Uxbridge Town Talk

2010 2011

Making a diff erence with youth, one sale at a time Kelly Meek is a unique parent. At just 19, she gave birth to her son, and three years later found herself on her own as a single parent. Seventeen years later, she had her daughter. “What my son faced when he graduated 10 years ago is diff erent than what my nieces and nephews are facing now, and will be diff erent again when my daughter leaves school,” Kelly said. “Youth have a lot more battles than we ever faced.” This is what drew her to Young Life, a not-for-profi t profi t Christian organization with a chapter at Uxbridge Secondary School. Young Life’s mandate is to reach out to high school students of all backgrounds, regardless of economics, religion or race, providing them with a safe and fun environment in which to grow physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

In 2012, Kelly is donating 5% of her commission from every sale to Young Life. She is a realtor with Royal LePage Frank Real Estate at 38 Brock St. W. in Uxbridge. “It doesn’t matter what walk of life you’re from,” she says of the group. “You can hang out and be together. Those divisions are gone.” Kelly attended an info night on Young Life and heard of a young woman who was suicidal; after just eight months in Young Life, she had a complete turn around. Stories like this don’t surprise Sarah Howe, 26, the area intern with the group at USS. “People are noticing a diff erence with kids we work with,” she says. “I’ve had parents come up and ask what happened to their kid...(they) have seen a diff erence. One of the biggest things we hear from our kids is that Young Life provides them a place where they feel they are accepted and loved.” Sarah’s involvement stems from a youth

pastor that made a huge diff erence in her life as a teenager. The group meets every Tuesday outside the school to sing songs, play games and talk about faith, then head to McDonald’s to hang out. “We live in a world where teens are craving genuine relationships,” she says. “So many kids feel lost and need someone to care.” It’s this enthusiasm that Kelly is so grateful for, and wants to support. “The focus is on being a teenager and being happy and healthy,” she says. “I love that this is available to our youth and helps break down all societal boundaries.” Kelly also pays homage to her time as a single mom of 13 years by donating a portion of what she makes to local single parents in Uxbridge Township.

38 Brock Street West, Uxbridge, ON

Sales RepresentativeKELLY MEEK

905 852 3050 | [email protected]

Frank Real Estate Brokerage

contentsVOLUME 4 ISSUE 1 / JANUARY 2012

With the holidays over, you can fi nally take that much needed break and relax.

Forget New Year’s - January is the month to celebrate the fi ner things in life. Like having a relaxing evening at home instead of battling others at the mall over Christmas shopping, sitting at the dinner table as a family, or even just sipping on that perfect steaming mug of hot chocolate.

Put up your feet and read on for local products sure to keep you nice and toasty, facts you probably didn’t know about that white stuff falling from the sky, a tear-out checklist for you snowbirds, and Nicole Vos, the woman behind Petite Chic.

Happy New Year,Enjoy!The Sweet World Media Team

STAFFMANAGING EDITOR: Carly FosterCREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kirsty KernohanSALES MANAGER: Rebecca CranneyGRAPHIC DESIGNER: Matt FilionREPORTING & LAYOUT: Dana KenedyINTERNS: Rachel Pavely,Brittany Sherrard

CONTRIBUTORS Randy Loewen COVER PHOTO© Kati Molin | Dreamstime.com

CONTACT USPHONE: 905 862 3747 EMAIL: [email protected]

MAILING ADDRESSPO Box 1035Uxbridge ONL9P 1N3

OFFICE ADDRESS24 Toronto St. N.Uxbridge, ON L9P 1E6

facebook.com/uxbridgetowntalktwitter.com/uxtowntalk

Pick up copies at: Zehrs, Blue Heron Books, Township offi ce, Uxbridge & Zephyr libraries, Elemi Organics, The UPS Store, the Tin Cup and more.

EDITORIAL MESSAGE Unless otherwise stated, all product reviews, articles and other features are chosen by us and are unpaid. If you would like to be featured, please contact us.

Uxbridge Town Talk is a monthly publication by Sweet World Media. The Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for the claims, views, opinions, comments or advertisements herein. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. Uxbridge Town Talk does not endorse any advertised product, service or event. The Publisher is not responsible for any typographical errors. Advertisers are responsible for any copyright issues. No part of this publication, including advertisements, may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

Copyright © Sweet World Media 2009- 2012

www.sweetworldmedia.com

3Town Talk Tidbits

4Your CommunityFriends of Forsaken Animals

6Trivia FunSnow F.A.Q.

7To-DoTips For Snowbirds

8Your December Community Calendar

11Faces of UxbridgeNicole Vos

12Local ProductsStaying Warm and Cozy

14From My Mom’s KitchenVegetarian Tostadas

toWn talk tidBitSKeeping Up With Family FitnessThe Physical Activity Family Toolkit is a great way to get your family up and off the couch this winter season. The toolkit is a neat way to help teach young kids, and remind us adults, about easy ways to include fi tness into our days. Go online today and order your own copy for free under the health section on the Region of Durham website: www.durham.ca!

Santa at Sweet World MediaIn early December Santa paid a visit to our offi ce, where more than 45 children had their photos taken with the jolly man all for a good cause. We’re thrilled to announce we raised $300 for the Bonner Boys Splash Pad! Special thanks to Deborah de Ville Photography for donating her time, realtor Glen Buchanan of RE/MAX All-Stars (Uxbridge) and Vyvan and Kevin Coxworth of Clem’s Custom Wing Shop for donating treats for the loot bags, and John Wood for putting us in touch with Santa.

30 Things to Start/Stop Doing to YourselfMarc and Angel’s Productive Tips for Productive Living have written two of the most thought-proking to-do’s and to-don’ts we’ve ever read, essential for this tine if year. They include: start spending time with the right people, stop trying to make things perfect, start being honest with yourself about everything and stop berating yourself for old mistakes. Read them at www.marcandangel.com.

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ruoy weiver ot ekil dluow uoy fi em tcatnoc esaelP current policy. Ron Noble Insurance proudly represents..

QUESTIONS? Call your insurance

professional.Ron Noble Insurance Ltd.

Dale Hickey, C.A.I.B.President

ronnobleinsurance.com905-852-3309

For the SnowbirdsSnow is in the air and with its arrival marks the o�cial kick o� of thousands of Canadians who migrate from Canada to the US for anywhere from 2 to 6 months. Given this extended time "snowbirds" are wise to purchase travel/medical insurance. Many hospitals in the US and other countries will not even admit patients lacking medical coverage of some kind. Most snowbirds drive to their destinations. Please remember to place a call to your insurance provider before leaving to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance coverage and information to assist in the event of an accident. Remember to have a friend or family member check on your house while you are away removing unwanted junk mail, assistance with important bills, protection from burglars, snow removal on driveways and walkways and maintaining the heating system to ensure that pipes do not freeze causing water damage.

Judi Freeman, C.A.I.B. Travel Expert

Friends of Forsaken Animals:Rescuing CatsStory and photo by Dana Kenedy

Sonia Trettin is no crazy cat lady. She is the founder of Friends of Forsaken

Animals, a cat rescue organization catering to the Uxbridge, Blackstock, Brampton and Orillia areas.

Trettin’s need to care for animals started when she was a little girl during the Second World War. Forced to leave her home in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1940, Tret-tin and her family fled to the mountains while bombs dropped on her city.

After returning a few years later, large bomb craters filled with rainwater were scattered throughout the city.

“It was common practice to throw kittens in there,” Trettin said. She would do her best to fish out as many kittens as she could and care for them. Even though there was barely enough food

for people, she still gave some of her bread to the cats wandering the city.

Moving forward a degree in phys-ics and two patents in silicon solar cells later, Trettin was living in Scar-borough as a high school teacher in 1996.

There she stumbled upon Benny, a friendly stray cat, and handed him over to a local cat rescue. She later learned Benny escaped from the rescue centre and devoted eight weeks to searching for him. Thankfully her hard work paid off and she found

him. He lived for 18 years, Trettin recalls.“In the process I noticed how many

homeless animals exist,” Trettin said. She also met other ladies who dedicated their time to feeding the stray cats in the area.

Trettin too fed the cats, but took it one step further and began taking them in for spaying and neutering and did her best to find them homes.

Friends Of For-saken Animals was born.

After her retire-ment in 1998, she moved the orga-

nization to the Uxbridge area with her shelter based in her property in Brock.

“I don’t have a personal life,” she laughs. She and her husband maintain the two heated school portables on her property and care for the older cats that

“Helping animals is the starting

point to helping society.”

- Sonia Trettin

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What is ART® ? ART® is a patent-ed, state of the

ART® soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, ten-dons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.

What is it used to treat? Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly – this tech-nique is great for overused muscles.

What is an ART® treatment like?Clients are clothed and taken through the same examination pro-cess of all Elevate Therapeutic Services clients. When tight or sore muscles are noted the therapist uses a combination of the 500+ pat-

ented techniques to resolve the issue working within the clients pain tolerance.

Is it covered by extended health benefit plans? Yes – because ART® at Elevate Therapeutic Services is done by Registered Massage Therapist Jasmine Mathews extend-ed health benefit plans will cover ART® treatments under the mas-sage therapy section of their plan.

Who can provide ART® treatments?In Ontario, providers must be a regulated health profes-sional and have completed all examinations associated with the three ART® courses and re-certified every year. Jasmine is the only ART® provider in Uxbridge and within 25 km.

®

Your home can help make a difference for the children of our community! Call me to make it happen!*

Sonia Trettin with one of the Friends of Forsaken cats up for adoption.

stay in their home.Nicola Ransom-Brown, a volunteer of several

animal organizations who moved to Uxbridge from England, heard about Friends Of Forsaken Animals two years ago and just had to get involved. The organization thrives because of Trettin, she says.

“I think she’s amazing. She’s a very hard working lady,” Ransom-Brown says. “She’s tireless.”

If you are looking for a new, furry companion, the organization hosts regular adopt-a-thons at Uxbridge’s Pet Valu, 4 Banff Rd., each lasting about a week during the store’s regular hours. However, you can give a friendly feline a new home any time of the year, as well as taking part in a month-long fostering program.

The next adopt-a-thon will be from Jan. 21-29, 2012.

To volunteer, to adopt one of their many cats or kittens, or for more information call 905 852 4286 or email friendsoff [email protected].

“Helping animals is the starting point to helping society,” Trettin says.

Snow F.A.Q.By Carly Foster

Winter north of Hwy 7 and the Ridges (usually) means lots of white stuff , those sometimes fl uff y, sometimes sleety, sometimes blizzardy fl akes of snow. We gathered

some neat snow facts to celebrate, share and perhaps bemoan over a hot cup of hot chocolate:

• In an average year, one septillion snowfl akes fall in Canada. That is the number one, followed by 24 zeros

• The biggest snowfl ake recorded in Canada fell in Halifax on Feb. 22, 1986. The six-sided crystal measured 5 cm in diameter. But it was dwarfed by snowfl akes the size of small pizzas that fell near Fort Keogh, Montana, in 1887, according to the Guinness Book of World Records

• Snow is white because visible sunlight is white. The crystals in a snowfl ake refl ect white light off each other and what little light that is absorbed gives snow its white appearance

• We have our very own snow sculpture team! See them at www.snowsculpture.com

• Thought that blowing snow and drifting snow were the same thing? Nope. Blowing snow is lifted by the wind from the earth’s surface to a height of two metres or more. Drifting snow is blown to a height of less than two metres

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Tips For Snowbirds• Winter storms and excessive cold claim more than

100 lives every year in Canada, more than the combined toll from hurricanes, tornadoes, flood, extreme heat and lightning. Many of those who die are killed trying to get rid of the stuff – stricken by heart attacks while shovelling snow off their driveways

• The word for snow blindness is niphablepsia

• The largest snowball fight on record had 5,768 participants in Leuven, Belgium on October 14, 2009

• The louder the crunch of snow, the colder the temperature. At -15C, snow underfoot squeaks; below -18C it makes a hollow sound

• Icicles are more common on the south side of buildings because that exposure tends to receive more daytime sun. Snow is more likely to melt on the south side of a building. It then re-freezes during the night to form icicles

• Care to know the difference between snow flurries, blizzards, snow squalls and more? Check out cbc.ca/news/background/forcesofnature/snow.html

SOURCES: cbc.ca, torontostar.ca, suburbantourist.ca, www.themagazine.ca

Don’t make a hasty decision when it comes to travel insurance. Thoroughly research the different types of insurance and consult a broker to pick the one that best suits your needs

Put newspaper and magazine subscriptions on hold so they don’t pile up, and forward your mail or have a friend pick it up regularly

Photocopy important documents, such as your passport, and give to a trusted friend or relative; they should also have all your contact information, including accommodation phone numbers, travel agent and airline info, people you’re traveling with, and itineraries

Alert your credit card company and your bank that you are traveling out of the country so the won’t be suspicious of irregular activity

Check with your doctor to see if you need any vaccination updates

It’s January already and I bet you wish you were laying on a sunny hot beach. For those

of you snowbirds who make the trek down south, here’s a handy tear-out list to make your vacation as smooth as possible:

By Dana Kenedy

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JanuarY CommunitY Calendar

thursday, January 5

Holiday Happenings Celebrate winter with a fun craft, games and other “snow-man” activities. Our time together will finish with a special treat everyone helps to make! JK to SK. $3. Also on Jan. 6.Time: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.Where: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S.Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com

Friday, January 6

Uxbridge Bruins Hosting Clarington EaglesTime: 7:45 p.m.Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W.Contact: 905 435 4478 www.uxbridgebruins.com

tuesday, January 10

Fish It’s the start of another year and what a better way than to start eating more fish! Sustainably harvested fish that is: Portu-guese fish stew with chorizo, tilapia with citrus sauce, herbed basmati rice, roasted broccoli and cashews, tagine of fruited Salmon with mushrooms and mustard sauce, and warm pecan and white choco-late cookies. $85.Time: 7 – 9:30 p.m.Where: The Passionate Cook’s Essentials,68 Brock St. W.Contact: 905 862 3359www.thepassionatecook.ca

Wednesday, January 11

Healing with Yoga Special 8-week ses-sion. For those with health concerns, con-ditions or want to learn the health benefits

of yogic practices. Be guided through breath-ing, mind focusing and postures specific to healing. Limit six people.Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.Where: Pathways to Peace Yoga & Healing, 58 Brock St. W., suite 204Contact: [email protected]

thursday, January 12

Healing with Yoga Special 8-week session. For those with health concerns, conditions or want to learn the health benefits of yogic practices. Be guided through breathing, mind focusing and postures specific to healing. Limit six people.Time: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.Where: Pathways to Peace Yoga & Healing, 58 Brock St. W., suite 204Contact: [email protected]

Friday, January 13

Uxbridge Bruins Host Port Perry MojacksTime: 7:45 p.m.Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W.Contact: 905 435 4478 www.uxbridgebruins.com

Saturday, January 15

World Religion Day Social Justice: The Key to Harmony. Culturally diverse light music, spiritual classical dance, lots of light refresh-ment and a relaxing, invigorating afternoon. Free.Time: 1:30 – 4 p.m.Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W.Contact: www.worldreligionday.org

monday, January 16

Forest Hike Slow to Moderate pace. 2.5 hours. Bring along a warm drink and wear boots, icers or snowshoes as the weather dictates. Well mannered dogs are encour-aged to bring their owners.Time: 9:30 a.m.Where: Contact for locationContact: 905 853 2407 www.oakridgestrail.org


Uxbridge Genealogy Group Speaker Ted Barris talks about his latest book Breaking the Silence, emphasizing his interviewing techniques. All welcome. $2. 50/50 draw.Time: 7 – 9 p.m.Where: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S.Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com

Make your New Years’ Resolution A Reality Agenda: Do you want to be healthier? Lose weight? I’ll give you three easy tips on how to be successful. Pre-sented by FIT4YOU. Cost: one beverage or edible purchased from the Tin Cup. Bring a friend and receive a free gift.Time: 8:30 – 9 a.m.Where: Tin Cup Caffe, 86 Brock St. W.Contact: 416 458 0014 [email protected] Soup Join this afternoon class and learn to make three soups that will have everyone in your family warm and happy! Italian Wedding soup, Cream of roasted carrot, and harvest vegetable soup with smoked ham hock. $65.Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.Where: The Passionate Cook’s Essentials,68 Brock St. W.

Sandy and Sameer would like to wish you a safe and

happy New Year!

50-60% off selectedChristmas items

www.pharmachoice.com2 Brock St. W. Unit 1, Uxbridge

905 862 2800

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Contact: 905 862 3359www.thepassionatecook.ca

H.M.S. Pinafore The plot of this silly frolic unwinds aboard the British title ship. A comic operetta by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan and directed by Cheryl Atwood. Time: 3 p.m., 7 p.m.Where: Uxbridge Music Hall, 16 Main St. S.Contact: 905 904 0895 www.onstageuxbridge.com

Friday, January 20

Uxbridge Bruins Host Little Britain MerchantsTime: 7:45 p.m.Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W.Contact: 905 435 4478 www.uxbridgebruins.com

Sunday, January 22

Lynn Crawford Comes to Uxbridge Lynn Crawford of Food Network Canada fame joins Blue Heron Books at the Passionate Cook’s Essentials for two sittings of food and entertainment. $75 at Blue Heron Books and includes three-course meal, tasty liquid libation and Crawford’s new cookbook, Pitchin’ In.Time: 10: 30 a.m. and 1 p.m.Where: The Passionate Cook’s Essentials,68 Brock St. W.Contact: 905 852 4282 www.thepassionatecook.ca

tuesday, January 24

Memories of San Georgio Just back from Calabria and I can’t stop thinking of the food we experienced there! Arancini-Risot-

to balls stuffed with mozzarella, linguine con le vongole-pasta with clams, garlic and herb roasted pork, white creamy beans with tomatoes, mixed salad with a red wine vinaigrette and chocolate amaretti cake. $85.Time: 7 – 9:30 p.m.Where: The Passionate Cook’s Essentials,68 Brock St. W.Contact: 905 862 3359www.thepassionatecook.ca


Free Diabetes Seminar An information session and a store tour with a dietician. Enjoy refreshments and a gift for attend-ing. RSVP. Presented by the Canadian Diabetes Association.Time: Noon – 2 p.m.Where: Zehrs, 323 Toronto St. S.Contact: 905 852 5009 [email protected]

Friday, January 27

Uxbridge Bruins Host Lakefield ChiefsTime: 7:45 p.m.Where: Uxbridge Arena, 291 Brock St. W.Contact: 905 435 4478 www.uxbridgebruins.com

regular events

Meditation Classes Experience guided meditations to quiet the mind and focus within. Take part in all eight weeks or drop in once. Eight weeks $96 or $13 drop-in.Time: 11:15 a.m. – noonWhere: Pathways to Peace Yoga & Healing, 58 Brock St. W., suite 204Contact: [email protected]

Musical Moments Lots of toe tapping and knee slapping along with musical instru-ments, fingerplays and songs old and new.Time: varies upon ageWhere: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S.Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com

Drop in Storytime Captivating stories in the children’s department.Time: 4 – 4:15 p.m. for 18 month to 4 years. 4:15 – 4:30 p.m. for 5 to 8 years.Where: Uxbridge Public Library,9 Toronto St. S.Contact: 905 852 9747 www.uxlib.com

Real Spin A fun, low impact indoor cycling class set to great tunes. Regular morning and evening drop-in classes. $10. First Class free!Time: ContactWhere: Real Bodies, 282 Main St. N.Contact: 905 862 3881www.realbodiesfitness.com

Real Yoga Fun and suitable for everyone even if you don’t feel very flexible. Bothbody and mind will respond with increased strength and calmness. Every participant will find a level of challenge just right for them. $15. First Class free! Time: Contact Where: Real Bodies, 282 Main St. N.Contact: 905 862 3881www.realbodiesfitness.com

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Real Friends Work Out Together Nothing could be friendlier than sweating with yourBFFs. Bring yourself and a group of friends and we will book private spin or circuitclasses just for you!Time: ContactWhere: Real Bodies, 282 Main St. N.Contact: 905 862 3881www.realbodiesfi tness.com

Weehands Baby Signing Learn how to communicate with your infant using uni-versal sign language. Pre-register. $60 for four classes. Wednesdays.Time: 10 - 11 a.m.Where: Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St. S.Contact: 905 852 9747, ext. 24 www.uxlib.com

Join IODE Women are invited to attend and learn about volunteer work. Wednes-days. Time: 7:30 - 9 p.m.Where: Contact for locationContact: 905 852 7084 www.iode

Artists of Uxbridge We meet weekly to draw and paint, share demonstrations, and participate in various workshops. Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Time: 7 - 9 p.m., 9 a.m. - noon Where: Zehrs Community Room, 323 Toronto St. S. Contact: 905 852 6357 www.artistsofuxbridge.ca

Udora Play Group For moms and their kids 0-6 years. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Time: 10 a.m. - noon Where: Udora Community Centre, 24 Victoria St. Contact: 705 228 8716

Uxbridge Parkinson’s Support Group Caregivers, friends and family gather to share information and experience. We can help each other! $10/ year. Guests are free. First Thursday of the month.Time: 1 - 3 p.m.Where: Bridgewater Building, 22 James Hill Ct.Contact: 905 852 8894 www.uxparkinsons.com

Yoga For Health Learn how Yoga can help heal the body, maintain health, increase fl exibility, strength and vitality. Nine-week session. Tuesdays. Call to register.Time: 10 - 11:15 a.m.Where: Uxpool, 1 Parkside Dr.Contact: 416 571 0447 [email protected]

SPIN A great way to condition your car-diovascular system while cross-training to avoid injuries. 11 diff erent spinning classes per week! Time: Various morning and eveningWhere: NRG4 Life, 69 Brock St. W., upper levelContact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefi tness.com

Cardio Sculpt and Flow Yoga Two of our most popular formats combined into one fantastic class. Recharge your batteries for the week ahead! Mondays.Time: 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.Where: NRG4Life, 69 Brock St. W., upper levelContact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefi tness.com

Easy Spin & Sculpt Geared towards those who are new to spin and want to work at a lower intensity. Easy to follow and fun!

There’s nothing intimidating about it. Thursdays.Time: 5:15 – 6 p.m.Where: NRG4Life, 69 Brock St. W., upper levelContact: 905 852 4750 www.nrg4lifefi tness.com

Our print calendar is FREE for non-profi ts and current month’s advertisers. Listings are $25/each or 3/$60. Our online calen-dar is always free, updated regularly, and sent to hundreds of subscribers as part of our This Week in Uxbridge email newslet-ter. Sign up at www.uxbridgetowntalk.

com/e-newsletter. All events MUST be submitted via our online submission form at www.ux-

bridgetowntalk.com/events/submit-your-event/. For inclusion in our print edition,

listings are due the 15th of the month. We are not responsible for errors and omis-sions, and reserve the right to edit for

space or not include an event.

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FaCeS oF uXBridGe

Call me for a FREE comparative market analysis of your home to find out its value!

Sarah Lawrence SALES REPRESENTATIVE

1111 Davis Dr. Unit 11., Newmarket, On L3Y 8X2 905-836-1212 | www.sarahlawrence.ca | cell: 416 577 8437INDEPENDANTLY OWNED

AND OPERATED

SERVING UXBRIDGE AND AREA

Staging to Sell

I am about to share with you two simple rules that I pass along to my clients when they begin the process of selling their home. Before I do that, I have a confession to make… I always provide my selling clients with, at my expense, a three to four hour con-sultation with a home stager.

The process of preparing your home to sell has, what I feel, two very simple rules. The first rule is to always make sure everything works. Sounds simple right? This tends to be a major issue that I come across frequently when I am showing homes to buyers. For example, the blinds fall off the window when we open it, the bedroom door must be lifted to open, or the screen is missing from the living room window. None of these issues are major and all can be easily fixed, but they tend to leave the buyer with the impression that work needs to be done. A seller can easily avoid this by making the necessary small repairs before listing.

The second rule is an obvious one: clean, clean and clean some more. A new coat of paint on a wall, fresh hand towels in a bath-room, and scrubbed appliances can do wonders for bolstering a sale. Buyers often want to feel like they can live in your home “now”. The idea of facing a major expense at the time of closing in order to make a home liveable can be a major turnoff.

Now back to my confession. As simple as these rules seem, having a professional spend time going through your home and helping you discover minor issues that many of us live with is invaluable. I believe that, while a good Realtor is an expert at selling your home and closing the sale, a home stager has different skills and advice that can often help sell a home more quickly and for more money, something that every seller is interested in!

Story and photo by Randy LoewenNicole Vos

It might seem odd for someone to deco-rate their car with zebra stripes, but for

Nicole Vos it makes perfect business sense. With a family of fi ve daughters between

4 and 11 and running a growing business full-time, life can sometimes be a bit of a zoo. But the zebra stripes are a carefully crafted brand for Vos’ business: Petite Chic.

The concept for her business came to her about six years ago while on vacation in Florida. Vos learned to make a bracelet for herself, and upon returning home to Uxbridge, she was approached by others asking her to create more. With a creative fl air and an entrepreneur’s heart, Vos realized the business potential, and thus, Wild About Beads was born – a company specializing in mom and baby fashion products.

“The zebra stripes branding came about as a result of the business name: Wild About Beads,” explains Vos. The stripes play a prominent role in marketing. In fact, Vos’ fi ve daughters play an active role and are often seen wearing some sort of striped garment to help put the company brand

out in the public. As demand for other items started to

increase, so did Vos’ product lines, and in January 2010, Petite Chic was created to bet-ter represent the business.

Vos is in the process of launching a whole-sale division of her business. In addition to The Cuddly Bunny Co., a Port Perry business which she now owns, her products can be found in 13 diff erent locations in Toronto, Hamilton, Markham, Ottawa, Quebec and B.C., and have appeared in Canadian Living, Chatelaine, and The Mompreneur.

The rapid growth inspired her to audition for Dragons’ Den, a television series where entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of experts for potential fi nancing.

Vos had just returned from Florida this past April when she was asked to show up at the CBC building in Toronto to audition. Very much a “country girl,” as she puts it, Vos felt intimidated about driving to Toronto. With her fi ve girls in tow and desperately seek-ing convenient parking, she discovered the CBC building had underground parking and drove down the parking ramp. “I still had my

cousin’s roof rack on my car, and as I drove in, it was crushed by the top of the garage,” she grins. “I just wanted to go home!”

As fate would have it, the irritating park-ing incident gave Vos that added bit of chutzpah she needed to pull off what she feels was a very solid audition. Sworn to se-crecy, she and the girls are not at liberty to discuss the outcome. However, it is hoped the details will emerge in the near future, and the wild life of Nicole Vos will continue to fl ourish.

Nicole Vos and her fi ve daughters. L-R: Katrina, 7, Serena, 4, Victoria, 10, Michelle, 8, Alexis, 11.

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loCal produCtS

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By Rachel Pavely

Stay Warm and Cozy

Elemi’s treat to you!These all-soy candles can burn for hours longer than regular ones and are also 100% natu-ral. They also burn at a lower temperature so you won’t over heat too quickly! With that being said they will warm you up, inside and out and come in three scents. $6.95 - $12.95 at Elemi Organics 58 Brock S. W.

Soft as a PuppyHave you heard the myth that 40% of your body heat escapes through your head? Too bad that’s not true but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear a hat! These are the softest hats and scarves I have ever worn; they are as soft as a puppy. Pick your pattern and wool and you’re ready to start knitting! Fashioni-sta wool, $8.99 at On The Lamb, 53 Toronto St. N.

Fun With FondueIn my family we have a meat fondue every New Year’s dinner. I’m a sucker for the chicken while the rest of my family loves beef. It is also handy if you’re a terrible cook and are too stubborn to admit it. This fondue set will warm up good conversations. $99.99 at The Passionate Cook’s Essentials, 66 Brock St. W.

It’s cold! Here are some fun local delights to warm up this winter.

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Frost-Free FeetWhen my feet get cold, I become Frosty the Snowman who just doesn’t stop whining. I love to wear slippers but not ones that look like I stuffed my feet into a fluffy bunny or that become flat like a pancake in no time. I want slippers that breathe so I can wear them year round, slippers that are non-skid and look nice. $38.95. at Presents Present Presents, 60 Brock St. W.

Style + Warmth = WinWith snow comes water and with water comes wet

feet. It seems that all nice boots are clearly not made with Canadian winters in mind. With all that suede

and zippers, it’s no wonder we Canadians are such whiners when the snow falls. The ultimate solu-

tion: Sorel. These boots are fashionable but are low cut and waterproof. $149.99 at Uxbridge

Shoes and Repair, 36 Brock St. W.

Snuggly SweaterWant to stay warm and fashionable? This sweater is one of my favourites. It’s perfect for cozying up at the fireplace, will keep the chill away at the office and is a great layering piece for this time of year. $91 at Sue Sue Boutique,19 Brock St. W.

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From mY mom’S kitChen

Vegetarian Tostadas

Ingredients•2 c. canned beans such as kidney, pinto, navy•1/2 c. each diced onion, red pepper and corn•2 tbs. olive oil•Your favourite barbecue sauce to taste (I love

PC brand Smokin’ Stampede)•Package corn tostadas•1 1/2 c. chopped baby spinach•Salsa or chopped cherry tomatoes•1/2 c. shredded sharp cheese such as extra

old cheddar or Monterrey jack•Sour cream•Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)•Fresh lime juice (optional)

DirectionsSaute veggies in olive oil until tender, then add beans. Add sauce until a con-sistency you like is achieved; bring to a low boil over medium low heat (OR pick up a can or three of President’s Choice Southwest Beans and you can skip this whole step).

Place tostadas on a plate, overlapping as necessary. Top with hot beans, then cheese, then sour cream, then spinach, then tomatoes. Top with a sprinkle of cilantro and squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.

One of my food resolutions from a few months ago was to start serving more vegetarian dishes. I’m not a voracious meat eater anyway (and don’t eat red meat or fish unless

it’s made friends with a deep fryer), but was almost always serving chicken something or other each night. While browsing the ethnic aisle at the grocery store, I came upon a bag of Mexican corn tostadas – and so was born a new family favourite. This is super quick for weeknights, protein-rich, tasty, includes all four food groups and can easily be adapted for any ingredients on hand (even meat, if you must!).

By Carly Foster

32 South Balsam St.

25 Fred Barnard Wy. MLS# N2143271

$459,900Condo living at its fi nest! Gorgeous two story home fi nished top to bottom that shows to perfection. This light-fi lled home backs on to

wooded conservation and features cathedral ceilings, open concept design and maintenance-free living.

Proud supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network and Breast Cancer Research through every transaction

211 Reach St. 14 Lilly Mckeowan Cres.

103 Dominion St.$459,900

Extremely desireable location in Uxbridge. Gorgeous lot with mature trees and perennials, and walking distance to all amemities. Recently redone top to bottom, this three bedroom sidesplit won’t

last long.Nothing to do but move in and enjoy.

209 Reach St.

SOLD

Happy New Year! Thinking about buying or selling? Now is the time to call Cindy to show you how.

MEMBER OF RE/MAX

100% CLUB

Remax All-Stars Realty Inc., BrokerageEach o� ce independantly owned and operated47 Brock St. W. [email protected] www.cindywood.ca

Proud supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network and Breast Cancer

Remax All-Stars Realty Inc., Brokerage

Cindy WoodRemax All-Stars Realty Inc., BrokerageEach o� ce independantly owned and operated47 Brock St. W. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Cindy Wood Broker

905 852 6143

SOLDSOLDSOLD

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