips
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Cool cucumber sandwiches
• Assortment of sandwiches

Mango Chicken Salad


Use mild or hot peppers, depending on how much spice you’d like to add to this unique salad, which also has chicken, mangos, carrots, snap peas, almond slices and Marzetti® Otria® Garden Herb Ranch Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip.


Prep Time: 25 minutes
Serves 6
Marzetti Ingredients
One 8.75 oz tub Otria® Garden Herb Ranch Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip
Other Ingredients
3 cups diced cooked chicken breast meat
1 cup diced fresh mango
½ cup shredded carrots
1 cup diced sugar snap peas
1 small mild to hot pepper, minced
¼ cup sliced scallions
¼ cup toasted almond slices
½  cup chopped parsley

Assorted mixed salad greens

Toasted pita chips

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine Otria Garden Herb Ranch Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip with chicken, mango, carrots, peas, pepper, scallions, almonds and parsley.

If desired, arrange salad on a bed of greens and serve with toasted pita chips.

Vintage Country Kitchen Canister Set-

Knobs & More Home Décor
Vintage Country Canister Set ~Kitchen Storage Canisters ~ Decorative Containers ~ French Country Red Enamel with Decoupage Roosters



Product Features


Three size canister set

Constructed of powdered coated steel

Glossy, French country enamel-wear finish

Wipe clean with damp cloth

Ideal for storing sugar, flour, cookies, and treats

Kitchen Gadgets

OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Tool Set
Product Features


Slim-lined, space-efficient utensil holder with 14 of OXO's most important  kitchen tools

Includes flexible turner, 12-inch tongs, square turner, spoon, slotted spoon, grater

Also includes swivel peeler, ice cream scoop, potato masher, can opener, balloon whisk, spatula, meat tenderizer, pizza wheel, and holder

Nylon and silicone tools are safe for non-stick surfaces; heat resistant up to 400 degrees F

Large capacity utensil holder includes a removable drip tray; dishwasher safe

Introducing the Intuitive Laundry Room

The “kitchen triangle” has long been known as the most efficient way to design a kitchen, and now the same ergonomic layout principles have been adapted for the laundry room. With a goal of simplifying the laundry process, Whirlpool Home Appliances and professional organizer Clare Kumar have developed an intuitive layout – that goes with their efficient machines – that helps get the laundry process done faster.
By organizing the laundry space into four zones – prep area, washer and dryer, folding counter and finishing centre – you create an intuitive flow that eases the laundry cycle.

For more information about how Whirlpool brand is bringing intuitive laundry to Canadians, and a chance to win a Smart & Chic laundry room makeover, visit www.facebook.com/WhirlpoolCanada.

Whole Foods Market US Welcomes Non-GMO Project Participant, Sol Cuisine

Sol Cuisine:

A natural source for healthy, delicious, vegetarian foods since 1980, Sol Cuisine focuses on organic, wheat-free, gluten-free, Kosher and Halal soy protein products including, tofu, veggie burgers, veggie dogs, falafel, veggie ground, dairy-free soy yogurt and more.

TORONTO, ON – Sol Cuisine, leading Canadian vegetarian foods manufacturer, announces the launch of its American retail line into six Whole Foods regions spanning the United States.
“We believe our success with Whole Foods has much to do with our support of The Non-GMO Project,” said Jess Abramson, Director of Branded Sales. “We are thrilled to be working with a retailer so committed to the health of its consumers and the integrity of its products.”
All six of Sol Cuisine’s American SKUs are made with Non-GMO soy and vegan; five are also gluten free. Other product attributes include: kosher, halal, made with organic/local ingredients, made with heart healthy soy, low calorie, trans fat free, high protein and source of iron, calcium and dietary fiber.

“Sol Cuisine’s Canadian Whole Foods sales grew steadily 2010 and this – among other factors – made Whole Foods the logical first choice as we planned our US retail expansion strategy,” said Dror Balshine, President of Sol Cuisine. “American natural retailers are excited about introducing a new line that offers great taste, texture, ingredients and nutritional profile.”
“In the next quarter we will focus on key natural chains and independents in the regions where we have distribution,” said Abramson. "Our American expansion has resulted in new efficiencies throughout the company, including production and sales departments. We’re excited about continued growth.”

Payless debuts Summer Collection - espadrille flats, envelope clutches, statement jewellery and much more

The summer weather has finally arrived and with it some hot summertime footwear and accessories by Payless. The Payless Summer Collection makes the season’s must-have trends affordable to every woman. Platform wedges, gladiator sandals, espadrille flats, embellished sandals, envelope clutches, satchel totes, statement jewellery and a variety of sunglasses and sun hats make the Payless Summer Collection every fashionista’s dream.

Footwear and accessory trends for the summer include:



Silhouettes – embellished and gladiator-inspired sandals, espadrille flats, strappy heels, peep-toe pumps, sculpted & platform wedges and slip-on sneakers

Colours – emerald green, bold fuchsia, dusty blue, cognac brown and soft metallics

Materials – patterned fabrics, denim, canvas, jersey cotton, and natural elements including raffia, woven jute, and cork and wood-inspired materials

Details – stud and jewelled embellishments, gold hardware, covered heels, contrast piping, flower and bow accents

Jewellery – layered necklaces, statement rings and earrings featuring critter shapes (bees & butterflies), rhinestones and wood beading

Handbags -- tribal print, plaid, faux snakeskin and croco patterns, as well as metallics and black & white prints offer an overall polished look

Other accessories include: sunglasses and sun hats, as well as beauty items featuring fresh fragrances, the latest lip and nail colours, and glow-enhancing products like the Shimmer Powder Puff and Shimmer Brush items.

.86182 Christian Siriano for Payless™ Brown Croco Jacqueline, $54.99



· 86681 Christian Siriano for Payless™ Brown Lanai Peep Platform Pump, $79.99


· 86630 Christian Siriano for Payless™ Gognac Topaz Twisted Sandal, $67.99


· 86185 Lela Rose™ for Payless™ Lara Green Satchel, $54.99


· 86684 Lela Rose™ for Payless™ Green Isidro Ankle Strap Wedge, $84.99


· 86314, Lela Rose™ for Payless™ Navy Mateos Dorsay Ankle Strap Flat, $69.99

little tikes® outdoor summer toys are here!

Summer is finally here and after a long cold winter, kids and parents alike are excited about spending some much needed time outside. This summer, little tikes® has toys for a range of ages that will stimulate their imagination and inspire creativity. I thought that you would be interested in featuring little tikes® outdoor summer toys including: the little tikes® Talk to Me Basketball, Cozy Truck™, Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark™ and Get Out ‘N’ Grill. Below are detailed descriptions of each toy.

The little tikes® Talk to Me Basketball is a slam dunk idea for kids 12 + months. It is ideal for outside use, but can easily be used indoors on a rainy day. The basketball hoop has a learning and active play mode and says 40 encouraging and silly phrases in English, French and Spanish. Suggested retail price: $39.99
 

Keep kids moving with the little tikes® Cozy Truck™. This roomy pickup truck has a realistic front grill, rugged “off-road” wheels, and a steering wheel with a working horn! For kids 1½ - 5 years old, the Cozy Truck™ also features a fully functioning driver’s door with fun graphics and tail and headlight decals. Suggested retail price: $99.99

Stay cool this summer with the little tikes® Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark™ for kids 2 + years. In addition to providing hours of fun, the waterpark also teaches children early motor skills with the engaging water table. The waterpark features friendly character balls that kids can drop down the spiral and watch descend into the lazy river and much more. Suggested retail price: $49.99

Anytime is grillin’ time with the little tikes® Get Out ‘N’ Grill Backyard Barbecue. Kids 3 + years can grill indoors or outdoors, just like mom and dad. This eight piece playset is just like a real gas grill with a starter button and clicking knobs. The grill even comes equipped with all of the tools and food necessary to have the perfect cook out! Suggested retail price: $49.99



The little tikes® Get Out ‘N’ Grill Backyard Barbecue and the Talk to Me Basketball toys are available at all major retailers across Canada. The little tikes® Cozy Truck™ and Spiralin’ Seas Waterpark™ are available exclusively at Toys “R” Us.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules has created some helpful activity sheets to help you manage this summer.

Baby’s Breath euphorbia a Texan plant at heart

Texas AgriLife Research has tested several varieties of Baby's Breath euphorbia, a new Texas Superstar designee. "White Manaus (right) from GroLink has been the most vigorous in our trials and stands up brilliantly to our Texas heat," said Dr. Brent Pemberton, AgriLife Research horticulturist and chair of the Texas Superstar executive board. (Texas AgriLife Research photo by Dr. Brent Pemberton)

THE ALL NEW KOBO eREADER™ TOUCH EDITION ARRIVES AT INDIGO

THE ALL NEW KOBO eREADER™ TOUCH EDITION ARRIVES AT INDIGO


- IT’S HERE. IT’S HOT. GET IT TODAY -
  A new chapter in eReaders begins today as the all new Kobo eReader Touch Edition ($139) arrives at Indigo, Chapters and Coles stores nationally. Indigo Books & Music Inc. will also begin shipping devices to booklovers who reserved their new Kobo Touch when the eReader was launched by Indigo’s majority held global eReading company, Kobo, Inc. at last month’s Book Expo America. The new Kobo eReader features a revolutionary new Real Touch™ screen experience that makes eReading easier than ever.

Garden Bench- All Things Cedar

Atc - Gb48u Garden Bench - Clear Grade A - Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar fibers contain oils that act as natural preservatives to help the wood resist rot and decay making it an excellent material for outdoor funiture. Manufactured using Clear Grade Western Red Cedar. Finely sanded sliver-free finish. Handcrafted for snug joinery. Fully routed edges for uniform styling. rust resistant zinc plated and/or brass hardware. hardwood doweling. pre-drilled holes. all cedar kits are unfinished. Fully illustrated step-by-step instructions included in all kitsDimensions: 55 x 23 x 35

World of Interiors

World of Interiors

Original and innovative magazine where interior design and fashion meet. Serves as an invaluable source of inspiration and reference for design and decorating ideas

Weight Loss Support at the CIBO Clinic

A team of health care professionals offers complete support from assessment to aftercare and everything in between.
CIBO Clinic is committed to helping patients achieve life-long weight management. We believe that by helping our patients achieve lasting weight loss, their fear of health and mobility problems can be reduced, often eliminated. Then people lead more fulfilling lives.


416 LAP BAND (527 2263)  or toll free at 1-866-511-CIBO

http://www.ciboclinic.com/

Father's Day - Philips Wake-up Light

Father's Day....consider the gift of a perfect wake-up with the Philips Wake-up Light. To help dad feel refreshed and ready to enjoy his favourite morning activities such as going for a run before work or fishing at the cottage, the Philips Wake-up Light is a great way for dad to feel naturally recharged and alive.



The Wake-up Light simulates sunrise by gradually filling a room with bright light. For example, to awake at 6:00 a.m., you set the Wake-up Light to start at 5:30 a.m. The light will increase its brightness over the course of thirty minutes, gently preparing the body for waking up while you are still asleep.


The Wake-up Light comes with natural sounds that play when the highest light intensity has been reached. Users can also play their favourite FM station or add new sounds and music via USB.

Wake-up Light Features:
Four natural sounds and FM radio
Dusk simulation
Two alarms
Memory for three radio stations
USB port to upload new wake-up sounds from Philips.ca and your own music (only available on Wake-up Light Plus 3485)

Smart-snooze; tap anywhere



Philips Hf3470/60 Wake-up Light, White
Philips Hf3485 Wake-up Light Plus, White

The Wake-up Light (3470) is priced at $119.99 and available at Amazon.ca

The Wake-up Light Plus (3485) is priced at $179.99 and available at Personal Edge and Amazon.ca.

Elle Decoration - French Edition

Elle Decoration - French Edition

Showcases the very best of what's modern, new, and beautiful in the world of interior design, whether it be high street or designer. Elle Decoration is the world's highest selling interiors magazine with 17 editions worldwide, an expression of self through the home aimed at stylish individuals.