Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Wild Life

Wild Life
Wild LifeIn Wild Life, Molly Gloss has combined interests from her previous fiction: western history, women's lives, and the fantastic. The result is a fascinating, beautifully written, thought-provoking meditation on wildness of all sorts. Gloss's main character is a turn-of-the-century writer of scientific romances; her life and her writing are transformed when she ventures away from her Columbia River home to look for a lost child in the forests of the Cascade Mountains. The book alters, too, from light-hearted satire to desperate adventure to re-entry into the human community. Gloss has much to say about the way people in the West come to terms with the natural environment and with their own darker impulses. A beautiful book.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Inventure Foods Expands Its Licensed TGI Fridays™ Snack Line Into Growing Pub Mix Category



New "Happy Hour" Mixes Feature On-Trend Salty/Sweet and Spicy Combinations 
Like Cheddar Bacon, Sriracha Ranch and Sweet Barbeque




PHOENIX, June 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The TGI Fridays™ snack line, known
for its bold, restaurant-inspired creations, expands this summer with the
 introduction  of a new line of snacks featuring nuts, pretzels, crackers and
seeds in the tradition of happy hour pub mixes. The new TGI Fridays
Happy Hour Snack Mixes include four flavors available in 2.65-ounce
and 6-ounce pouches. They appear in select grocery and convenience
 stores nationwide beginning this month with a suggested
 retail price of $2.99 and $4.99, respectively.
Inventure Foods expands its licensed TGI Fridays snack line into growing pub mix category
TGI Fridays Happy Hour Snack Mixes represent a shift into an entirely new category
for the successful licensing partnership between Inventure Foods and TGI Fridays;
a partnership that has thrived since the   introduction of TGI Fridays Potato Skins
snack chip line 15 years ago. The snack mixes arrive just as consumer demand for
 salty snacks is at an all-time high (Mintel, US Salty Snacks Report, Jan. '15).
Consumer interest in pub mixes, in particular, is reflected in a 60 percent growth
 in category introductions during the past five years (FONA International).
"We've demonstrated remarkable consistency in our ability to develop successful
 new products under the TGI Fridays banner, and we've often pushed the envelope
of bold flavors in the process," said Steve Sklar, senior vice president and general
 manager for Inventure Foods, Inc. "These mixes are no exception—in fact, we
believe they perfectly hit the intersection of salty, sweet and spicy."
The Cheddar Bacon flavor features a savory combination of cheese crackers,
pretzels, pumpkin seeds and Cajun corn sticks. The Sriracha blend adds smoked
almonds, sesame sticks and peanuts to the mix and covers it in mouth-watering
siracha ranch seasoning. Sweet Barbeque takes the same irresistible recipe and
coats it in a tangy yet sweet barbeque flavor. Finally, Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix
adds butter toffee peanuts, wasabi peas, pecans, cashews, rice crackers and honey
mustard pretzels to the blend to provide the best of sweet and savory flavors in
each delicious bite.
Since the brand crossed over to the snack chip aisle in 2000, the TGI Fridays snack
 line has become a consumer favorite in grocery, vending and convenience channels,
 providing premium snack options that parallel the exciting flavor combinations on
 Fridays' menus. In addition to Potato Skins, snack line staples include
Cheddar Cheese Jalapeno Poppers, Onion Rings and Mozzarella Sticks.
About Inventure Foods, Inc. With manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Indiana,
Washington, Oregon and Georgia,
Inventure Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAK) is a marketer and manufacturer of
specialty food brands in better-for-you and indulgent categories under a variety
of Company owned and licensed brand names, including
 Boulder Canyon Foods™, Jamba®, Seattle's Best Coffee®,
ader Farms®, TGI Fridays™, Nathan's Famous®, Vidalia Brands®,
Poore Brothers®, Tato Skins®, Willamette Valley Fruit Company™,
 Fresh Frozen™ and Bob's Texas Style®.  For further information about
Inventure Foods, please visit www.inventurefoods.com.

About TGI FridaysIn 1965, Fridays opened its first location in New York City.
 Today, there are over 900 restaurants in 60 countries which offer high quality
, authentic American food and legendary drinks, served with genuine personal service.
 Bringing people together to socialize and celebrate the freeing and liberating spirit
of "Friday" is the concept's founding premise, from which the brand promise
 "In Here, It's Always Friday®" was born. For more information,
visit www.fridays.com or follow us on Twitter at @TGIFridays

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Trafalgar Announces its 2016 Top Ten Best Experiences in The Americas Showcasing new 2016 trips to Ecuador, Panama and Costa Rica

 

Toronto- June 24, 2015 - Whether you’re travelling to North, Central or South America, there are so many experiences to be uncovered it can be difficult to know where to start. To complement the release of Trafalgar’s 2016 The Americas programme, the global leader in guided vacations is sharing its Insider knowledge and has unveiled its 10 best travel experiences in The Americas for next year.
       1.      BBQ cook-off on Route 66
Meet the USA’s national barbecue champions, the Randles and the Mellows, for a Be My Guest experience on Route 66. Enjoy dinner in the historic Forest Park, home to the 1904 World Fair, where your host and “Pit Master” Jim Randle details the family’s path to barbecue prominence. Learn about the different BBQ styles of Carolina, St. Louis, Memphis and Texas before getting tips on what goes into creating a great BBQ sauce. Split into teams and create your own BBQ sauce using your newfound knowledge and have a complete USA-style cook-off with your fellow travellers. This exclusive experience is available on Trafalgar’s 15-day Route 66 guided vacation priced from $5175 per person (with savings of up to $1070 per couple available).

2.     Discover the “Salad bowl of the World”
In Salinas Valley, also known as the “Salad Bowl of the World”, join a Local Specialist on an agricultural education tour to discover what makes Monterey County the number one vegetable growing region in the world. Enjoy a Californian wine pairing as part of a Be My Guest dinner at a restaurant where your host, a local chef and author, shares with you a bounty of locally-sourced, seasonal foods and creates the ultimate farm-to-table experience. Experience this culinary adventure on the eight-day Northern California guided vacation priced from $3395 per person (with savings of up to $690 per couple available)

3.     Take an adventure to the glaciers, national parks and laid-back cities in Canada
It’s no secret that our home has some of the best natural landmarks in the world. Just as beautiful in summer as it is in winter, Canadians can explore their own majestic backyard. Travellers can re-discover the wildlife and iconic scenery of Banff with a “Mountie”. Sharing expert knowledge from their time in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police force, you’ll meet a “Mountie” on Trafalgar’s new 13-day Iconic Rockies and Western Canada guided vacation priced from $4795 per person (with savings of up to $1215 per couple available).

4.     Enjoy a private performance with music legend Johnny Cash’s son
Go beyond the usual music tours in Nashville and gain a Cultural Insight into the life and music of Johnny Cash during a private performance with Johnny and June Carter’s son, John Carter Cash. John entertains Trafalgar guests with his own original music, as well as a few numbers made famous by his legendary family. Chat with John and ask any questions about his father, their family and the influence music has on him. Experience this on Trafalgar’s 10-day Tastes & Sounds of the South guided vacation priced from $3750 per person (with savings of up to $859 per couple available).

5.     Dine with Mexico’s celebrated chef, Don Miguel
Don Miguel is a Merida native who fell in love with the ancient traditions of Yucatan cuisine at a young age in his family kitchen. When Don began his career in earnest, he committed himself to using local products, maintaining traditional recipes and processes and serving a familiar yet modern version of his beloved Yucatan dishes. Well-known through Merida as an advocate for the conservation of traditional customs and cooking processes of the Mayans, Don invites you inside the Chaya Maya Mansion for an exclusive Be My Guest dinner. Experience Don’s wonderful flavours on Trafalgar’s eight-day Treasures of the Yucatan guided vacation priced from $2225 per person (with savings of up to $495 per couple available).

6.     Meet local Peruvian artisans in the Sacred Valley
In Peru’s Sacred Valley, gain a Cultural Insight nto the centuries-old methods of Peruvian weaving including the spinning and dyeing of traditional Andean textiles. Connect with local artisans and learn about their natural dyeing techniques, passed down from generation-to-generation by native weavers from different areas. These local ladies will chat to you about their love for Peruvian weaving and give you an insight into the traditional way of dressing in Peru. Meet local artisans on Trafalgar’s eight-day Highlights of Peru guided vacation priced from $3225 per person (with savings of up to $710 per couple available).

7.     Stay in Yellowstone’s first superior hotel
Relax and unwind in Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel in Wyoming and soak up the incredible views of Yellowstone’s hot limestone springs. Built in 1937, this Authentic Accommodation was the first elegant hotel built within the National Park and its pristine lodge location shows-off the natural wonders of Yellowstone alongside its plentiful wildlife. The hotel name derives from the Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace, a popular step-like geological feature nearby. Enjoy an overnight stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel on Trafalgar’s new eight-day Secrets and Winter Wonders of Yellowstone Hidden Journey priced from $5475 per person (with savings of up to $1095 per couple available).

8.     Meet a local Hawaiian family in the Maui countryside   
Hawaii’s tropical weather and abundance of rainforests and lush greenery make it the perfect destination to produce fresh fruit and vegetables year-round. Travel deep within Maui’s countryside and visit a local farm to learn about the sustainable agriculture on the island. Join the farmers’ family with an invitation for an exclusive Be My Guest lunch, and be treated to delicious Hawaiian specialities made with only the freshest, local ingredients. See Hawaii from the inside on Trafalgar’s nine-day Best of Hawaii guided vacation priced from $4250 per person (with savings of up to $915 per couple available).

9.     Sleep in a historic American property
Its insider moments like sleeping in the setting of historic events at Boston’s elegant Omni Parker House that really turn holiday experiences into lifelong memories. Dating back to 1855, the property was where John F. Kennedy prosed to Jackie O in the summer of 1953 and announced his bid for congress in 1946. The hotel was also the workplace for Malcolm X and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh and renowned for inventing the Boston cream pie in its kitchen. Stay in this Authentic Accommodation on Trafalgar’s 14-day East Coast USA & Canada guided vacation priced from $5195 per person (with savings of up to $1110 per couple available).

10.  Have a campsite dinner with a cowboy
Head into Big Sky Country where you’ll meet a resident cowboy for a western-style cookout. Venture to a private campsite to meet your host Happy Pappy, who will personally greet you and serve up one of his favourite all-American dishes. Pappy will regale you with history and tales of his life in the saddle before breaking into a western song. Find yourself in a cowboy hat as Pappy leads you all to the campfire. This cowboy isn’t armed with six shooters, but an old guitar. Songs next to the campfire conjure images of old wagon trains rolling west and the lonesome melodies of harmonicas in the dusk. Experience this on Trafalgar’s 10 Western Frontiers guided vacation priced from $3575 per person (with savings of up to $735 per person available).

Savings of up to $2296 per couple are available across Trafalgar’s 2016 The Americas program when you book and pay in full by November 19, 2015.
To find out more information, contact your local travel agent or visit www.trafalgar.com and follow us on Twitter at @TrafalgarCanada and Facebook

About TrafalgarWith almost 70 years of expertise and insider knowledge, we’re the most globally awarded guided holiday company. We reveal the must-see sights, but we also take guests deeper into the real culture of each destination. Created with our network of local connections, our hand-picked Insider Experiences reveal the unique people, places and traditions in every location - whether it’s dining with a local family at their vineyard, on an exclusive Be My Guest, or discovering history on a stay at an Authentic Accommodation. We offer more choice of destinations and trip styles than any other guided holiday company. And we take care of all the little details, so our guests enjoy an unforgettable holiday every time.

About The TreadRight FoundationCreated as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The Foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities. Foundation priorities are set by the Steering Committee, which includes sustainability leaders like Céline Cousteau and Costas Christ.
TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” WildAid and inspiring wildlife advocates like Terri Irwin.

To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Canada’s aging population is growing rapidly. Out of a total Canadian population of 33.5 million, nearly 5 million are seniors.

Canada is currently experiencing the highest growth rate for this age group since the late 1950s and early 1960s.  The children of this generation, dubbed “The sandwich generation,” are increasingly anxious about how to simultaneously care for their children while caring for their aging parents – many of whom want to age at home for as long as possible.

Mavencare, a new home care service for seniors, helps alleviate some of this anxiety by providing quality home care at a competitive rate that allows for higher salaries for PSWs. “We want to provide the best care possible.  To do this, we offer higher salaries to deserving health care workers and are able to retain the best of the best,” says James Cohen, Co-Founder of Mavencare. “We recognize that PSWs are undervalued and underpaid.  It is our belief that by combining technology with adequate salaries, we can modernize the home care service industry.”

Created by a team of elder care and technology experts, Mavencare provides technological monitoring services throughout the home care appointment.  Through the Mavencare app, selected family members receive regular updates, directly to their mobile phone.  These activity updates confirm that key tasks such as medication reminders and personal care services are completed. 

Available now in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Calgary, Mavencare plans to expand service across North America this year.  https://mavencare.com/

Monday, June 22, 2015

Sabra Introduces 2oz Pizza Hummus Singles



New Single Serve Variety Brings a Favorite American Flavor Profile to a Versatile/Creamy Dip

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., June 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabra Dipping Company, maker of America's favorite hummus, introduced Pizza Hummus Singles to its line of dips and spreads, which includes more than 12 hummus flavors.  Sabra's rich, smooth Classic Hummus has been blended with fresh pizza inspired flavor kids love, including familiar herbs and spices like fresh basil and oregano.  The single serving 2-ounce containers pair well with pita chips and vegetables and are easy to slip in a lunch box or backpack for on the go mini meals and snacks. 
Sabra Introduces Pizza Hummus Singles
"With more than 25 million kids snacking every day - and plenty of busy adults, too, Pizza Singles present a better-for-you option in a favorite flavor Americans want," said Rachel Zander, Associate Brand Manager at Sabra.  "What makes our Pizza Hummus Singles so great is the convenience of a grab and go snack in a crowd-pleasing favorite flavor, packed with all of the fresh tasting ingredients consumers expect from Sabra." 
Just in time for back-to-school season, Sabra's 2 ounce Pizza Hummus Singles launch in August and will be available in a 6 count package near Sabra's other products in the deli section of major national retailers.  They will retail for $4.99 for the 6 count.
About Sabra Dipping Company, LLC
Sabra Dipping Company, LLC is the leader in the refrigerated dips and spreads category and producer of America's top-selling hummus. Sabra's award-winning hummus, available in more than a dozen flavors, and a wide range of authentic and delicious dips and spreads, including salsa, guacamole, and Greek yogurt vegetable dips, can be found nationwide in club stores, supermarkets, specialty retailers and through food service. Sabra operates a silver LEED certified factory in Virginia, and has received an A-Classification from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) audit board for food safety for its California Salsa plant every year since 2011. Find Sabra at www.sabra.com, www.facebook.com/sabra and @Sabra on twitter.
Sabra Dipping Company was formed as a U.S./Canadian joint venture between Strauss Group and PepsiCo. The Sabra joint venture draws on both Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, and Strauss Group's expertise to continue building this growing business. 

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Don’t Tell Her to Relax: 22 Ways to Support Your Infertile Loved One Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond ..by: Zahie El Kouri.


Over 14 million American women are either unable to bear children, or are using some type of fertility treatment to assist in their efforts to have children. While these statistics illustrate the pervasive issue of infertility in the United States, they do not begin to illustrate the emotional toll that infertility produces: feelings of social isolation, depression, and frustration. 

Worse yet, family members and friends of those struggling with infertility oftentimes don’t know how to help, or what they can say to try and comfort and support their loved one.  

To try and help those struggling with infertility and the people who love and support them, former lawyer Zahie El Kouri wrote the new book, Don’t Tell Her to Relax: 22 Ways to Support Your Infertile Loved One Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond. Based on her own painful experiences, El Kouri teaches readers how to be supportive with women dealing with fertility issues without being intrusive or offensive.  Written in a compassionate and friendly tone, this new book is the ultimate guide for family members and friends who wish to help and emotionally support a loved one cope with the stress and frustration of infertility.


Designed as a tool to open the conversation between the person who is going through infertility and the person who wants to help, Don’t Tell Her to Relax also touches on:

·      Common Causes and Diagnosis: Common causes of infertility and different types of diagnostic procedures
·      Treatments and Costs: Various fertility treatments such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertilization) as well as the financial costs associated with each
·      Hormones: The volatility of emotions that fertility hormones can produce in your loved one and how to handle them
·      Emotional Support Simple tips to help your loved one minimize stress and focus on the future
·      Building a Family: All of the ways possible to build your own family including: surrogacy, gestational carriers, embryo adoption, and traditional adoption
·      And much more!

“There was a long period in my life during which I was simultaneously trying to get pregnant, exploring adoption, and trying to imagine a life without children. During those years, there was a part of me that wanted to retreat, because it was so hard to explain how I was feeling to people who weren't struggling with the same issues,” says El Kouri. “At that time, I remember wishing that there was a manual I could hand to them, with step-by-step guidelines for what to say and what not to say to help me through a difficult time. When I finally did have a child, I didn't forget that need. I wrote this book to bridge the gap between those going through infertility and their loved ones.” 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Zahie El Kouri writes about infertility and immigrant culture, sharing her experience of surviving infertility through personal essays and articles. She has taught creative writing at the University of North Florida and the University of Oregon Law School and legal writing at Santa Clara University and Florida Coastal School of Law. She holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School and an MFA in creative writing from New School University.

El Kouri’s work has appeared in Mizna, a Journal of Arab-American writingMemoir JournalDinarzad’s Children: an Anthology of Arab-American LiteratureBrain, Child: the Magazine for Thinking Mothers, Ars Medica, and Full Grown People.  She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and three beautiful children.  Don’t Tell Her to Relax is her first book. 

Don’t Tell Her to Relax is available through AmazonBarnes and Noble Nook, and her websitewww.zahieelkouri.com.
Connect with Zahie El Kouri on Facebook.comLinkedIn.comTwitter.com, andGoodReads.com.



Wednesday, June 17, 2015

JR-Auctions Proudly Presents a Night Under the Stars with Lead Vocalist and Song Writer from the Tower of Power, Larry Bragg

August 12th thru August 15th 2015



Positioning itself right in the middle of the week, the Cannery Row Auto, Art & Yacht Auction will offer vehicles of both land and sea. Be a part of and witness for yourself the excitement of the JR Auctions Cannery Row Auto, Art & Yacht Auction as rare, exotic and desirable automobiles get sold at record prices alongside fine art from historic artist as Jackson Pollock, Caravaggio, Picasso, Salvador Dali, Renoir, Mock- Cheval and Van Gogh. Automobiles will rotate on a circular stage overlooking the ostentatious Monterey Bay back drop. Later the Dolphin Ball room will auction priceless pieces of art followed by a late night reception for registered Bidders and Consignors. Join them with lead vocalist Larry Bragg from the Tower of Power as he will perform his exceptional vocals under the stars on the Monterey Plaza Piazza the evening of August 14th, 2015.

Venue Location: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – 400 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940

August 12th, 2015 – 12PM to 4PM - Collectable, classic, muscle automobiles will be auctioned.
- 5:00PM to 7:30 PM – Dreamcatchers International Fine Art Auction
- 9:00PM until 1AM – VIP Reception; Consignors and Bidders, Invite Guest.
August 13th, 2015 - 12PM to 4PM - Collectable, classic, muscle automobiles will be auctioned.
- 5:00PM to 7:30 PM – Dreamcatchers International Fine Art Auction
- 9:00PM until 1AM – VIP Reception; Consignors and Bidders, Invite Guest.
August 14th, 2015 - 12PM to 4PM - Collectable, classic, muscle automobiles will be auctioned.
- 5:00PM to 7:30 PM – Dreamcatchers International Fine Art Auction
- 8:00 PM to 10PM – Concert on the Plaza: Featured Vocalist: Larry Bragg, Lead singer to the Tower of Power.
- 9:00PM until 1AM – VIP Reception; Consignors and Bidders, Invite Guest.
August 15th, 2015 - 12PM to 4PM - Collectable, classic, muscle automobiles will be auctioned.
- 5:00PM to 7:30 PM – Dreamcatchers International Fine Art Auction
- 9:00PM until 1AM – VIP Reception; Consignors and Bidders, Invite Guest.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Sophia’s Naturals Offers Sustainable, Vegan Handmade Soaps, Bath, & Body Care Products



In 2009, Sophia’s Naturals officially launched. The family owned and oriented company has expanded and continues
 to offer handcrafted, natural body and beauty products that are non-irritating and free of harmful chemicals.


Erin Evans, owner of Sophia’s Naturals, is a mom who began her entrepreneurial journey when her son, Noah,
 and daughter, Sophia, developed sensitive skin. Most bath soaps and beauty products irritated their sensitive
 skin, and Evans decided to create a brand of skin and body care products that were non-irritating, eco-friendly, and sustainable.

After years of dedicated researching and testing, Sophia’s Naturals launched with economically priced yet
luxurious handmade, natural bath and body products. Now, the Sophia’s Naturals line offers vegan milk
and shea butter vegan soaps, facial soaps and masks, body butters, lotions, scrubs, lip balms, bath
indulgences, hair care, products for men, Noah’s Candles, and more.

Sophia’s Naturals products can be purchased both online and in the company’s Jonesboro, GA,
retail location, where Evans’ children are often spotted talking to customers about their unique line
 of products. “We take extreme pride in what we do. This means that each and every product is
handmade by us. We do not use product bases or outsource anything to anyone. It also means
that we have tested each and every product before customers receive it because we care,” said Evans.

More information can be found at http://sophiasnaturals.com.

About Sophia’s Naturals

The Sophia’s Naturals mission is to create natural, wholesome soap and beauty products
that are free and clear of parabens and preservatives. Designed for the whole family in
mind, all Sophia’s Naturals products are handmade and economically priced to ensure
that people everywhere can enjoy non-irritating, handcrafted skin and beauty products.
Contact Information
Sophia's Naturals
Erin Evans
678-304-7846
Contact
SophiasNaturals.com

Monday, June 15, 2015

Sailing stars encourage everyone to make Bart’s Bash the World’s largest sailing event



Bart’s Bash, the global sailing event in aid of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, has launched participant sign up with the help of some of the world’s best in the sport of sailing.

Sailors including Sir Robin- Knox-Johnston, Sir Ben Ainslie, Tom Slingsby and Shirley Robertson OBE feature in a short film which aims to encourage sailors and non-sailors from across the world to take to the water on 20 September 2015.

This is the second time the remarkable sailing event will take place. Bart’s Bash was conceived in 2014 as a participation event in memory of Andrew “Bart” Simpson. It grew beyond all expectations with over 30700 people taking part in the event across more than 50 countries and raised over £360,000 for the charity started in Bart’s name. In January 2015 Bart’s Bash was named officially the largest sailing race in the world by Guinness World Records.











The aim of the 2015 campaign is to increase participation even further across the world with the ultimate goal of becoming the world’s biggest sporting event. Any sailing clubs, community sailing programmes, sail training centres, yacht clubs, scout groups, sea cadets and even groups of sailors globally can hold a Bart’s Bash race.

With an aim to make Bart’s Bash the biggest sporting event in the World the team have introduced Bart’s Buddies to the event. This is a great opportunity for those who already sail to introduce friends, family and work colleagues to the sport and to give them an unforgettable experience on the water.

Another exciting new concept added by the team is he Bart’s Bash Buoy race. This is possibly the easiest way to get lots of pe
ople on the water and involved in the event, without the need of a set start time, start line, complex course and the full racing management ,venues can run a simple 'race' from the shore to a mark (Bart’s Buoy) and back to shore.

ASSF Trustee Iain Percy OBE said “last year was an incredible event so this year we have decided to do it all over again. This time we want to get even more people on the water so we have introduced Bart’s Buddies. We have all promised our friends and family to take them sailing one day so why not this day, a day where we can have fun together and remember Bart whilst doing so. Now that the sign up process is live I urge and encourage everyone to sign up to take part and be a part of this ground breaking event”.

Bart’s Bash is one of the valuable fund raising events for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, allowing it to facilitate a range of sustainable projects, using sailing to transform the lives of children and young people globally.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

The "Making Dads Cooler Than Moms" Gift for Father's Day



Father’s Day is quickly approaching and that means it’s time to shop for the perfect gift. Sure, you could go with something like a tie or some tools for his grill, but will those gifts speak to how important he is to his family, or create a lasting memory?
When planning for Father’s Day, why not give the dad in your life a gift that really speaks to what Father’s Day is all about?  Cooper & Kid’s The Cooper Kit is the perfect gift for the dad who wants to spend quality time with his kids and make memories that will last forever! A kit that arrives in the mail every three months, The Cooper Kit is the gift that will keep on giving hours of fun and entertainment for dads and kids alike!

Cooper & Kid’s The Cooper Kit makes the perfect Father’s Day Gift:
  • Made for today’s dad: an entire box full of projects, including recipes, books, ideas and more!
  • Multiple projects means hours of fun! Each box comes with 6-9 activities!
  • Gender neutral projects means dads with daughters or sons will have a blast with The Cooper Kit
  • Educational component in every box means your kids (and you!) can learn while you have a great time!
  • Subscription service means the fun doesn’t stop with just one box! Every quarter receive a new pack of fun in the mail!
  • Even the shipping box becomes an activity for maximum fun and zero waste!
















This Father’s Day, forget the boring “been there done that” gift, and give the gift of awesomeness with Cooper & Kid’s The Cooper Kit! Open the box for instant “dad is awesome” status and watch dads and kids have a blast making memories together!
visit www.cooperandkid.com 

Monday, June 8, 2015

When Schools Let Out for Summer, 22 Million Kids May Lose Access to Nutrient-Rich Milk




Milk -- A Top Requested Item at Food Banks All Year -- Is Even More in 
 Need in Summer Months, When Many Kids Lose Access to Free and 
Reduced-Price Meal Programs


WASHINGTON, June 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For most kids, June is the
 start of summer break
– a time of fun and excitement where they're free to play all day, every day.
 But for more than 22 million children in communities all across the country,
it also may mean the end of access to nutrient-rich milk
 when in-school free or reduced-price meal programs end.
When schools let out for summer, 22 million kids may lose access to nutrient-rich milk.
According to a survey of food banks with Feeding America®, the nation's
 largest domestic hunger-relief organization, milk is one of the most requested
 items by food bank clients year-round, and especially during the summer
 months when more kids rely on local food banks for nutritious
 meals otherwise provided by in-school programs. But on average, food
banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon
of milk per person per year. That's because while
Americans are generous with canned and dry goods, many don't think to donate milk because
 it's perishable. That's why, last year, Feeding America partnered with
 America's dairy farmers and milk companies to create The Great American Milk Drive.
The program is designed to deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons
of milk to families and children struggling with hunger and often most in need of milk.
The Great American Milk Drive makes it easy for Americans
 to make a difference in their communities because donations stay local. Since it began,
The Great American Milk Drive has delivered more than 325,000 gallons of milk to
families in need throughout the country.June is National Dairy Month,
and this month – and all summer long – The Great American Milk Drive is
on a mission to bring more fresh, nutritious milk to children and families in
 need in communities from coast to coast.

"Milk is an easy and affordable way to provide much needed nourishment
to children who might otherwise miss out on it during the summer months,"
said Michelle Dudash, registered dietitian and nutritionist.
"Many people don't realize that milk provides nine essential nutrients,
including eight grams of high-quality protein in each eight-ounce glass and is the top food
source of calcium, vitamin D and potassium."   
Dairy Farmers and Milk Companies Unite on June 16In addition to
 the ongoing donation ollection for The Great American Milk Drive, on
June 16, dairy farmers and milk companies
will come together to ask America to join them in helping kids this summer,
doubling donations*
made on that day and distributing them to Feeding America's network
of 200 food banks.
You can join the drive by donating at milklife.com/give and follow
the conversation online
with #MilkDrive.
"The nutrients in milk are so important for all kids," said Julia Kadison,
 CEO of the Milk Processor Education Program.
 "That's why, this summer, we're focused on powering the play of children in
local communities across the country by encouraging much-needed,
 nutrient-rich milk donations.
And, on June 16, The Great American Milk Drive will double those donations.*"
Making a Difference in Your CommunityIt's quick and easy to power
 the play of children in need in your community with a small donation at milklife.com/give.
A gift of as little as $5 will deliver a gallon of milk to a family in need in your
community who does not have regular access to it. By entering your
zip code, you can ensure that milk is deliverey  from the farm to a local Feeding
America food bank in your very own community.
About Feeding America Feeding America is a nationwide network of
 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States.
 Together, we provide food to more than 46 million  people through 60,000 food
 pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding
 America also supports programs that improve food security among the
 people we serve; educates  the public about the problem of hunger;
and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.
 Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger.
Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger.
Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About MilkPEPThe Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP),
 Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk companies, who are
committed to increasing fluid milk consumption.
The MilkPEP Board runs the Milk Life campaign, a multi-faceted
campaign designed to educate consumers about the powerful nutritional
benefits of milk – with 9 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein,
 in each 8 ounce glass. For more information, go to milklife.com.
Campbell Ewald is creative agency for the Milk Life campaign –
 from America's milk companies.

About National Dairy Council
National Dairy Council® (NDC), the non-profit organization founded by dairy farmers, is
committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. NDC provides
 science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders
 committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators,
school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915,
NDC comprises a staff of registered dietitians and nutrition research and communications
experts across the country. NDC is committed to promoting child health and wellness
through programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by NDC and
the National Football League (NFL), Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages
 youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at l
east 60 minutes of physical activity every day. For more information,
isit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.
*On June 16, The Great American Milk Drive will match all online donations, up 
to a value of $10,000.
CONTACT:
Krissy Zotaley
312.988.2234 

Friday, June 5, 2015

Carin Wester beats a record in crowdfunding for the fashion industry


Carin Wester – a Swedish fashion brand running its crowdfunding campaign on FundedByMe – has raised the first 110 000 euro in the first 7 hours. After 2 days investors committed 200 000 euro on its shares. This is almost half of the crowdfunding goal needed for global expansion of the brand.

This was the fastest raised 110 000 euro via crowdfunding in the history of clothing brands in Europe. Only 7 hours were needed to achieve this milestone. The next hours were comparably successful – after 2 days investors declared to spend double as much for the company’s shares.
Carin Wester, one of the so called Swedish fashion wonders, known for unique forms and silhouettes combined with premium materials - needs capital for its international expansion. A year ago Global Retail came in as an investor and management of the company with the aim of creating growth and profitability. Very shortly the company is opening its brand stores, mainly in Scandinavia, Germany, Japan and Bennelux, as these markets already perform well.
However, the company did not choose to go the traditional route, by trying to get the attention of major investors or venture capital companies. The more natural choice for them, turned out to be a crowdfunding – a way of raising funds that’s increasing in popularity, allowing a group regular people to individually invest small amounts in exchange for shares of a company. This method is very well suited for companies that already have a finished consumer product - something that anyone can relate to, see and feel. 
“We want to partner with people who love our brand, like our existing customers who are good ambassadors and want to make this trip with us and also highlight our brand to possible new customers,” says Carin Wester, the founder and creator of the brand. She believes that this is the future way to seek investment and that more will follow their example.
“The secret of the success of the crowdfunding campaign by Carin Wester lies in their perfect preparation. They treat crowdfunding as their next marketing campaign, which it is. Building tension in social media, catching attention of journalists, refreshing information on their website – all these elements pay their dividends now. Crowdfunding allowed the brand to reach new customers and achieve the snowball effect” explains Daniel Daboczy, CEO and co-founder of the FundedByMe platform, on which the Carin Wester crowdfunding campaign is listed.
In the 10 years since the Carin Wester brand was founded, it has won numerous prestigious awards in its home market. Recently the company experienced a number of changes: the company structure was optimized, more focus was put into sales and services, products are more balanced between commercial and high fashion and all costs has been reviewed.
“Now we can see, we are facing the right direction and are ready for the next step in making Carin Wester more accessible to a wider market. This sales season is becoming a huge success with an increase of at least 200% compared to the previous year, which is proof that the changes made have had a positive effect. Long-term a turnover of 25 million EUR within 10 years is expected” says Anton Granlund, CEO of Global Retail and a major shareholder of Carin Wester.
Global Retail Group was founded in 2007 and has since then mainly successfully introduced and expanded a retail business together with G-Star Raw. Global Retail has focused on building the strongest sales force in Sweden and has for three consecutive years (2013-2015) been ranked the number one service provider in fashion retail. Alongside operating stores, Global retail has also successfully performed several consulting assignments, for example for Björn Borg.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Living Walls....With Help from Plastics

If you have an interest in home gardening or landscape design, you’ve likely heard of “living walls”—indoor or outdoor vertical gardens filled with plants, flowers, and even edible herbs and vegetables. Grown in containers and fastened to the walls of buildings or other structures, these walls bring living and breathing greenery into areas where horizontal space for traditional gardening is limited.


While they are trendy today, vertical gardening on walls has been around for centuries and was more recently popularized in the 1930s, partly as a way to reconnect city dwellers with nature. 

Living walls have evolved since then, and today plastics make it easier than ever to create beautiful walls of foliage in and around our homes.


A living wall typically begins with multiple planters that must fasten securely to walls while holding plants, soil, and water. Because plastics are both lightweight and strong, they’re often the material of choice for planters used in living walls of all sizes. These benefits of plastics don’t merely create aesthetically pleasing design features—living walls made with plastics can help us lighten our environmental footprint.
Here are some examples: 
  • Water Conservation: Plastics enable planter design features that can make it easier to water living walls with less—helping plants thrive with minimal water use. This is because some plastic planters use built-in reservoirs that conserve water by enabling precise watering while others use easy-to-install plastic drip irrigation systems to help make sure plants receive only the amount of water they need.
  • Energy Efficiency: Living walls can help reduce the surrounding air temperature in urban environments—and this same principle may help improve energy efficiency in a home. One major living wall design company says that installing a large living wall in the interior of a home can help decrease air temperature, potentially reducing electricity use by 20 percent.
  • Recycling: Some companies that manufacture vertical gardening equipment now use recycled plastics to make their products. It’s easier than ever to find rigid planters made with recycled polypropylene plastic (the type used for yogurt and margarine containers), as well as fabric planters made with recycled PET plastic from beverage bottles. Seeking out these and other recycled plastic products helps divert used plastics from landfills.
Due to these environmental benefits, many designers now incorporate living walls into the interior or exterior plans for new buildings. In fact, living walls potentially can help earn credits in LEED® Canada for Homes certification categories—such as Water Efficiency and Energy & Atmosphere—while beautifying the spaces in which we live and work.
Today's intelligent plastics are vital to the modern world. These materials enhance our lifestyles, our economy and the environment.  For more information visit www.intelligentplastics.ca.

Murs végétaux... Avec l’aide des plastiques 

Si le jardinage domestique ou l’aménagement paysager vous intéresse, vous avez probablement entendu parler des « murs végétaux », c’est-à-dire des jardins verticaux intérieurs ou extérieurs remplis de plantes, de fleurs, et même d’herbes et légumes comestibles. Cultivés dans des contenants et fixés aux murs des bâtiments ou autres structures, ces murs créent un jardin vert vivant et vital dans des zones où l’espace horizontal pour le jardinage traditionnel est limité.

Bien qu’il soit à la mode aujourd’hui, le jardinage vertical sur mur existe depuis des siècles et a été popularisé plus récemment dans les années 1930, en partie comme une manière de connecter de nouveau les citadins à la nature. Les murs végétaux ont évolué depuis et, aujourd’hui, les plastiques facilitent plus que jamais la création de magnifiques murs de feuillages dans et autour de nos résidences.

Un mur végétal commence habituellement avec de multiples jardinières suspendues qui doivent être fixées solidement aux murs pour soutenir des plantes, du sol et de l’eau. Parce que les plastiques sont à la fois légers et solides, ils représentent souvent le matériau de choix pour les jardinières suspendues utilisées dans les murs végétaux de toutes dimensions. Ces avantages des plastiques ne créent pas uniquement des éléments d’aménagement qui plaisent sur le plan esthétique. Les murs végétaux fabriqués à partir de plastiques peuvent nous aider à alléger notre empreinte environnementale.
En voici quelques exemples : 
  • Conservation de l’eau : Les plastiques permettent la conception d’éléments d’aménagement de jardinières qui peuvent faciliter l’arrosage des murs végétaux avec moins d’eau, aidant les plantes à pousser avec une utilisation minimale d’eau. En effet, certaines jardinières en plastique utilisent des réservoirs intégrés qui conservent l’eau en permettant un arrosage précis alors que d’autres utilisent des systèmes d’irrigation goutte à goutte en plastique faciles à installer pour aider à s’assurer que les plantes reçoivent seulement la quantité d’eau dont elles ont besoin.
  • Efficacité énergétique : Les murs végétaux peuvent aider à réduire la température ambiante environnante dans des environnements urbains et ce même principe peut aider à améliorer l’efficacité énergétique dans une maison. Une des principales entreprises d’aménagement de murs végétaux affirme que l’installation d’un grand mur végétal à l’intérieur d’une maison peut aider à réduire la température ambiante, réduisant potentiellement la consommation d’électricité de 20 %.
  • Recyclage : Certaines entreprises qui fabriquent du matériel de jardinage vertical font maintenant appel à des plastiques recyclés pour fabriquer leurs produits. Il est plus facile que jamais de trouver des jardinières rigides fabriquées à partir de plastiques en polypropylène recyclé (le type utilisé pour les contenants de yogourt et de margarine), ainsi que des jardinières en tissu fabriquées à partir de plastique en PET recyclé qui provient de bouteilles de boisson. Rechercher ces produits en plastique recyclé et autres produits similaires aide à détourner les plastiques usagés des sites d’enfouissement.

En raison de ces avantages environnementaux, de nombreux concepteurs intègrent des murs végétaux dans les plans intérieurs ou extérieurs de nouveaux bâtiments. En fait, les murs végétaux peuvent éventuellement aider à gagner des crédits dans des catégories de certification LEED® Canada pour les habitations telles que la Gestion efficace de l’eau ainsi que Énergie et atmosphère tout en embellissant les espaces dans lesquels nous vivons et travaillons.
Les plastiques intelligents d’aujourd’hui sont essentiels au monde moderne. Ces matériaux améliorent nos modes de vie, notre économie et l’environnement. Pour plus de renseignements, visitez le site Web www.intelligentplastics.ca.


Tuesday, June 2, 2015

GoodLife Fitness and ParticipACTION team up to get Canadians moving



GoodLife to host ParticipACTION Open House Day on June 6th to celebrate National Health & Fitness Day

[London and Toronto, ON]— Two national leaders in physical activity have joined forces to get Canadians moving and active just in time for National Health & Fitness Day on June 6th. In a unique public/private collaboration, ParticipACTION and GoodLife Fitness, Canada’s largest fitness company, aim to get Canadians started on the path to active, healthy lives using evidence-based recommendations on how to get started and keep moving.

In the first phase of the collaboration, Canadians are invited to the ParticipACTION Open House Day on June 6th at GoodLife Fitness clubs across the country, including at GoodLife’s banner in Quebec, Énergie Cardio. It will be the first of several opportunities for Canadians to try the gym for free as part of the collaboration and offers an incredible opportunity in a caring and supportive environment for those who are ready to make a lifestyle change.

“This is a joint effort between the non-profit and business sector to promote fitness among inactive Canadians,” says David ‘Patch’ Patchell-Evans, Founder & CEO of GoodLife Fitness. “ParticipACTION has made a strong case for why Canadians should get moving and active and we will show Canadians how to take that first step. We are proud to work with ParticipACTION toward a common goal of giving Canadians the opportunity to live healthier lives.”

“Canadians aren’t moving their bodies enough to reap all the good things that come from being active, such as reduced risk of chronic disease, better fitness, more fun, healthy body weight, self-confidence, new skills and better mental health,” says Elio Antunes, President & CEO of ParticipACTION, a national non-profit organization that helps Canadians sit less and move more.  “The great news is that even small increases in physical activity can produce measurable health benefits—and GoodLife and ParticipACTION are here to help you get started.”

The collaboration also creates opportunities for Canadians to learn about physical activity and to put learning into practice. It will give Canadians access to fitness and lifestyle tips, provide research about the value of physical activity to overall health, reinforce what the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines are, and give advice for beginners. Those wanting to get started can access videos on Instagram and YouTube, tips posted on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #FitCanadian, infographics, and advice-filled blog articles available on each organization’s website: goodlifefitness.com and participaction.com.

“This is a great opportunity for all Canadians who have been thinking about getting healthier and more active to take the first step towards moving more,” says Hayley Wickenheiser, five-time Olympian and Member of ParticipACTION’s Board of Directors.  “Congratulations to GoodLife and ParticipACTION for their leadership.” 

The entire network of 350 GoodLife Fitness and Énergie Cardio clubs across Canada will welcome Canadians on June 6th for ParticipACTION Open House Day. Visit goodlifefitness.com or energiecardio.com to find a location near you.


About GoodLife Fitness
Proudly Canadian since 1979, GoodLife Fitness is the largest fitness company in Canada and the fourth largest in the world. With over 350 clubs from coast-to-coast, including 70 Énergie Cardio and ÉconoFitness Clubs in Quebec, approximately 13,000 employees and more than 1 million Members, GoodLife is helping to transform the health and wellness of one in 34 Canadians every day. www.goodlifefitness.com

About ParticipACTION
ParticipACTION is a national non-profit organization that helps Canadians sit less and move more.  Originally established in 1971, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include sport, physical activity, recreation organizations, government and corporate sponsors, to make physical activity a vital part of everyday life.  ParticipACTION is generously supported by the Government of Canada.  For more information, please visit www.participaction.com.


Media Contacts:
Natalie Little-Rowe
Public Relations Manager, GoodLife Fitness
1-800-790-9269

Katherine Janson
Director of Communications & Public Affairs, ParticipACTION
416-913-1471

Renaud Beaudry
Director of Marketing and Communications, Énergie Cardio
450-979-3623 ext. 2305


Tara McLain
Public Relations Specialist
__________________________________________________

GoodLife FITNESS
Purpose: To give every Canadian the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life.

GoodLife Fitness
201 King St, London, ON, N6A 1C9
compliance@goodlifefitness.com
1-800-387-2524
goodlifefitness.com  

Monday, June 1, 2015

Foodie lovers will savour culinary delights in Trafalgar’s Flavors of Italy Itinerary



Featuring Insider experiences with award-winning Canadian travel expert and blogger, Journeywoman
Toronto – May 29, 2015 – Foodies will enjoy an in-depth taste of a country with Trafalgar’s 
(www.trafalgar.com) 11-day Flavors of Italy  trip that will have guests satisfying their gourmet taste buds with Bolognese in Bologna, Chianti in Tuscany and prosciutto in Parma. Starting in Rome and ending in Venice, the trip takes guests to some of Italy’s best gastronomic cities. This featured trip is one of Trafalgar’s special Italy deals and with the weakening Euro this is the best time to visit Italy this summer. 
Canadian blogger and founder of Journeywoman, the largest online resource and gathering place for women travellers, Evelyn Hannon, has travelled with Trafalgar a handful of times and her experience in Italy is one she fondly remembers, especially because of the food!
Fresh and Simple 
"I like unadorned food made from natural ingredients and that’s what Tuscan cuisine is all about. Give me even the simplest Tuscan bread dipped in local virgin olive oil washed down with full-bodied local red wine and I’m happy. I still dream of the simple spaghetti with a Pomodoro sauce, ribollita and freshly picked basilico (basil) that tastes like none other I’ve ever tasted before,” says Hannon.
Guests will enjoy a special Be My Guest dinner in a family-owned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti hills and taste the wines and olive oils the family produces on the land. “I loved the Be My Guest experience that took me deeper into the culture of Tuscany – meeting interesting locals, picking olives in Fiesole, sampling wines, having a 1000 photo opportunities that I probably would not have gotten on my own. I must say, I had lots of ‘bests,’” says Hannon. 
A highlight of the trip is Trafalgar’s unique Tuscan Lifestyle Experience, where they will spend the day shopping for ingredients at a fruit and vegetable market, interacting with the locals. Lunch is then prepared by guests using the purchased produce, as they learn about Italian cuisine by a professional chef. 
Just Like Famiglia 
"I loved (with a capital 'L') our cooking experience with the charismatic Chef Libero in Tuscany, and that's saying a lot because ordinarily I don’t like to cook. However, this was no ordinary lesson – the chef and his staff (including his mother and father-in-law) truly treated us like friends of the family. We all cooked and ate together, drank endless glasses of wine, and sang and danced together. It was all so authentic, I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t really Italian," Hannon fondly recalls of her trip.
To see the cooking experience you could partake in with Chef Libero, click on the video below featuring popular TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerly.
  

For more information, please contact your local travel agent or visit www.trafalgar.com and follow us on Twitter at @TrafalgarCanada and Facebook.


Terms and Conditions:
Conditions: Subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices above are per person, land-only, based on double occupancy and are in Canadian Dollars for above departure dates only. Deals are not combinable with Early Payment Discounts, Last Minute Deals or any other promotional offers. Full payment due at time of booking. These deals are only available to travellers departing from Canada.
About Evelyn HannonEvelyn Hannon is the editor of journeywoman.com, the largest online travel resource for women. At 75, she is known as the Grandmother of Women’s Travel. Evelyn lives in Toronto, Canada but her travels have taken her to all seven continents. She has been in China to receive her adopted granddaughter, interviewed an African Chief in Ghana, marched in a parade in Australia and sailed on a three-month sea voyage that circumnavigated the globe. She attended the circus in Russia, studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and played with the penguins in the Antarctic.  Evelyn still hopes to dance in a grass skirt in the South Pacific. 
About Trafalgar:Trafalgar is the world’s leading guided vacation company offering exceptional quality and value itineraries to a range of exciting destinations. With some 68 years of experience and unrivaled local expertise, Trafalgar provides an authentic insider’s view to create truly unique travel experiences in Europe, Britain and Eastern Mediterranean, South Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, China, Mexico, Central and South America, USA and Canada. www.trafalgar.com
About TreadRight:Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The Foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities. Foundation priorities are set by the Steering Committee, which includes sustainability leaders like Céline Cousteau and Costas Christ.
TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” WildAid and inspiring wildlife advocates like Terri Irwin. 

To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org.