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The truth behind 9 common milk myths

Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

1. Not drinking milk will help you lose weight
Truth: "Quite the opposite," says Sandra Bourdeau, a registered dietitian with the Dairy Farmers of Canada. "Studies suggest that milk products may help prevent weight gain or help with weight loss when part of a low-calorie diet."

Protein in milk curbs your hunger, and not feeling hungry makes it easier to eat less. For weight control, use skim or one per cent milk instead of two per cent or whole, says Patricia Chuey, a Vancouver-based registered dietitian and the chair of the board â¨of directors of Dietitians of Canada.

2. Pasteurization destroys the vitamins and minerals in milk
Truth: Pasteurization destroys bacteria so milk is safe to drink, but it does not decrease milk's nutritional value, says Bourdeau. "There's a minimal loss of B vitamins, but milk contains so much of them that it remains a reliable source." And pasteurization has no impact on calcium content, she says.

3. Adding cream to your morning coffee counts as two to three servings of milk
Truth: That's untrue. According to Canada's Food Guide, one serving from the milk and alternatives group is 1 cup (250 mL) of milk, 3/4 cup (175 g) of yogurt or 1.5 oz (50 g) of cheese. We don't use enough cream to count as a full serving, which is probably a good thing, since cream is high in calories and fat. If you want what's in your morning mug to count as a serving of milk and alternatives, try a milk-based latte or cafe au lait instead.

4. Low-fat milk doesn't affect blood pressure
Truth: Studies show that people who follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet significantly reduce their blood pressure levels. DASH includes two to three servings of fat-free or low-fat milk products, eight to 10 servings of vegetables and fruit, and no more than 2,300 mg sodium per day. Milk products are key to the diet since they contain important blood pressure-lowering ingredients: Magnesium, calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

5. A cup of milk with dinner provides all your daily dairy needs
Truth: At best you're only halfway there. Adults need two to three daily servings of milk and alternatives. Kids ages two to eight need two servings, while youth ages nine to 18 need three to four servings. Adding milk to your cereal, drinking a latte and enjoying a yogurt during the day will have you covered, says Chuey. You can also try milk in smoothies and use it instead of water when preparing oatmeal or soups.

Page 1 of 2 -- Discover the truth behind five more milk myths on page 2
6. Drinking chocolate milk is as bad as drinking soda
Truth: No, you are better off choosing the milk. Sure, chocolate milk does have as much sugar per cup as soda (about half of which is found naturally), but it also has 16 essential nutrients that are not found in pop. Studies show that children who drink chocolate milk have healthier diets overall, and consume more milk and less pop than kids who don't drink chocolate milk.

The other factor to consider is portion size, says Carla D'Andreamatteo, a registered dietitian in Winnipeg. There are usually eight teaspoons of sugar in a 355 mL can of soda versus five teaspoons in a 250 mL carton of chocolate milk.

7. Having a milk allergy is the same as being lactose intolerant
Truth: No. "An allergy is an immune response to a protein, which elicits a mild to severe systemic reaction, from a skin rash to anaphylaxis," explains Sharla Stoffman, a Calgary-based registered dietitian. "Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk."

Some symptoms may overlap, so work with your doctor or a registered dietitian for a proper diagnosis. It's important to know the difference, since people with milk allergies need to avoid all dairy products (as well as food with dairy ingredients), while those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy some dairy by drinking lactose-free milk or taking digestive drops.

8. Organic milk is healthier than regular milk
Truth: This one is also false. Both organic and regular milk contain the same amounts of key nutrients, such as protein, calcium and vitamin D, and in Canada neither one contains hormones. The main difference lies in the farming practices: Organic dairy cows are fed crops grown without pesticides. But this doesn't mean that nonorganic dairy farmers don't use good-quality feed. Field crops generally contain minimal pesticide residues. "If you have access to and can afford organic milk, yes, it's a good choice," says Chuey. "If not, do not fear regular milk."

9. Milk is loaded with hormones and antibiotics
Truth: No. "In Canada, the use of hormones to increase a cow's milk production is not allowed," says Bourdeau. Cows requiring antibiotics are identified and milked separately. On an organic farm, if a cow requires antibiotics, its milk will never end up in your grocery store. On conventional farms, the milk from the treated cow is discarded until tests reveal it's free of antibiotic residues.

This story was originally titled "The Truth About Milk" in the May 2012 issue.

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Page 2 of 2

How to display pretty cupcakes

Thu, 24 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Does anything make your mouth water and your taste buds tingle more than a beautiful display of cupcakes? No, we didn't think so. The way you display your cupcakes is almost as important as how they taste -- so if you want to impress friends and family members, get some inspiration from these beautiful display ideas.â¨â¨

1. Arrange by colour
â¨Choose a variety of colours of icing to decorate your cupcakes with. Arrange the cupcakes in rows sorted by colour to create a beautiful, rainbow-like display.â¨â¨

2. Use a cupcake towerâ¨
Forget traditional birthday cakes! A cupcake tower is an impressive way to display cupcakes, and everyone will be delighted to choose their own cupcake. You can arrange them by placing one flavour per tier or mix them all up. It's up to you!

3. Accent with flowersâ¨
Cupcakes and flowers pair perfectly together. A single cupcake presented with a pretty single stem or bouquet is a lovely and thoughtful gift for any occasion.

4. Use around-the-house utensilsâ¨
We love the idea of displaying your cupcakes on the back of a large wooden spoon. It's a simple idea that will add a touch of rustic elegance to your cupcake display.

5. Pretty tableclothâ¨
Find a pretty patterned tablecloth and arrange your cupcakes neatly upon it. Choose your tablecloth colour based on the colour of your cupcakes. A gingham or damask pattern will look lovely.

6. Use small saucersâ¨
Small saucers can hold three to four cupcakes each. Instead of trying to squeeze all your cupcakes onto one big platter, spread numerous small saucers across the table, each holding a handful of cupcakes. For a pretty look, use vintage china plates that you can find at flea markets.

Looking for more great ways to make your cupcakes stand out? Check out these 8 beautiful cupcake pedestals and stands.

Natalie Bahadur is the senior editor of styleathome.com and a contributor to canadianliving.com.

6 ways to have a green wedding

Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

You already shop locally, carpool to work and bring a travel mug to the coffee shop. So why not make your wedding celebration match your daily green habits -- it's easier than you think! Going green will give your wedding character and make a good impression on your guests,and it won't break the bank.

Kimberley Stark of Leaf it Up to Us, an eco-friendly wedding planning company in Jasper, Alta., shares some fun, simple and stylish ways to create a wedding day that will cut your carbon footprint without compromising your vision.

1. Choose the right venue
Make sure the space you choose won't generate more waste than necessary. This includes tossing out large quantities of disposable decorations, flowers and food.

"Buffets are popular but often result in large amounts of food being thrown away," says Stark. "It's important to be aware of what your venue’s policies are regarding this matter."

If you seek out a venue that makes it part of their mission to donate untouched food to shelters or community centresthen it's likely that the rest of the waste will be handled in an equally conscious manner.

2. Buy wedding favours from local businesses
When it comes to wedding favours, spare your guests the usual trinkets (likely shipped from far and wide) and introduce them to a great local business that can provide something memorable.

"For favours I like to encourage something edible that will be enjoyed, not just left on a shelf to collect dust. Here in Jasper we often get great treats from The Bear's Paw Bakery that are always a hit with brides and their guests," says Stark. People will appreciate a token from your wedding with a story behind it and will enjoy it even more if they know it’s supporting the local community, she explains.

3. Keep your wedding close to home
Destination weddings can be an exhilarating splurge, but if reducing the carbon footprint of your wedding is important to you, a local ceremony is the way to go.

"Many people overlook the carbon expenditure of travelling in small groups from place to place on your wedding day," says Stark. For a unique, off-the-map location that doesn’t necessitate too much travel, she suggestsplanning to have your wedding at a local farm or nature conservatory.

4. Ask the right questions
You don't want your caterers to show up with scads of Styrofoam or plastic, or your invitations to come with unnecessary amounts of paper if you're not expecting it. Doing your research on vendors will save you any surprises, Stark advises.

"What does the vendor do in their business that makes them environmentally conscious? What are their green policies? Asking questions not only informs the couple, but it also lets vendors know that it is important to be green-aware and that it's something that's in demand and worth the effort," says Stark.

5. Wear a vintage wedding dress
If you're envisioning your perfect gown to be as environmentally conscious as the rest of your wedding, do some research and find a designer to match.

"There are plenty of eco-friendly designers out there -- too many to name -- and they have amazingly beautiful designs," Stark says.

An eco-friendly designer will work with you one-on-one to create a personal, perfect custom-made treasure you'll keep forever. If that isn't in your budget, choose a pre-loved dress with a story, Stark advises. "Try vintage shops. Reduce and reuse are the first two of the three Rs, and it's easy to embrace these by reducing purchases and reusing what is already out there. A simple alteration can bring new life and elegance to a preloved dress."

6. Hire a green wedding planner
Just like many products that claim to be eco-friendly, the wedding industry is not without its green imitations. "There is so much information out there, much of it misleading," warns Stark.

If planning a green event is uncharted territory for you, you may want to hire a wedding planner who haswith green values to help steer you in the right direction. "Many eco-friendly planners offer consultation as well as full wedding-planning services. The hope is to make a difference by helping direct brides on how they can make a difference not just on their big day, but every day," says Stark.

A green wedding is a beautiful way to express your love for your spouse and your commitment to the earth. An event that is as natural, pure and creative as your daily life is also a unique way to spice up the traditional white wedding. These tips show that greening your wedding will make a big impression, but doesn't have to be a stressful undertaking.

Healthy foods to eat at work

Tue, 22 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

With our schedules being as hectic as they are, healthy eating at work is often not a priority. However, finding healthy foods to eat at work and fuelling yourself properly throughout your day can literally make it or break it as far as your energy levels go.

In order to perform at your very best and to avoid the 3 p.m. slump, it's important to fill your day with low-sugar foods such as lean proteins, essential fats, fruits and vegetables. Here are a few tips that will help make healthy eating second nature.

• Invest in a portable water bottle so you can stay hydrated, and a covered cup for grab-and-go smoothies on the way to work.

• Invest in a mini blender to make quick and delicious morning protein smoothies to drink on your commute to work.

• Prepare healthy foods the night before so they are ready and waiting for you in the morning. For example, prechop some vegetables or make a sandwich or wrap for lunch.

• Pack healthy leftovers from tonight's dinner for tomorrow's lunch.

• Scope out healthy restaurants or food kiosks in your work area that offer healthy, grab-and-go salad options for lunch.

To make healthy eating at work as easy as possible, here are a few suggestions for meals and snacks.

Healthy foods to eat at work

Delicious breakfast options
• A Miracle Applesauce Muffin in a Cup (see page 2 for recipe)
• A bowl of yogurt, cereal and nuts
• Whole grain toast with natural nut butter and sliced bananas
• A chocolate banana protein smoothie (premade at home or available at Starbucks)

Tasty ideas for lunch on the run
• A six-inch turkey, chicken or tuna sub with any vegetable garnish
• A homemade turkey, chicken, egg or tuna sandwich on whole grain bread
• Planned leftovers from the night before (chicken stir-fry, for example)
• A spinach salad or mixed greens with a scoop of tuna, egg or chicken salad
• A bowl of chicken or turkey chili
• A veggie burger with side salad
• Pizza wraps (whole grain wraps, low-fat mozzarella and tomato sauce)

Healthy (and yummy) snack options
• Carrot sticks and 2 tbsp hummus
• Healthy snack bars, such as Kashi bars, Kind bars and The Simply Bar
• 1/2 cup yogurt with berries
• 1 Babybel cheese with 20 grapes
• 10 almonds, walnuts, pecans or cashews
• 1/2 cup applesauce with 1 tsp ground flaxseeds

In addition to choosing healthy food options, it's also important to stay well hydrated. Drinking 2 litres of water per day is critical to maintaining overall energy, achieving weight loss and obtaining an overall sense of wellness.

Also, after your morning cup of java, try switching to herbal teas or green tea for their hydrating and antioxidant effects.

Miracle Applesauce Muffin in a Cup
1/2 cup ground flax meal
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1/2 tsp raw cane sugar

Combine ingredients in a mug; stir then heat in microwave for 50 seconds. Allow to cool; flip mug over onto a plate and cut muffin in half. Butter with 1 tbsp apple butter and enjoy!

Per serving: 264 cal, 15 g fat, 27 g carb (9 g fibre), 12 g protein.

Note: This recipe is not a Canadian Living recipe and has not been tested by The Canadian Living Test Kitchen.

Dr. Joey Shulman is a bestselling author and the founder of Shulman Weight Loss Clinic and Shulman Corporate Wellness, which brings health into the workplace. For more information, visit drjoey.com.

10 fantastic free food and drink apps

Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

There are over half a million apps for your iPhone in Apple's App Store -- and plenty to choose from for BlackBerry, Android and other platforms, too. But which ones are useful, and which ones will you install once and never use again? We found five top picks to help you eat and drink smarter.

1. TripAdvisor
Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android, Nokia, Windows Mobile, Palm
The TripAdvisor website, packed with reviews from countless travellers, has become an essential resource for planning vacations. Now you can easily access the site's content from your smartphone with the TripAdvisor app. Browse reviews of hotels, restaurants and bars in your own city and wherever you're travelling to get an idea of whether it's a spot you'll want to visit.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/MobileApps

2. Jamie's Recipes
Available for: iPhone, iPad
Fans of the boyish British chef will adore having his recipes in their pocket wherever they go. This easy-to-use app offers meal ideas, step-by-step photos and even a shopping list. The free version comes with 10 recipes and three videos to get you started; extra recipe packs are available for an additional charge. Android users can get Jamie's 20-Minute Meals app for $7.99 -- it's $6.99 on the App Store.
http://www.jamieoliver.com/apps/

3. Foodgawker
Available for: iPhone
The visually inclined will enjoy this app's adaptation of the popular website's modus operandi -- browse the curated collection of gorgeous images from food blogs, then click through to the recipe when something piques your interest. The formula's simple, but it works. Save top pictures to your favourites, and share interesting recipes with friends via Facebook or Twitter.

4. Winestein Pro
Available for: iPhone
Wine pairing isn't easy, especially when you're in a hurry and staring at a wall of bottles in your local liquor store. Use this "personal digital pocket sommelier" as you shop -- or browse your cellar -- to help plan meals and pick wines that fit your budget and preferences.

5. Gluten Free
Available for: iPhone
For those who need to avoid gluten for health reasons, reading lists of ingredients can be overwhelming -- and missing something on the list that contains gluten can have unhappy consequences. This simple app makes the task easier by providing an easy-to-use list of ingredients to help you read labels fast. Simple search the alphabetical list to see what a that label item really contains -- and know whether you can eat it symptom free.

6. Cooking
Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android
Whether you're at home, out shopping or putting together a meal on the road, sometimes you need to know, say, how many bars or your favourite chocolate will be enough for that torte recipe. This app has you covered with measurement conversions, substitution suggestions and cooking tips that will keep you prepping food like a pro.

7. Food Planner
Available for: Android
Staying organized is the key to eating well and not wasting food, and this app helps you get there. Integrate your meal plan, recipes and shopping list in one place and even sync it between multiple phones -- send your spouse to do the shopping -- and the web interface.

8. Mixology
Available for: iPhone, Android (and paid for Windows Mobile)
Cocktail lovers will adore carrying around thousands of recipes to browse and search. Use the Liquor Cabinet feature to find drink picks using the ingredients you have on hand, and browse through categories including Martinis, Shooters and Non-Alcoholic. Plus, use GPS to locate liquor stores and bars near you. Bonus for Canadians: easily switch between imperial and metric measurements, depending on your personal preferences.

9. Yelp
Available for: iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm, mobile web
Like TripAdvisor, the Yelp app will let you browse reviews and add photos and tips for restaurants, bars and other businesses in your city and as you travel. Addresses and phone numbers are included so you can map and call spots you might want to visit, and OpenTable functionality is built in so you can make reservations without leaving the app.

10. Wine Notes
Available for: iPhone
If you're a wine connoisseur, it's not just about trying what new -- a big part of the game is keeping track of your favourites so you'll remember to buy them again, or store extra bottles in your cellar. Wine Notes helps you organize your picks using text and photos so you'll never forget a preferred vintage again. Plus, keep a detailed list of what you already own and what you want to buy so you won't end up with too many -- or too few -- bottles of that Argentinian red you had for dinner the other night.

An app's no replacement for great taste. But the right tools on your smartphone can make your life a little easier -- and more organized. We'll drink to that.

Colourful container gardens

Sun, 20 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Spring punch

Season: Early spring (frost-tolerant plants)

Description:
With a punch of orange and purple, this combination of plants brightens even the dullest entranceway. The centrepiece is false spirea, whose feathery, orange-tinged leaves are complemented by the rust-coloured foliage of 'Southern Comfort' coral bells and the bicoloured blooms of violas. Mounds of 'Angelart Orange' nemesia are the ideal fillers to place among them.

Tips and tricks:
Like a good bottle of wine, this container won't last long, but the memories can last a lifetime. As the temperature heats up, this combination will start to lose its appeal: The violas will stretch and the coral bells will wither.

The coral bells should be removed and placed in a shady location in the garden, where they will come back year after year. False spirea is an extremely vigorous-growing shrub. I recommend removing it from the container in late spring and planting it in the garden.

Nemesia will survive and thrive during the summer months. The violas can be cut back by half and planted in the garden. They will return when cooler temperatures arrive in fall.

Lemon and lime

Season: Early Spring (frost-hardy plants to -5°C/23°F)

Description:
One of the surest signs of the upcoming growing season is forsythia blooming in the neighbourhood. Many gardeners use the yellow blooms as a cue to apply fertilizer to the lawn.

The central colours of this early spring container are the warm yellow of forsythia complemented by the wonderful chartreuse foliage of 'Lime Rickey' coral bells. This bright combination works well in large spaces: It delivers a splash of in-your-face colour, along with the osteospermum and the 'Matrix Yellow Blotch' pansies.

Tips and tricks:
'Margarita' osteospermum and 'Matrix' pansies are two recent additions to the group of early-flowering plants that can withstand summer heat. Older varieties of osteospermum bloom in spring and fall, while remaining dormant in summer. The 'Margarita' variety, however, will bloom all season long.

In early summer, you can start replanting the osteospermum, pansies and coral bells in the garden. You may find that the forsythia stems have rooted and you can replant these too. But remember, the mature shrub will need a space two metres (six feet) wide by two metres high in full sun.

This story was originally titled "Hot For Pots" in the May 2012 issue.

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Fireworks safety and your kids

Sat, 19 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

With names like "Comet Mine Shell," "Grim Reaper" and "Do or Die," there should be no doubt that fireworks (as they're more generically and gently known) and safety are not to be taken lightly.

Still, every year avoidable mishaps and accidents occur with these flaming projectiles that are considered by many to be toys and entertainment that signal special celebrations and warm summer days.

Even though Canadian cities big and small host their own professional firework displays on major holidays, family fireworks -- the ones that can be bought online and delivered to your door -- remain as popular as ever.

The rules and regulations about fireworks vary from region to region. Many municipalities, such as Victoria and Calgary, completely prohibit the use of family or consumer fireworks at any time.

Different cities, different rules
Others cities, like Toronto, allow firework displays on only two days of the year: Victoria Day and Canada Day. On those days (or one day before or after, if the weather is bad) you do not require special permission to use legal fireworks on your own property. (At any other time of year, you need to apply for a permit.)

In some jurisdictions, though, a fireworks permit is required even on holidays. Visit the website of your local police or fire department to determine the rules and regulations in your area -- because even if you can legally buy fireworks, you may unwittingly be breaking the law if you light them.

How to apply for a fireworks permit
Some permit applications can be completed online and simply require a few common sense answers to general safety questions, as well as information about the particular fireworks you will be using. However, some areas have stricter requirements such as proof of liability insurance and lots of space between you and your closest neighbours.

And while it's a good idea to get permission from your neighbours before using fireworks on your property, it's important to remember that permission isn't legally binding and could go up in smoke if something goes awry.

For instance, your neighbour might be all for your pyrotechnics on Canada Day until a Roman Candle lands in his yard and sets something on fire or freaks out his dog. He may even want to be compensated.

"And he has the right to be," says Bill Bruce, director of animal and bylaw services in Calgary. "Fireworks are remarkably dangerous -- even experts get hurt. Flaming projectiles warrant some precaution."

Safety
Think of fireworks as you would any other dangerous equipment in your home. It may be barbecue season, but would you say to your 9-year-old: "Hey, buddy, grill me some steak, will you? I need a nap." Not likely. Even your preteens should be monitored when they use the stove -- and parents are advised to treat fireworks (even the tiniest, most innocuous of them) in the same way.

Consider this: Sparklers, the babies of the fireworks category, can hit temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Celsius. For some perspective, glass melts at 900 degrees Celsius. So imagine what could happen if that sparkler goes astray.

Think ahead
"We don't want to be the no-fun police," says Bruce. But he does want parents to think fireworks through before using them. "Limit the running around, make sure there's enough distance between kids," he says. And use the same common sense safety you would around campfires and in the kitchen "because when it comes to a burn, it's just appalling the damage that happens," he cautions.

Keep in mind that most city parks want to celebrate the holidays with you, so you can always load the family up with some blankets and enjoy the display from a safe distance. And besides, do you really think you can put on a better show in your own yard?

Flexitarian lifestyle: How to eat less meat

Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

When I was four years old I bit into a burger and got a piece of tendon. I spit the burger out and refused to eat meat until I was 11 years old, when I gradually began to re-introduce small amounts of lean meat back into my diet. As a result, I've always been willing to explore meat-free alternatives.

I never knew there was a term for how I ate until I picked up a cookbook called Everyday Flexitarian (Whitecap, 2011), by Nettie Cronish and Pat Crocker.

Below, Nettie and Pat share what it means to be a flexitarian. Plus, learn how they feed fussy kids and stay on budget without compromising on quality ingredients.

Q: Where did the term flexitarian come from?
Pat: Well, we're actually not sure who coined the term, but it's been in use for almost ten years now.

Nettie: It's someone who eats many different foods. Someone who is flexitarian is very comfortable being vegetarian one day and eating meat the next.

It's very, very important to eat well consistently – it's a lifestyle that you choose and it involves planning. [It's good to] be very open-minded, especially about ingredients that they aren't familiar with, or may not have liked from their youth.

Q: What can we do to reduce our meat intake?
Pat: As a meat eater myself, one of the easiest ways to look at your total meat consumption is by adopting either Meatless Mondays or Tofu Tuesdays. These are banner ways that people can become mindful of the fact that moving to a plant based diet is extremely healthful.

As Nettie says, keep an open mind. In the book, we looked at meat as an embellishment, or a finish to a dish rather than the central part of the dish.

Nettie: We were very conscious of that in the book. Meat is a condiment.

Q: What are your favourite fast and easy weeknight recipes?
Pat: We have a lot of noodle recipes… Those we always find are quick and easy.

Nettie: (Noodles) don't take a lot of time to prepare. While the grains or noodles are cooking, that's when you prepare the rest of the recipe. You have to be organized with your cooking time. With quinoa, put your stock on to come to a boil while you're rinsing it.

I also love curry pastes and nut butters. You can sauté anything in them, whether you want to do tempeh, tofu, or even ground turkey.

Our pita pizzas are a wonderful recipe for the fussiest eater; you've got all these bowls of different ingredients. Whether it's sun dried tomatoes, olives, different kinds of grated cheese, onions and lettuce -- just smear tomato sauce on your pita and add whatever you want, [place it] under the broiler and then it's done!

Q: How do you feed picky kids?
Pat: Offer healthy choices, so whatever they choose is healthy. We do that with pizza and we also do it with our rice wraps. With my daughter, I'd offer two things that were both healthy. It wouldn't matter to me which one she picked, but she'd feel she was in control, that she wasn't being led to the table and told to eat.

Nettie: I think that's a very difficult concept. You want your kids to eat healthy ingredients, but at the same time if food becomes an issue, then they're not going to listen to anything you say. My other two kids were such great eaters! My 12 year old could exist on pepperoni pizza and burgers.

Pat: (The solution is to) keep that nice balance between letting them have some choice and making sure those choices are within a tightly drawn parameter.

Page 2 of 3 -- Find out how to stay on your budget and not sacrafice quality ingredients on page 3

Q: How do you stay on budget and maintain quality in your ingredients?
Nettie: When my kids were younger I was a member of a food-buying club (the Ontario Natural Food Co-op) with three other families. We would get a catalogue and we'd buy in bulk and split it. That really helped save quite a bit of money.

For people who aren't part of a food-buying club and are on their own, you need to plan your meals and know what you need to buy.

Pat: It takes planning to be on budget, but that's what a flexitarian is. Plus, as you reduce your meat intake, your grocery bill also shrinks.

Tuscan Fusilli with Lentils and Kale
The sweet, slow-cooked, and caramelized onions in the sauce help to round out the earthy and dense lentils, giving them a nutty-sweet flavour. I use fusilli here because its spiral pockets trap the sauce. Fusilli is an ancient Italian word, meaning "rifle," referring to the screw-shaped grooves inside the barrel. You can use any of the short dried pasta shapes in its place. - Nettie

Tuscan Fusilli with Ground Turkey, Lentils, and Kale
Ground turkey or chicken is great for this dish as it's light and lean, although using veal might be more in keeping with a dish from Tuscany. I usually season the meat with only ground nutmeg, but you could add ground coriander or cumin, or both. Be sure to drain the meat before adding it to the pasta and greens. -Pat

1/2 cup (125 mL) red or green lentils, rinsed
2 cups (500 mL) water
1 tsp (5 mL) salt, divided
2 Tbsp (30 mL) + 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
2 large onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh rosemary
4 cups (1 L) chopped kale
3 cups (750 mL) dried fusilli pasta
6 oz (175 g) ground turkey or ground chicken
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground nutmeg

Combine lentils and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Remove from heat, season with 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil in a large heavy skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes or until onions are soft and moist. Uncover and increase heat to medium. Stir in remaining salt, garlic, and rosemary. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add kale and bring back to a boil. Boil gently for 5 minutes or until tender but not soft or mushy. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove kale to a colander. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and drain well. Cover the pot of water to keep it boiling.

Add pasta to the boiling water and boil, stirring once, for about 7 minutes or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (250 mL) pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Rinse pasta with cool water and drain well.

While pasta is cooking, heat 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, and breaking up any clumps, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until meat is browned with no pink inside. Stir in nutmeg and set aside.

Add lentils and their cooking liquid to the onions in the skillet. Using kitchen scissors, cut boiled kale into smaller pieces as you add it to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and enough reserved cooking water to keep pasta and vegetables moist. Increase heat to high. Cook, stirring constantly, until pasta is mixed in and heated through. Remove vegetarian servings and divide among 4 plates.

Using a slotted spoon to allow the meat to drain, transfer the meat to the fusilli and vegetables remaining in the skillet, divide among 2 plates and serve.

Note: This recipe has not been checked or tested by The Canadian Living Test Kitchen.

Page 3 of 3

4 great ways to get your barbecue ready for grilling season

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Remember how much you used your barbecue last summer? Before you start grilling away to the same extent this year, it's important to show your grill a little tender love and care. Here are quick, easy and inexpensive tips to give your barbecue the perfect tune up so you can get your grill on!

You'll need:
• A strong bristle brush
• Mild soap and water
• Venturi brush

1. Give it a good scrub
With last year's remnants hanging on to your grill for dear life, it's due time to give it a good scrub with some mild soap and warm water. If your grill is in bad shape and hasn't been replaced in a while, consider investing in a new one. Fixed-sized grills and expandable ones are easy to find at any hardware store. If you have cast iron cooking grids, be sure to season them will oil. The oil will help protect the porcelain coating, decrease sticking, and protect damaged or worn grids from rusting.

2. Maintain your grill
Take apart as much of your barbecue as you can and give the inside (and outside) of your barbecue oven a good scrub with some soap and water and a strong bristled brush, paying extra attention to those spots with lots of grease. For those really tough spots, use a strong degreaser. Note: Never use oven cleaner on your barbecue, as it's corrosive and will cause damage. Don’t forget to check your grease tray. Make sure it’s in place and has been cleaned out. Please be sure to consult your barbecue's owner's manual for complete details of grill maintenance.

3. Look closely
Take a close look at your burners to ensure there aren’t any holes. If you spot any, it's time for a replacement. Original replacement burners are available for most newer models, as are universal ones for an older barbecue. Also examine your venturi tubes to make sure they're clear, as spiders love to nestle in these over a barbecue's off season.

4. Last but not least
Do an overall inspection of your barbecue. Look for leaks and cracks in your gas hose, and note the condition of your control knobs, thermometers and handles. Replacing any loose or broken parts is a great, cost-effective way to keep your grill in good shape and reduce minor annoyances.

Remember to practice regular care and maintenance throughout grilling season to ensure your barbecue remains in tip-top shape.

Don't miss The Canadian Living Guide to Summer Grilling for recipes, tools and grilling tips!

Great barbecue recipes:
• Barbecue Southwest Brisket
• Cranberry Chipotle Barbecue Sauce

10 tips for safe and successful sexting

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Canada, you're getting saucy!

According to the 2012 Canadian Living Sex Survey, 36 per cent of respondents had sent a sexy photo or video to a partner -- up from 30 per cent last year.

But sexting -- sending seductive text messages, photos or videos -- isn't as simple as it sounds. What should you write? How do you photograph yourself in a flattering way? Most importantly, how do you keep communications private with your partner?

For those of you who haven't tried sexting, or if you're not sure you're being as effective as you could be, we have some expert advice on sending sexy text messages. You may as well do it right, because once a text is sent you can't get it back!

Tips for successful sexting:

Jessica O’Reilly, a Toronto-based sexologist, says her first tip is to ease into sexting. "Some light flirting can gradually unfold into hot and heavy sexts while allowing you to test the waters and your boundaries," she says. So take things slowly -- you don’t need to send your hottest note or photo first.

You can also start off slow by saving specifics for the bedroom. Rather than be explicit in your sexts, be suggestive. "If it feels unnatural and awkward to share something overly sexy, be a subtle flirt," says Andrea Syrtash, a relationship expert and the author of Cheat On Your Husband (With Your Husband) (Rodale, 2011).

Sext in the affirmative. "Start your sext with something like, 'I want to...' rather than ‘We never...,'" says Syrtash.

Similarly, O'Reilly recommends that you choose your words carefully. "A picture may be worth a thousand words, but when it comes to sex and fantasy, naughty talk can actually go a lot further than a close-up photo,” she says. "If you’re intimidated by dirty talk, start with some sexy compliments. Stroking the ego can be even hotter than stroking the you-know-what."

Play with punctuation and adjectives. "It may not sound sexy, but an exclamation point can go a long way when it comes to sex," says O’Reilly. "Note the difference between 'I’m coming.' and 'I’m coming so hard!'"

When it comes to photos, you can never be too safe, even if you trust your partner wholeheartedly. You may want to take close-up photos instead of longer shots that include your face. O’Reilly says these are not only a safer, but they can be fun for your partner to decipher. Leave something to the imagination!

If you’re still hesitant, take a cue from some of O’Reilly’s clients, "who take nude photos of their erotic spots, but add a temporary tattoo to throw off unwanted peepers. Brilliant and sneaky!" she says.

3 things NOT to do when sexting

Don’t send sexts to an unwilling participant. "Make sure your partner wants your sexy pics first," says O’Reilly. "Sending naked photos without consent from your recipient amounts to harassment."

Don’t keep your sexts on your device. Once you’ve enjoyed them, delete them, particularly if you have a company phone or have children who have access to your phone -- "unless you’re OK with them seeing your saucy photos and suggestive notes," says Syrtash.

Finally, don’t rush your sexts. As with anything, rushing can lead to errors. And you certainly don’t want to end up accidentally sending your risqué photos to your boss or neighbour!

Victoria Day menu, plus grilling tips and fun things to do with your family

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

With summer weather finally upon us it's time to get outside and start celebrating. Victoria Day is the perfect occasion to have your friends and family over for the first barbecue of the season.

If you've ever experienced a barbecue flare-up, you'll know the importance of getting your grill ready for the season. We've got four, easy, budget-friendly tips to help you clean your barbecue and prepare it for a summer's worth of use.

If you'd rather celebrate Victoria Day in a more traditionally English fashion, what's more perfect than an elegant tea party? You'll love our Tested Till Perfect recipes, including eleven simple scone recipes, The Queen's Chocolate Biscuit Cake and Empire Cookies.

Barbecue basics

Barbecued Roast Sirloin on a Bun
A tender cut of beef, such as sirloin, can be grilled, sliced and topped with a zesty orange barbecue sauce to serve right away on crusty rolls. Or grill it ahead, slice and reheat on the barbecue or in the oven.

New Potato Salad with Thyme
Look for the smallest new potatoes, walnut-size if possible, for a classy version of an old cottage favorite.

Basic Iced Tea
Basic Iced Tea
Iced tea is the essential summer sipper. Sliced citrus fruit or flavoured ice cubes (see "Nice Ice," below) add pizzazz.

4 great ways to get your barbecue ready for grilling season
Don't enter the season without spring cleaning your most important cooking tool -- the barbecue. Here's how to tune your grill up on a budget.

Delicious desserts

The Queen's Chocolate Biscuit Cake
The recipe for The Queen's Chocolate Biscuit Cake was provided by Michael Dunn, a former chef at Buckingham Palace.

Empire Cookies
These cookies are best made a day ahead so the jam and shiny almond glaze have time to soak into the cookie.

11 simple scones recipes
Discover how to bake perfect scones with our Tested Till Perfect scones recipes, from sweet raisin and blueberry to savoury green onion and cheddar.

Family fun

Photo gallery: 8 fun things to do with your family this Victoria Day
Have fun with your family on Victoria Day with these eight ways to spend the holiday.

â¨ Fun things to do outdoors: Your complete guide to getting outside
Enjoy Canada's outdoor playground and make this your most fun-filled year ever. You'll find plenty of fun things to do outdoors, including clever camping tips, great grilling recipes and advice for planning the perfect picnic, inspiring ideas for fabulous outdoor fitness and more.

Page 2 of 2

How to buy a bra in 5 easy steps

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Whether you've worn out your favourite bras, your size has fluctuated, or need the right bra to wear under your next special-occasion outfit, shopping for new bras can be time consuming, frustrating, and exhausting

But once you find the right shape that fits like a glove, it will be one piece of clothing you'll never want to part with. These five essential bra-buying tips will make easy work of your shopping experience.

1. Get fitted
As a sales associate at a lingerie store, I help plenty of customers find the right bra. And I can attest to a commonly cited stat that reveals eight out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra.

A perfect fit provides the right amount of support, and makes you look and feel better too. The easiest and most accurate way to find your size is to get a professional bra fitting at a lingerie store.

2. Know what you want
Before you go shopping, keep in mind what kind of bra you want or need. From full-coverage to convertible bras and everything in between, boutiques and department stores carry a variety of shapes and colours.

It's easier to narrow down the selection of bras you'll want to try on when you know what you do -- and don't -- like in a bra. And consider what kinds of outfits you'll wear over it.

3. Try it on
When you're ready to try on bras, wear a T-shirt or bring one along so when you're in the fitting room, you'll notice any lumps and bumps caused by a poor fit or an unflattering bra shape.

Don't be shy to ask a sales associate for a second opinion on how the bra fits. Staff are accustomed to pointing out fit flaws and helping you find a new size or style that will complement your body.

Page 1 of 2 -- Find out how to properly care for your bras on page 2
4. Buy more than one
When you find a style you like, stock up. Give each bra a couple days of rest before wearing it again so that the bra maintains its shape.

Buying multiples means you'll have enough bras to rotate throughout the week and you'll have the right colours to choose from -- and be better prepared to avoiding choosing one that shows through your outfit. Plus, many lingerie brands and boutiques change their styles each season so when you're ready to replace your favourite bra, you might not be able to find the same one you love.

5. Handle with care
Hand-washing your delicates in cold water is best to keep your bras in pristine condition and keep them lasting longer. When machine-washing, use a cold water, gentle cycle and place bras in a mesh lingerie bag. To prevent shrinking, rips and warped underwire, be sure to hang dry.

Now that you have these need-to-know shopping tips, buying a bra will be little less intimidating. Check out our photo gallery: your top 10 essential bras.

Find more great fashion and style advice on the Fashion and Beauty Blog.

Erin Lukas is a Toronto-based freelance writer and a sales associate at Aerie, American Eagle Outfitters' intimates and apparel store. Since 2010, she's been helping women eliminate unwanted bumps and lumps by finding the best bra fits for their body shapes and lifestyles.

Page 2 of 2

How to choose the best Greek yogurt

Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Greek yogurt, an increasingly popular alternative to standard yogurt, is popping up in grocery aisles across the country and making its way into health-conscious recipes. This trendy alternative is creamier in texture than other yogurts, and is also low in fat, higher in protein and offers all kinds of great active bacterial cultures to help with digestion. However, there are so many different varieties of yogurt out there -- probiotic, prebiotic, organic and now Greek -- that selecting the right yogurt can be a confusing task.

Fat, calories and protein
Finding a nutritious Greek yogurt boils down to three simple things: Fat, calories and protein. Look for nonfat varieties of Greek yogurt and check the nutritional label for low calories and high protein.

Mary Bamford, a registered dietician and nutritionist based in Toronto, recommends that every 175-gram serving of Greek yogurt should contain at least 18 grams of protein and no more than 100 to 120 calories.

Get more protein with nonfat Greek yogurt
While regular nonfat yogurt has six to eight grams of protein per serving, nonfat Greek-style yogurt has 18 to 20 grams, and the two varieties are (depending on the brand) typically made from the exact same ingredients: Skim milk and active bacterial cultures.

Though there are different ways to produce Greek yogurt, the traditional and common method is to take regular yogurt and strain out the liquid -- which is called the whey -- using cheesecloth or a similar straining tool. This produces a more condensed, thicker product. Therefore, you would have to use three litres of milk to make Greek yogurt for every one litre that would be needed for regular yogurt. Triple the milk means triple the protein.

Why it's important to get enough protein
"Protein is important, particularly at breakfast," says Bamford. "Our protein tissue in our muscles, our liver and our heart turns over 24-7." Protein acts as a fuel for these different parts of the body, so it's important to feed that need throughout the entire day, she says.

One of the more severe risks of not getting enough protein is accelerated sarcopenia, the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle, warns Bamford. Sarcopenia is a condition that often strikes when people are older, leaving them without the strength for basic physical tasks, such as climbing stairs or even getting up off the toilet.

"Ultimately it's a big determinate of whether we end up in a nursing home," she says. Whether fuelling up for the day or warding off long-term health risks, it's a good idea to get a lot of protein at breakfast rather than cramming it all in at dinner, says Bamford.

The truth about sweetened and flavoured yogurt
"Plain low-fat Greek yogurt is a nutrient-rich, wholesome food you want to eat every day," she says. Sweetened and flavoured yogurts, however, are not necessarily a healthy daily snack. They tend to have only 15 grams of protein per serving -- which is still a lot higher than regular yogurt -- but they are also often much higher in sugar and calories.

"The ones that taste like ice cream, those are a small dessert," says Bamford. "Those are part of our luxury calories. People don't realize that some of these yogurts have the same amount of sugar as a dessert."

Women should only have 6 teaspoons of sugar daily, and men should have no more than 9 teaspoons, says Bamford.

"People lose sight of all the added sugar in their diet, and many yogurts have 3 to 5 teaspoons of sugar," she says.

Healthy ways to sweeten up Greek yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt can be fairly tart on its own -- and some people might be inclined to avoid it for that reason. It's easy to balance that out though.

"I personally recommend that people who buy plain, nonfat varieties and who want to add a bit of sweetening should try adding fruit," says Bamford. "Or they can stir in 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey, which is only a third of the sugar that's in the sweetened yogurts."

Choosing between honey and syrup is a matter of personal taste. Honey tends to swirl into the yogurt, adding pockets of sweetness amid the tartness. For those who prefer a more consistent flavour, maple syrup blends more seamlessly with the thick yogurt and also contains nutrient-rich minerals, says Bamford.

The bottom line is, give Greek yogurt a try -- but give the label a close read before indulging. Incorporate it into your diet as a great addition to a healthy breakfast, a filling afternoon snack or even substitute it for sour cream in your baking, marinades and dips for a healthy and equally satisfying alternative. Opa!

Page 2 of 2

Make it for Mom: A Mother's Day lunch for 8

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Show your mom just how much you care. This special make-ahead menu and our foolproof work ahead plan makes things easy.

Easy-to-make cupcake toppers

Sat, 12 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

It doesn't take long to create these cute cupcake toppers -- they make fun place markers or party favours, too. Once the cutting and gluing is done, check out our delicious cupcake recipes and bake up some yummy bases.

Check out a large image of these cute cupcake toppers here.

Yellow daisy
With pencil, draw or trace 4 cm (1-1/2 inch) diameter circle on white craft foam and 7.5 cm (3-inch) diameter circle on yellow craft foam. Using pinking shears, cut out white circle; using scissors, cut out yellow circle. With pencil and ruler, divide yellow circle into 8 wedges; round corners of wedges to form petals. Cut around and between petals, almost but not all the way into centre. Draw two 4 cm (1-1/2 inch) long and two 5 cm (2-inch) long leaf shapes on green craft foam; cut out small shapes with pinking shears and large shapes with scissors.

Using thin layer of craft glue, adhere white circle to yellow petals; glue leaves together (see photo). Spread craft glue on top 5 cm (2 inches) of bamboo skewer; adhere skewer to backs of flower and leaves. Let dry.

Yellow ranunculus
With pencil, draw or trace one 2.5 cm (1 inch) diameter circle and two 5 cm (2 inch) diameter circles on yellow craft foam; draw or trace one 4.5 cm (1-3/4 inch) diameter circle on orange craft foam. Using pinking shears, cut out circles; set one large yellow circle aside.

Centre and stack circles together (see photo), adhering with thin layer of craft glue. Spread glue on wrong sides of large yellow circles, then adhere, sandwiching top 5 cm (2 inches) of bamboo skewer. Let dry.

Pink daisy
With pencil, draw or trace 1.5 cm (3/4 inch) diameter circle on yellow craft foam; 2.5 cm (1 inch) diameter circle on orange craft foam; and 8 cm (3 inch) diameter circle on pink craft foam. Using scissors, cut out yellow and pink circles; using pinking shears, cut out orange circle. With pencil and ruler, divide pink circle into 12 wedges; round corners of wedges to form petals. Cut around and between petals, almost but not all the way into centre.

Centre and stack foam circles together (see photo), adhering with thin layer of craft glue. Spread thin layer of craft glue on top 5 cm (2 inches) of bamboo skewer; adhere skewer to back of flower. Let dry.

Busy bee
With pencil, draw 5 cm (2 inch) long oval on yellow craft foam, tapering one end slightly, for body. Draw 3 cm (1-1/4 inch) high heart shape on white craft foam for wings. Draw three 5 mm (1/4 inch) wide arcs on black craft foam for stripes. Using scissors, cut out; trim inner curve of heart for wing shape.

With craft glue, adhere stripes to body; trim if necessary. Adhere wings to wrong side of body. With dab of glue, attach googly eyes (see photo). Spread glue on top 5 cm (2 inches) of bamboo skewer; adhere to back of bee. Let dry.

Add this fun craft to the top of our Vanilla Cupcake recipe.

This story was originally titled "Cupcake Toppers" in the June 2010 issue.

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Does Mother really know best?

Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

They say Mother knows best, but can all of her guidance be treated as gospel? Despite having our best interests at heart, not every bit of health-related advice our moms gave us growing up is necessarily true.

We consulted a group of experts to find out which of Mom's oft-repeated adages are rooted in reality and which are pure paranoia.

"Drink ginger ale to soothe your queasy stomach."

Verdict: False…sort of
While the ginger ale of old was chock-full of ginger, a known stomach stabilizer, many brands of modern-day ginger ale depend on artificial flavours to deliver that ginger jolt.

"As a result, ginger ale likely does not provide the benefits of ginger in soothing an upset stomach," says Rebecca Noseworthy, manager of nutrition education at Breakfast for Learning, a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to child nutrition programs. However, don't stow the soda away just yet. Sipping on any clear, flat, carbonated beverage can reduce nausea, Noseworthy says.

"Don't go outside with wet hair or you'll catch a cold!"

Verdict: False
Despite the shared name, being cold is not enough to give you a cold; for that you need actual contact with the virus.

"You can roll around naked in the snow and you will not catch a cold unless you meet someone who has a cold and also happens to be rolling around in the snow," says Dr. Joe Schwarcz, director of the McGill Office for Science and Society, and the bestselling author of Dr. Joe's Health Lab (Doubleday Canada, 2011).

That said, stressors -- including being physically cold -- can decrease your immune system activity, so if you insist on rolling around with cold sufferers, choose a warm location instead of a snowbank to reduce your chances of getting sick.

"Coffee will stunt your growth."

Verdict: False
While coffee consumption won't make your wee one permanently pint-size, caffeine intake in youngsters should be monitored, Noseworthy says. "Caffeine can increase anxiety, heart rate and jitters in children, as well as stomachaches, headaches and sleep disruptions," she says.

Children ages four to six should consume no more than 45 milligrams of caffeine per day; children seven to nine, no more than 62.5 milligrams; and 10- to 12-year-olds, no more than 85 milligrams.

To put that into perspective, an eight-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains 135 milligrams of caffeine and one can of cola contains 36 to 46 milligrams.

"Hold your breath if you want to get rid of those hiccups."

Verdict: True
These little annoyances, brought on by spasms of the diaphragm, have prompted dozens of suggested cures over the years, ranging from gulping down water to standing on your head.

But, although no one really knows why it works, holding your breath is indeed the best way to go, says Schwarcz. "The best bet is to build up carbon dioxide in the lungs," he says. "Holding your breath can do that, whether you do it standing on your head or swinging from a tree limb to limb." But we suggest coping with hiccups with both feet firmly planted on the ground.

"Don't hold back your sneezes: It's bad for you."

Verdict: True
This one's as plain as the nose on your face: Let those sneezes rip! Sneezing is the body's way of expelling unwanted visitors from the nose, such as dust, insects and other allergens.

Besides allowing these irritants to overstay their welcome, physically preventing a sneeze can cause injuries such as burst eardrums, nosebleeds and broken blood vessels in the eyes because of the pent-up pressure, says Dr. Peter Spafford, secretary of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and professor of medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Just how much pressure are we talking? "The built up pressure would be enough to deliver a baby," Spafford says. Ouch!

"Don't sit on a cold surface too long or you'll get hemorrhoids."

Verdict: False
Hockey moms can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Those long stints at the rink won't wreak havoc on your backside after all. The true cause of hemorrhoids is straining, Schwarcz says, which causes the lining of the intestines to literally be forced out the rear.

Constipation and childbirth are common causes -- not where you bench your behind. "Whether you sit on a block of ice or a stovetop makes no difference," Schwarcz says.

"Don't sit too close to the TV or you'll ruin your eyes."

Verdict: False
Sorry, Mom: Experts don't see eye-to-eye with you on this claim. It turns out that children actually have an amazing ability to adapt to blurred vision without experiencing eye strain, according to Rachel Hill Campbell, an optician at Personal Optical in St. Catharines, Ont.

That said, noticing your son is sitting too close for comfort to his cartoons could be a sign he is nearsighted and needs glasses.

"The strain isn't caused from sitting so close; the child has simply found a way to see things better," Hill Campbell says. But don't fret: A proper pair of glasses will have him back curling up on the couch in no time.

"Stay out of the shower and off the phone during a thunderstorm."

Verdict: True
While neither showers nor phones actually attract lightning, your mom's weather warning is legit. "If lightning strikes the plumbing system, it can be conducted into the tub or shower," says Valerie Powell, communications and media program coordinator at the Canada Safety Council (CSC).

And that could turn a bath or shower into an electrifying experience. Likewise, the CSC recommends limited use of landline phones and other electrical appliances during storms, since electricity from a lightning strike can travel through wires.

If you must be on the phone -- to, say, wish a certain someone a happy Mother's Day -- reach for your cell and avoid venturing outside.

"Drink your milk if you want strong bones."

Verdict: True
Bottoms up, kids: Your mom hit the mark with milk. "Bone is made up of calcium and other minerals, as well as protein. All parts of the body need calcium to function properly, and if you are not taking in enough calcium, the body will take what it needs from your bones," says Dr. Famida Jiwa, president and CEO of Osteoporosis Canada.

As one of the best sources of calcium (an eight-ounce glass contains around 300 milligrams, about a third of the daily recommended intake for adults ages 19 to 50) and bone-building protein, milk can help fight the risk of osteoporosis and fractures for drinkers of all ages.

But milk's not just for the betterment of bones. Nutrients found in milk help muscles and nerves function properly, improve vision and support energy metabolism, says Noseworthy. "Whether you are 15 or 50, be sure to make milk a part of your diet," says Jiwa.

Adam Ledlow is a freelance writer in Brampton, Ont. After years of being told to stop reading in the dark, lest he ruin his eyes, Adam and his mother have reached a mutual understanding -- now that he pays for his own hydro.

This story was originally titled "Things Your Mama Said" in the May 2012 issue.

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Page 3 of 3

How to encourage creativity in your kids

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

My three-year-old daughter is a rambunctious little thing who, like most tots, takes great pleasure in causing chaos and making messes.

Not your average toy
One of her favourite things to do is whip open the door of our Tupperware cupboard and watch the mismatched collection fly across the kitchen. The first few times she did it, I grumbled (and quietly cursed) at the mess.

It wasn't until I watched her build a plastic palace using spaghetti sauce-stained containers that I realized my kid was learning to be creative.

"Creativity fosters healthy self-esteem and individuality, and creative people are known to be more independent, resourceful and sensitive," says Nikki Goldman-Stroh, the director of Seasons Family Centre, an arts-based centre in Toronto.

Here's how to free the artistic, inventive and clever talents and minds of your brood.

Up to age 4
"The great thing about this age group is that these kids find the most unexpected things entertaining," says Goldman-Stroh. "For a child, a paper-towel roll can be a light sabre and a paper plate can be a mask."

Little ones gravitate toward unstructured toys, "play materials that focus on process and experience, not the end result or goal," says Judy Arnall, a Calgary-based author and parenting expert.

"My kids would mash Play-Doh in the sandbox to make 'breaded patties.' Yes, it ruined the Play-Doh, but they learned a lot about sand, gooey materials and adherence properties," she says.

Unstructured toys
So instead of buying toys that can limit creativity in this age group (such as colouring books, paint-by-number sets and building kits), stock up on unstructured toys, such as blocks, dress-up clothes, glue, cardboard boxes, pots, spoons, pails, tape, puppets and paint, which are all great because "they span the ages and are kid-driven, not battery-driven," says Arnall.

These materials also allow children to "project their own meaning on the play. It helps them express their feelings, fears and whatever is going on in their lives at that moment," she says.

Get messy
Alexandria Durrell, a mom in Pickering, Ont., encourages her kids to do something that makes most parents cringe: make a mess. The messier kids are, the more creative they can be. "Just prepare for it and let the kids have fun. Creativity happens when they feel uninhibited," she says.

For example, Alexandria's daughter, Story, loved finger painting, but instead of paint, she used pudding. "In the summer the kids dip paintbrushes of all sizes in water and 'paint' all over our wood fence," Alexandria adds.

Tech tip: If your kids are playing on a computer, implement a "use policy." Judy Arnall, a parenting expert and author in Calgary, recommends clearly defining time limits and what kids are and aren't allowed to do online.

Ages 5 to 11
Sure, it's easy to let school-agers just veg in front of the tube and pop in a DVD or video game to keep them busy, but there are plenty of ways that this bunch can stay creative as they grow up.

"Parents often pack up the creative materials, such as the dress-up trunk and arts and crafts, because they assume kids have it at school, which is not always the case," says Arnall. "We tend to like the nonmessiness of screens and controllers as opposed to paint on our rugs."

Now is a great time to encourage projects that complement a growing child's interests. If your youngsters like watching you bake, for example, let them decorate whatever comes out of the oven.

Play with your food
"Add a couple of drops of food colouring to store-bought icing, then grab whatever you have in the cupboard -- chocolate chips, shredded coconut, candy, raisins -- and let the kids decorate," says Toronto mom Marisa Arpaia.

Older kids can fill a pastry bag with icing and go to town. Marisa says her girls also love using felt to make things, because it doesn't fray and it's easy for little hands to work with.

"Older kids love stitching it to make scarves and little purses. My kids particularly love making their own bags," she says. "We use old fabric shopping bags and stick different colours and shapes of felt on with craft glue."

As for the kids who just can't wait to get back to their video game du jour, don't fret too much. Arnall says children will process what they experience from TV, movies and games through their creations.

"My kids sewed little Nintendo characters, made wood replicas and wrote storybooks starring Kirby, Mario and Princess Zelda after they played video games," she says.

Tech tip: Get involved. Whether your kids are rocking out to Guitar Hero, running a farm in FarmVille or putting together a digital scrapbook full of snapshots of friends, take an interest, play along and help out.

Ages 12 and up
If you can pry that iPhone out of your tween's hand or get your teen off Facebook for more than 10 minutes, you might be able to persuade them that being creative is still fun -- and isn't punishment. ("Turn off your computer and practise the clarinet" isn't really going to get them excited about music, right?) At this age, kids often take their creativity online.

"I used to lament when my teen daughter quit writing and doing art projects like she did in the school-age years, but she was still creative, just in a different medium," Arnall says. "Much of the way teens use the Internet is for content generation rather than content usage."

She says her son created websites, wrote code and designed comics. "There are interactive computer games (think The Sims), online art galleries where teens can post their artwork and photography, blogs and music composition programs," she adds.

Toronto author and parenting expert Alyson Schafer agrees. "Making a web page, producing and editing a video, and adding graphics and music is creative," she says.

Explore your identity
Since teens find all kinds of ways to express themselves and are constantly exploring their identities and figuring out their place in the world, Schafer says it's important for parents to acknowledge their big kids' creativity -- even if the teens show it in nontraditional ways.

"Parents should drop their biases. Tattoos, mohawk hairdos and piercings are all artistic," she says.

At the Seasons Family Centre, Goldman-Stroh gets older kids to unleash their creativity through classes, like the centre's special-effects makeup class. "The appeal of a class to a teen is that they can sign up and do it with their friends," she says. They can learn or work on a skill that interests them, and be social at the same time.

Tech tip: Make your technology available to your kids. Let them use your tablet, smartphone, laptop, etc., when they are old enough to be gentle and responsible with them. Introducing technology as you would books or other educational tools will inspire kids to use tech toys for more than texting friends and hanging out on social-networking sites.

This story was originally titled "Unleash Your Child's Creativity" in the May 2012 issue.

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Page 3 of 3

Mason jar lights

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

These charming decorative pendants are the perfect remedy for a gloomy corner at the cottage, but could also work wonders when hung in multiples over a kitchen island.

This spring, keep your eyes peeled at garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops for vintage canning jars or other great items, such as glass canisters or wire baskets, that you can easily convert into your own fabulous fixtures.

You Need (for each):
• Large glass canning jar or storage jar (with metal or hard plastic lid)
• Hemma 15-foot (14.6 m) cord set ($6, ikea.ca)
• Low-wattage LED bulb or CFL bulb
• Dimma dimmer switch ($10, ikea.ca)

• Cordless drill or rotary tool with 1-inch (2.5 cm) metal hole saw bit
• Utility knife (optional)
• Hole punch

To Make:
1. Remove lid from jar and thoroughly clean both lid and jar. Drill 1-inch (2.5 cm) diameter hole in centre of metal lid. (For hard plastic lid, use utility knife to cut 2-inch (5 cm) X through centre of lid, then cut small circle out at centre of X so cord will hang straight.) Using hole punch or small drill bit, make a few holes in lid for ventilation.

2. From bottom of lid, insert plug end of cord, threading all the way through hole until lightbulb socket touches lid.

3. Screw in lightbulb; carefully insert bulb into mouth of jar and securely screw on lid. Connect cord to dimmer switch and hang from ceiling hooks included in cord set.

Safety tips
• Do not use incandescent lightbulbs that are over 40 watts. Instead, opt for low-wattage LED or CFL lightbulbs.

• Avoid leaving lights on for extended periods of time.

• When hanging pendants, be sure to use plugs and screws suited to the wall and ceiling materials.

Interested in more great craft ideas for your home? Check out the Craft blog.

Wendy Russell is a craft expert and segment producer for "The Marilyn Denis Show" on CTV.

This story was originally titled "A Bright Idea" in the May 2012 issue.

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A mother by any other name

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Fostering love
A few years ago, Misty Gray was invited to a Mother's Day luncheon at a school in London, Ont. During a slide show, she saw a poem a Grade 8 boy had written for her. In it, he thanked her for supporting him through all of his tears, smiles and hockey games. "You chose to be there," he wrote. Misty cried.

"That's a memory that I will never forget and will forever cherish," she says. "It honestly just kind of swept away all of the challenges we had, just knowing that he had made that effort."

The boy was Jeffrey Collins, Misty's foster son. When he wrote that poem, he had been living with her family for two years. During the first year, he was suspended from school many times, got into fights and ran away. "I did have kind of a temper problem," says Jeffrey, whose biological mother struggles with drug addiction. "I was really rebellious to authority."

Never give up
But Misty didn't give up on Jeffrey. Eventually he won an award for being the most improved student in his class. She made him part of her wedding and took him on a family trip to Cuba.

When she and her husband were expecting twins, she assured him that he wouldn't have to move out. Once the twins came, she says, Jeffrey quickly developed a brotherly relationship with them, as he had with their daughter.

Jeffrey believes good foster parents like Misty can save troubled children who might otherwise turn to crime. "She didn't get a foster kid for the money or for the sake of having one," he says. "She did it to help out a kid."

Doing well
Now, with a high school diploma, an apartment and a job making high-end goalie equipment, Jeffrey is almost 21. He dreams of travelling the world and becoming a father. Although he loves his birth mom, he doesn't know where he would be without Misty. "I probably wouldn't be doing as well as I am now," he says. "And I thank her completely."

Grandmother Mommy
It was a monumental day for Betty Croft. She sat down with her granddaughter, a bright and talkative three-year-old named Terri, to tell her life-changing news: Nana was going to become Mom.

"She jumped into my arms, and she was actually crying a little bit, and it made me cry," says Betty, who lives in Riverview, N.B. "She was hugging me and she said, 'I get to call you Mommy now?' There was a whole different child in her."

Betty's teenage daughter gave birth to Terri in 1988. But with Betty doing most of the mothering in the first few years, Terri was confused, and a counsellor recommended her grandparents adopt her. When her daughter agreed to the arrangement, Betty didn't hesitate. "I loved Terri like my own," she says, "because I was raising her like my own."

Starting over
What came next was a storybook tale of adversity giving way to triumph. After Betty and her husband separated when Terri was 11, he disappeared and left them with nothing. Betty lost her five-bedroom house and moved with Terri to a basement apartment.

The two got by on about $11,000 a year in social assistance, plus what Betty made from working as a part-time teaching assistant. Terri's clothes often came from secondhand stores. Mould in the apartment made them sick.

Despite all of this, their intense mother-daughter bond kept them going. "My world was changing around me," says Terri, who considers her birth mother a big sister. "But in the end, we were always there for each other, and we were in it together."

The gift of music
The other constant in Terri's life was music. She was a child fiddling sensation, composing tunes and recording CDs by the age of 10. As a teen, she played at Carnegie Hall in New York with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and won the Governor General's Academic Medal. Now 23, she's working toward a master's degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Betty recognized her adopted daughter's musical gift early and did all she could to nurture it. Terri attributes her success in music -- and in life -- to Betty. "She's always positive," Terri explains. "She doesn't see any point in letting things get you down. You've just got to keep plugging. And that's something that she definitely instilled in me."

Red-Haired Angel
More than 25 years ago, a six-year-old girl with sad hazel eyes sat frowning in the backseat of her aunt and uncle's car in Vancouver.

When her aunt asked what was wrong, the girl said, "I wish that I had a mom and dad like you and Uncle Wolf."

For that child, Candice Ferguson, life was dark and difficult. Her mother would frequently drink and use drugs. Candice would stay in her room drawing while her mother partied, and would usually have to get herself ready for school in the morning.

"It was really chaotic," says Candice, now a 35-year-old stay-at-home mother living near Winnipeg. "She would sometimes be so hungover that I would have to make sure there was food for her. It just makes you grow up way too fast."

Simple things
An angel with long red hair changed everything. Lorraine Bustin, the wife of Candice's Uncle Wolf, took care of the child for a few months. "I finally felt treasured and valued," Candice says. "She is the sweetest, most comforting person. Simple things like brushing my hair or doing a puzzle with me meant the world to me."

And that night in the car, when Candice was so sad and lost, Lorraine felt a rush of compassion and made a promise to the little girl. "Don't worry, Candice," she said. "I will always be here for you."

Mother figure
Decades later, the bond between Candice and her Aunty Lorraine is unbreakable. Lorraine even prepared a feast for Candice's wedding and helped out after her baby was born. "I think of her as my mother figure," says Candice, who now has little contact with her biological mother. "Anytime anything's going on in my life, she's the first one I phone."

Lorraine has kids of her own, but she considers Candice a daughter too. "I would do anything for her," she says. "I would be lost without her. I love her."

This story was originally titled "Redefining Mom" in the May 2012 issue.

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Learn how to create flower-seed paper

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

These pretty flower-seed paper notes are easy to make and fun to give out as little gifts.

You need:
• 20 sheets recyclable paper (such as flyers or phone book pages)
• Food colouring (optional)
• Flower or herb seeds
• Flannel
• Sponge, paper or terry-cloth towel

Take a look at a larger image of the finished craft.

To make:
1. Tear paper into small one-inch (2.5 cm) pieces, or shred using shredder; place in sinkful of warm water for about 45 minutes; place enough of the wet paper in blender to come halfway up side. Repeat steps 1 through 5.

2. Blend, adding up to 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the warm water if necessary to make pulplike consistency. For coloured paper, add a few drops of food colouring.

3. Transfer mixture to larger container; stir in seeds. Pour mixture into sieve placed over bowl. Using hands, press to squeeze out excess water.

4. Pour mixture onto flannel, spreading to flatten thinly (the thinner the pulp is spread, the quicker the drying time).

5. Using a sponge, dab paper mixture to soak up excess water. When top is dry, flip over to let reverse side dry. Note: You can use a fan on low setting to speed up the drying process. Let dry completely.

6. Cut out paper into desired shape. Include specific planting instructions for the type of seed you are using in the notecard.

Note: Seed paper can be planted directly into ground or pot soil. Cover paper lightly with soil and pat down lightly. Place in a sunny spot with at least 4 hours of sunlight daily to germinate properly; keep moist for 4 to 6 weeks (many wildflowers are drought-tolerant once established, but must receive adequate water as they sprout).

Do you love crafts? Sign up for our free newsletter, Get Crafty!

This story was originally in the April 2010 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Beauty gifts for Mother's Day and great shopping advice

Sun, 06 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mother's Day: It's that special time of year when you can really show your mom just how much she means to you. It's the perfect time to thank her for all the love, time, patience and nurturing she's given you over the years. But finding a great gift can be hard.

This year, why not consider getting your mom a beauty gift -- a little luxury she may not normally treat herself to. What to get? Lifestyle and beauty expert Chantel Guertin offers inspiration before you hit the mall by revealing what's hot for moms this year.

Hottest beauty gifts for moms
Flowers may be a typical Mother's Day gift choice, but why not give your mom something that will last longer than a bouquet? Guertin recommends the new BCBGMaxAzria fragrance ($55), which she says combines the aromas of jasmine, lily, violet and rose, for a scent that's subtle yet feminine.

Next up, Guertin suggests Talika Lipocils Expert Lash Growth Serum ($56). "The original formulation of this product first launched 60 years ago in France and now it's making its debut in Canada," she says. "It is a growth serum that lengthens your lashes up to four millimetres in just a month. And it's hypoallergenic and safe for any skin types. As we age, our eyelashes fall out more quickly and don't grow as long because they're weaker, so this is a gift that she'll appreciate."

If you can't take your mom to Ladurée for afternoon tea, Guertin says MOR Lip Macarons ($10) are the next best thing! And if you want to give your mom something truly special, Guertin recommends the Dior Garden Clutch Makeup Palette for Glowing Eyes and Lips ($75). "This luxurious compact is almost too pretty to use and is sure to be something your mom wouldn't splurge on herself," she says. "It has three pale eye shadows and two complementary coral lip glosses – the colour of the season! – plus a dual-end eye shadow and lip brush."

Beauty gifts to avoid
Beauty gifts can be tough to buy for someone else because they're such personal items. "Anything too specific to skin tone or skin type can be tricky since it's hard to colour match or know how it will react on your mom's skin," says Guertin.

"For this reason, I'd avoid foundations, concealers or any skin creams – particularly if they have SPF in them. These products are best bought in person where you can be properly colour matched at the counter by a cosmetician or makeup artist, or where you can get a sample of the cream to make sure you like the texture, scent and how it interacts with your skin before splurging on a bottle."

Gift cards: Good or bad?
“As a rule, I don’t love gift cards because they can be received as impersonal – and that’s not how you want to be perceived, especially when you did put thought into your gift,” says Guertin.

But, a gift card can be a time-saver and stress-saver if your mom is tough to shop for. “My suggestion is to add something to the gift card to personalize it,” says Guertin.

Other great Mother's Day gifts to consider
Still not sure what to give your mom? Making your gift special is really the key. And if you can, try to do something that allows you and your mom to spend some quality time together. Guertin offers up three suggestions.

1. Give your mom a gift certificate to a spa, along with a new pair of slippers or a robe.
2. Pick up six sample sizes of new fragrances and package them with a gift card to the department store so that your mom can try out the new scents, then purchase a full-size bottle of her favourite one.
3. Give your mom a gift certificate for the two of you to get pedicures together, and package it with a pedicure kit, including foot scrub and lotion, a pumice stone, a nail file and a selection of hot nail polish shades for spring – think Easter egg pastels and bright corals and pinks.

Get inspired with 11 awesome Mother's Day gift ideas under $75.

Natalie Bahadur is the senior editor of styleathome.com and a contributor to canadianliving.com.

5 ways to get along with your teen or tween

Sat, 05 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Ask any parent of a teen or tween and they'll tell you how frustrating it can be to counsel and guide their children during these formative years. But maintaining a positive relationship with your kids as they get older is possible -- and it doesn't have to be as difficult as it often seems.

Patricia R. Adson, a licensed psychologist and the author of A Princess and Her Garden: A Fable of Awakening and Arrival (Lone Oak, 2000), shares her insights into how to build a stronger relationship with your children once they become teenagers.

"To sustain the relationship you want to have with your child you have to re-examine your role as a parent now that the old rules don't seem to be working," Adson says. She shares five strategies for strengthening your bond with your teen or tween.

1. Redefine the rules of parenting
The parenting rules that applied when you were dealing with a six-year-old are no longer applicable to your teen or tween. At that stage in the parenting process your child was truly dependent on you, but now your teen or almost-teen is suddenly questioning everything you say.

"You have to face the fact that this person is becoming more independent, and as they do, you may have to redefine some rules about participation in family activities, household chores and privacy," says Adson. "The first thing to do is get clarity about what is really important to you so you can withstand your child's questioning of your beliefs as she learns to sort things out on her own."

2. Listen to your child
Listening plays a significant role in cultivating a stronger relationship with your teen or tween. "The most important thing to do at this time is to keep the lines of communication open, and communication involves listening as well as speaking," says Adson.

Children know when you are distracted and not paying attention, but by really listening to them you're letting them know that they are valued (even though you may not agree with them), the psychologist explains. Listening and letting your kids talk despite not agreeing with them will also give them a healthy model for disagreement that promotes openness rather than building walls.

3. Be mindful of your attitude
Being a parent -- especially to someone on the cusp of becoming an adult -- can be difficult. But the more open and positive you are, the better your relationship with your teen or tween will be.

"Greeting each child with a list of what they should be doing or what they have done wrong, or telling them what's on your mind before you know what's on theirs, sets up a defensive attitude that is hard to overcome," says Adson. "Greeting a child with a smile instead of a frown or a stern expression helps them to feel safe, wanted, valued and less defiant simply for the sake of being defiant."

Rather than assuming you're going to get attitude or find a messy room, begin each encounter with an open mind.

4. Communicate directly
Communicate directly with your teen or tween, rather than silently stewing about any issues that arise or asking your spouse to deal with problems.

"Complaining to your spouse about the child and expecting him or her to do something about it creates a harmful triangle," explains Adson. If you are upset about something or have a request to make, make it directly to your child. "Doing this shows that you are an adult and capable of speaking for yourself, not a spokesperson for someone else or incapable of knowing your own mind," she says.

5. Take an interest in your teens' lives
You might be finding that you and your teens have little in common, but it's still important to try and find some common ground.

"Take an interest in what they are interested in even if it isn't your cup of tea," says Adson. If they like music that you can't stand, at least listen to it and allow them to tell you what they like about it so you can better understand what makes them happy. "You don't have to like it, but show respect to their changing tastes rather than making fun of them or dismissing them without ever knowing what they are about," she advises.

But this doesn't mean that you have to put up with deafening music, the psychologist warns. "You are still in charge," she says.

While it may seem impossible at times to get through to your teens or tweens, strengthening your bond with them can be easier than you think. By making a few simple changes and putting forth the effort to make compromises, you can ensure you and your kids remain close -- no matter their age.

Mexican food menu for 6

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Inspired by Mexico City, this menu features slow-roasted lamb, colourful rice, chayote salad and a signature cinnamon chocolate sauce for dessert.

How to make hand-embroidered floral napkins

Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Embroidery is a sweet and simple way to add a bit of personality to basic household items such as fabric napkins. Make one napkin as a lovely gift to wrap up a homemade loaf of bread, or stitch up a set of six to dress up your Mother's Day brunch table.

Take a look at larger image of the embroidered flower napkin

You need:
• 6 napkins (cotton or linen)
• Embroidery floss (white, yellow and green)
• Fabric marker (optional)
• 12 cm (5-inch) embroidery hoop
• Embroidery needle and scissors

To make:
1. Wash, dry and iron napkins.

2. If desired, use fabric marker to sketch daisy in desired location on right side of each napkin.

3. Embroider daisies as follows: Use three strands white floss to make lazy daisy stitches for flower petals; three strands yellow floss to make French knots for flower centre; and three strands green floss to complete stem stitch for stems and leaves.

Take a look at a larger image of the embroidery stitches

Designer's tip:
If you'd prefer to make your own napkins, cut 1.5 m (1.6 yards) of fabric (we prefer cotton or linen) into six 41 cm (16 1/2-inch) squares. Use serger to edge each square with a rolled hem. Or, turn each raw edge under 6 mm (1/4 inch) and press; repeat to enclose raw edge. Hem with machine or by hand, using straight stitch, blind stitch or decorative edgestitch as desired.

This story was originally titled "Petal Pushers" in the May 2012 issue.

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Turn your passions into careers

Wed, 02 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Wouldn't it be great if the thing that gets you most excited in life, say, a favourite hobby or a special talent, could also earn you your income?

In fact, it can, and there are women who are making it happen. Here's how three women parlayed their passions into profits.

Their insight and advice might give you a little inspiration to go after your own goals.

Who:
Marla Fortier, 33, owner of Sugar Baby Aprons. She lives in Fort St. John, B.C., with her husband, Stacy, and their two children, Haley and Hudson, ages 15 and 8.

Her passion-turned-profit:
"I Love Lucy" can take credit for a lot: making redheads sexy, showcasing the comedic chops of women like Lucille Ball and inspiring a northern B.C. homemaker to start her own business.

"Lucy had the best aprons," Marla says. "I liked the concept of the apron, but I didn't want anything traditional; I wanted something stylish because I love dressing up and having people over for dinner parties."

Financially backed by her husband, who works in the oil industry, Marla sewed a prototype 1950s poodle skirt--style apron two years ago.

After consulting a Vancouver-based pattern maker and manufacturer, she ordered 60 aprons and launched her website -- and her whole new career. "In high school, I always wanted to be a dress designer. But I never thought I'd really get into it. It ended up being even more exciting than I thought it would be."

Support system:
"My mom and sister help with the orders. My 15-year-old daughter takes pictures for my newsletter and has used it as a school project. My husband and I do most of the travelling. I homeschool my kids, so I can take them with me."

Success story:
Ironically, after a Sugar Baby apron appeared in a national newspaper story criticizing aprons as antifeminist, Marla saw an increase in orders.

Even so, some women have accused her of "trying to bring back the 1960s," she says. "But I think you can be a mom and work, and be a great presence in the house. I think of the aprons as a celebration of that."

Who would've guessed? "I was in my kitchen when this woman called from Tokyo. She found me on the Internet. She represents an importer who sells 900 aprons a month and wants ours to be a good portion of that."

Words of wisdom:
• "Your next success could be right around the corner, so don't despair if you feel like you're not getting anywhere."

• "Read everything, ask questions and listen to the experts. Seek out business people who can be positive mentors for you."

• Have an online presence. "I use a lot of social media. I use Twitter like crazy. I drive traffic back to my Facebook page. They're essential to getting a bit of web buzz."

Who:
Stacey Bafi-Yeboa, 33, designer of Kania, a luxe line of streetwear. She lives in Ottawa with her husband, Nana.

Her passion-turned-profit:
"I was the ultimate girlie-girl growing up," says Stacey, chuckling. "I dressed up Barbie and did her hair and makeup. I always wanted to be involved in some girlie activity."

Frocks and frills hit the back burner after high school when she pursued her other passion: dancing. At 19, Stacey was performing in lavish cruise ship productions; at 20, she starred in Saturday Night Fever on Broadway.

But after friends began asking her to make them the funky but comfortable clothes she designed for her own auditions, her future was sewn up.

"I would make clothes that would flatter my assets and camouflage my flaws. Suddenly, I was making stuff for friends, then for a yoga studio," she recalls. Determined to parlay that into a full-time postdance career, she sourced custom-dyed cotton and bamboo cloth, and located a Toronto-based manufacturer.

Five years ago, she launched Kania, which is Ashanti for "light." "My success has come from being a risk taker," says Stacey. "If I didn't take risks, I wouldn't be as far along as I am."

Support system:
"It started with me and my parents. My dad would cut the fabric; my mom would help sew. We had a little sweatshop going in my bedroom," she giggles.

But backed by her husband, a biologist with the federal government, nothing seemed impossible. "He has great confidence in me to make the right decisions. To everything that goes wrong, he says, ‘You know you can do this.'"

Success story:
Stacey's trademark item, the Snuggie -- a lush wraparound sweater with deep sleeves and a cowl hood -- has been spotted on the Pussy Cat Dolls as well as Britney Spears.

Stacey's clothes can be found in 20 stores across Canada, in her flagship boutique in Ottawa and at national trade shows. Yet success has its price: Another company recently knocked off one of her designs.

Who would've guessed?
Although Stacey has no formal training in pattern making -- she drapes cloth on her body and cuts it into shape before passing it on to a pattern maker -- her designs are surprisingly easy to wear.

"It's amazing that it translates for so many women and that they feel the same way about my clothes as I do."

Words of wisdom:
• Stay connected to industry groups. Stacey joined The Fashion Incubator, a nonprofit organization in Toronto that offers a research library and advice to designers. "They give you two hours of consultation time a year."

• Know your potential customers. "It's easy to get caught up in what's on trend," she says. "Make what you want to wear and what will sell to your demographic."

• "Feel the fire and the passion about what you're doing. You can't do it for money or because someone said you should."

Who:
Erin Bolger, 36, author of the award-winning cookbook The Happy Baker: A Dater's Guide to Emotional Baking (Happy Baker Publishing, 2009) and star of The Happy Baker web series on foodnetwork.ca.

Her passion-turned-profit:
A single girl with a big heart and an even bigger oven, Erin often shared baked treats and not-so-sweet stories of love lost with colleagues at Toronto's Citytv, where she was a makeup artist.

"Baking has always been therapy for me. If I was stressed out, they would say, ‘Wow, did you have a bad morning? This banana bread is still warm!'"

After a long-term relationship ended six years ago, Erin spent a month pouring her sassy humour, family recipes and tales of heartache into a cookbook, then borrowed $50,000 to self-publish it.

Featuring recipes such as My Mom Didn't Like You Anyway, Cupcake and It's Not Me, It's You, Sea-Salted Caramels, it won the title of Best Canadian Dessert Cookbook from the Gourmand Cookbook Awards in 2009.

She has sold the American rights to Harlequin Enterprises and is now writing another cookbook.

Support system:
Her mother and aunt taught her to bake and still lend a hand at events. "My mom even drove across Canada with me for three weeks on a promotional tour."

Success story:
Book sales and TV appearances on ET Canada and Steven and Chris aside, Erin's best moment was The New York Times naming The Happy Baker one of the best cookbooks of 2010.

"I went into work mode and put out a press release right away. The next day, it settled in my head and I thought, Wow! That's a big deal!"

Yet, she still has moments of self-doubt. "I'm 36 and I changed my career when I didn't need to. I never had any debt, but I had to take out a huge loan. But nothing in my life felt more right than doing this."

Who would've guessed?
"People are baking who don't normally bake because of the book. It's such a nice compliment. They bake with their kids and they're making memories."

Words of wisdom:
• "Have a strong support network. You need people you can bounce ideas off."

• Don't let fear hold you back. "You don't get good things happening unless you put yourself out there."

• Be proactive. "I Google everyone for their email addresses. I personally drop off press kits and cookies. When you're determined and passionate, others have to notice and respond."

This story was originally titled "The Joy of Work" in the May 2012 issue.

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