Edmonton Winter 2020

Published by:
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Publisher Ed Ammar
REAL HOME ADVICE 3

Really?
Is this an important
question when it comes
to listing your home?
Yes. There seems to be a correlation between
the most pertinent day to list your property, and
the best time to catch the attention of interested
buyers. Think about it – there is some logical
sense to listing on a specific day.
Mondays and Tuesdays are typically back to
work days. You are probably not going to attract
a buying crowd with people fretting about getting
into their work week routine after the weekend.
Wednesdays and Thursdays are somehow
designated for putting special attention on the
midweek projects, and for families with busy
sports routines and other general activities.
Prospective purchasers want to know a day or
two in advance what their weekend looks like,
and what time they can devote to home viewing
over the coming few days.
That leaves Friday.
Yes – perhaps Friday is the best day for your
REALTOR® to list your home on the MLS
site. You’ve had a good start to the week to
prepare your home, photographs are ready,
and all supportive documents uploaded late on
Thursday evening. When buyers go online first
thing Friday morning – your new listing will be
tops and sure to capture their attention.
REAL HOME ADVICE
5

Wood Pellet Stove to
Wood Pellet Boiler
Alternative Heating
FREE ESTIMATES
780.818.7608
SENIORS & NOT-FOR-PROFIT
DISCOUNT
Our Great Service and Quality Include:
Full electrical service work
New home wiring
Garage/basement wiring
100 Amp service
Panel upgrades
Aluminium wiring repairs
Kitchen/bathroom wiring
Ceiling/exhaust fan install
Hot tub/sauna/steamer
Whole home surge protection
Acreage/farm electrical
Trenching & manlift services
Energy efficiency upgrades
Lighting upgrades & retrofits
6
REAL HOME ADVICE

Trends come and go - grow and evolve!
We are familiar with the wood pellet
stove. A new development is the wood
pellet boiler, which can save homeowners
up to and between 40 – 60% on their
heating costs. Europe has taken the lead
in this updated technology.
Wood pellet boilers and furnaces can
heat baseboard radiators, forced hot air
systems, radiant floors and hot water or
hydronic radiant systems. Boilers operate
similar to oil and propane boilers, are
automatic, and supply hot water heating
as well as comfort control in specific
zones.
The wood pellet boiler heating system
is being touted as being a carbonneutral
fuel system that is better for
our eco-system, rather than traditional
heating fuels and electricity.
There are pros and cons for the wood
pellet system:
Wood pellets are readily available and
lessen the environmental impact.
They are not bulky and burn cleaner,
and more convenient than firewood.
Wood pellets are not subject to
inflationary trends, neither impacted by
world markets unlike other fuel sources.
Pellets are bulkier and a little less
convenient than oil and gas or
electricity. Wood pellets need to be
loaded frequently. Care of the heat
exchanger in boilers requires brushing
periodically, especially when used more
often in the winter season. Ash bins
need to be emptied, and the mineral
nutrient-rich ash can be spread in the
garden and other natural areas.
Manufacturers are now able to refit
homes with the wood pellet boiler either
as the primary source for the home
or secondary back-up boiler. Wood
pellets are a sustainable, renewable
and carbon-neutral fuel source. If you
are contemplating creating a new or
additional back-up fuel source you
may want to look into the latest in
eco-heating solutions like the wood
pellet boiler.
REAL HOME ADVICE
7

LEDUC FENCES & DECKS INC.
OUR SERVICES
FENCES
DECS
ORNAMENTAL
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
Providing quality fence, deck,
gate, build and repair services
Leducfenceanddeck.com
Leduc, Alberta
Call us for details
780-916-3580
Leave home in the morning ---Then come home to your new fence latter that same day
REAL HOME ADVICE 6

Dengue
Fever:
There is no vaccine to prevent it, travellers
need to prevent mosquito bites using repellant
containing 20-30% DEET (provides 6 hours
protection) or Icaridin 20% (provides 8 – 12
hours protection), light-coloured loose-fitting
clothing and when indoors, screen windows,
use air conditioning and insecticides.
Mosquitoes infected with the dengue virus
are hard to avoid, they live in both rural and
urban areas, is common in South East Asia
and the Western Pacific but is occurring
more in Central and South America and the
Caribbean. bite during the daytime and some
have a preference to live indoors in close
contact with humans.
Food and Water while travelling:
Try to wash your hands regularly with soap
and water and use hand sanitizer. Eat foods
recently cooked and still hot, and fruits or
vegetables that can be peeled. Do not drink
tap water or ice cubes made from it. Instead,
drink bottled, boiled or chemically treated
water
Jet Lag:
Travelers experience jetlag when crossing
multiple time zones and their body’s internal
clock is thrown out of its rhythm. On these
flights, drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol,
caffeine and large fatty meals. Once you
arrive at your destination, expose yourself to
as much natural light as available.
Personal Safety:
Before you go, read travel destinations books,
whenever possible, travel in the daylight,
hire a local driver, have a mobile phone,
and check that you have valid license and
insurance coverage if you plan to drive. Road
accidents are the leading cause of injury and
death among travellers.
Thrombosis:
Flights longer than 4-6 hours have shown
to increase risk. To reduce this, travellers
can wear comfortable clothing and walk and
stretch as much as possible. When seated,
exercise the ankle and knee joints, avoid
sitting cross-legged and drink plenty of water
Visiting Friends and/or Relatives (VFRs):
Travel to the place they were born and may
have lived there for many years, it is common
they are not concerned with their health and
overlook potential risks. Many VFRs do not
realize that it takes as little as 6 months of
living in Canada for their body to adjust and
lose protection against illnesses in their home
country
Cruise ships:
They cater to many passengers in a relatively
confined space. This close contact allows for
spread of influenza, norovirus that causes
stomach illness, and vaccine preventable
diseases like measles and chickenpox.
Sun and Heat:
Be sure to pack a hat and sunglasses.
Use sunscreen (apply 15 minutes before
exposure or insect repellent) with SPF 30 or
greater. Reapply it after you swim or perspire.
If you are on medication, check to see if it
causes sun-sensitivity. Also monitor your
alcohol intake and stay well hydrated with
water. Cases of mild sunburn can be relieved
with cool compresses or a cool bath.
Atlas Immunizations:
* The experts on Immunization whether
for School (post-secondary, Health care
field) Work (in Canada or abroad) or Travel
(leisure, business or visiting family)
* Extended hours, Free Parking, accessible
location, accessible staff for simple
questions.
* Immunize all ages including infants for
travel purposes only
* All vaccines available, including TB testing
(780) 465-5150
REAL HOME ADVICE
9

www.knightdoorsandwindows.com
Our almost 10 years of sales and
service to the Edmonton area.
ONE STOP SHOP
Welcome to Knight Doors and Windows:
The time has come to ensure that all customers are treated
with the respect they deserve; with commitments that are met
with top quality service and products.
Knight Doors and Windows has put together a team of the
industry’s top professionals with decades of combined
experience in doors, windows, renovations, project
management and installations. Everyone on our team has a
reputation that is built on customer service and it is reflected
in the high level of repeat customers and referrals. That,
combined with our reliable partnerships with dependable
manufacturers and our history of successful installations,
makes us a leading contender.
The team at Knight Doors and Windows has been part of
selling and installing replacement door and window projects
in single-family, multi-family, light commercial and large
residences. We have numerous referral locations to show
our quality completed projects, which will showcase what
we have done and what you can expect from a finished
project.
Our Windows and Entry Doors are built by leading
manufacturers - Kohltech Windows and Entrance Systems,
Jeld-Wen and LUX Windows and Glass. All manufactured
in Western Canada. We will professionally install your
windows and doors efficiently in your home to give you
the peace of mind that saying “Yes” to Knight Doors and
Windows was the easiest decision you had to make.
In addition to exterior doors and windows, we are extremely

Locally Owned
and Operated
proud to be able to provide you with
Clopay garage doors and Liftmaster
openers for your home, as well as
other construction needs such as
siding, soffit, fascia, roofing, and
more. This makes us a onestop
shop for all your home
renovation needs. We look
forward to being part of your
next renovation or new construction project.
Our mission is you, the customer. Ensuring
what you look forward to and deserve is an
experience that far exceeds your expectations.
Our vision is to do our very best, provide the
best, and impress all our customers so they tell
their friends!
Support of Mustard Seed, Hope Mission, Moms Canada,
Little Warriors and other local charities.

Speaking of
New Building
Options
䘀 甀 攀 渀 琀 攀 猀 刀 攀 渀 漀 瘀 愀 琀 椀 漀 渀 猀 Ⰰ 䰀 吀 䐀
㜀 㠀 ⸀ 㤀 㐀 ⸀ 㜀 㜀 㤀
䘀 甀 攀 渀 琀 攀 猀 刀 攀 渀 漀 猀
䘀 甀 攀 渀 琀 攀 猀 爀 攀 渀 漀 氀 琀 搀 䀀 漀 甀 琀 氀 漀 漀 欀 ⸀ 挀 漀 洀
䌀 伀 䴀 䴀 䔀 刀 䌀 䤀 䄀 䰀 䄀 一 䐀 刀 䔀 匀 䤀 䐀 䔀 一 吀 䤀 䄀 䰀 刀 䔀 一 伀 嘀 䄀 吀 䤀 伀 一 匀
The recent weather patterns and floods in Alberta
questions how houses have withstood the devastating
affects of flooding and water damage. The natural
disasters bring to light the necessity to reassess
how we build houses in Canada. Being a climate of
extremes, particularly in the winter, and now evidenced
with torrential summer storms and flooding, including
unusual circumstances with major fires, we need
to look for new building options. Typically wood
frames do not have a very long life. There is a statistic
suggesting the average home is 30 years old before it
gets a major renovation to bring it up to speed. These
days older homes look and are sad and tired, in dire
need of repair, renovation, and restoration. It might be
safe to say the building system we use for Canadian
homes does not guarantee a life-time of use without
running the risks of dampness, mould, wood rot and
the like, and requiring attention. Builders are so used
to building wood frames that education is required to
inform them and the public of new alternatives.
One such alternative is the concrete tilt-up home.
Offered on the west coast and originally out of New
Zealand where similar climates dictate “smarter”
homes; this construction offers greater energy
efficiency, is far more durable for far longer time
frames, affordable, safe and healthy.
12
REAL HOME ADVICE

Being the dense material it is, concrete
creates a house wrap without the need
or use for studs, which create the
potential for heat loss as in most wood
frame houses. Concrete has a greater
ability to store heat than conventional
building materials, moderating
temperatures; so concrete walls and
floors absorb heat from the sun during
the day, and release this heat at night as
temperatures drop. This characteristic
creates a pleasant, stable home
environment. People don’t realize how
constantly fluctuating temperatures can
actually affect their moods. Yet concrete
homes keep temperatures consistent
throughout the seasonal year.
The combination of solid materials and
an all-in-one construction method,
prevent heat loss in concrete sandwich
panel homes with fewer escape routes.
Mechanical ventilation systems control
moisture through cross-flow ventilation.
The concrete tilt-up panel contributes
both to a solid and strong construction
that bears tremendous weight, and is
therefore much safer in withstanding
earthquakes. The need for internal
support columns are not necessary due
to the pre-stressed concrete floors that
can provide high load bearing capacity.
Being the least likely construction
material to result in leaky buildings,
concrete structures will outlast most
other building materials, offering
reliable performance in even the most
challenging of weather conditions.
Concrete does not rust, rot, corrode
or warp like other materials. Walls and
floors are impenetrable to insects and
vermin. Concrete’s sheer durability
over decades of use goes a long way
towards the reduction and waste of
conventional materials; less going into
landfills.
Would you consider the following
a priority for your home building
project?
Concrete is affordable, with a rapid
construction time, fewer materials
and labour hours, lower
operating costs and less waste;
earthquake and fire, wind and
mould resistant; offering great
acoustics, comfortable, clean, and
chemical-free air quality – being
four times slower in emissions
than gypsum drywall. Concrete
is a sustainable building material,
which reduces the use of wood
and timber products that have a
limited lifespan in extreme weather
systems and climates.
Education is key when considering
building alternatives especially with
erratic and unpredictable weather
patterns showing themselves
these days. There is much that
speaks in favour of the concrete
tilt-up house, and perhaps in the
near future these types of homes
will become the norm over woodframe
for all the reasons mentioned
above.
Better things with a
Desjardins Agent
Our comprehensive offering includes:
• Auto insurance
• Homeowners insurance
• Tenants insurance
• Condo unit owners insurance
Contact me today.
Stop in, call or click.
• Business insurance
• Life and health insurance
• Financial services and
retirement planning
Shelley Orvold, Agent
6564 170 Ave NW
Edmonton AB T5Y 3X6
780-473-6353
www.shelleyorvold.com
1910911CN
Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter
of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance
Company, underwriter of life insurance and living benefits products.
Desjardins, Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses
Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.
REAL HOME ADVICE
13

The Pros and Cons
of Concrete Floors
14
REAL HOME ADVICE

The ‘sustainable’ trend has created some unique
options in floor treatments besides the traditional wood
or fully carpeted floor.
One of those options is concrete. Originally
Mediterranean cultures hand-pressed cement with
beach sand, or mixed cement with black volcanic sand
and pumice for various effects and colours; today
concrete is typically used in commercial buildings,
residential garages and basements.
Concrete is now finding its way into residential homes
and lofts. With the advance of mixing and treating
concrete, different colours, smooth and textured
finishes easily transform the austere grey concrete
look. Once sanded, polished and sealed, the floor can
look elegant especially when ‘dressed’ with oriental
and other rugs, colourful furnishings and accessories.
PROS:
Sustainable
Durable and resilient to scratches and spills
Versatile for indoor and outdoor applications
Easy maintenance and cleaning
Longer lasting
Subtle cracks and markings create a natural stone-like
appeal and architecturally salvaged sought-after look
Textured effects can be etched in while drying for a
warmer look
Different colours can be added in the mixing of the
concrete
Epoxy finishes create dramatic colourful designs,
protect against abrasion and extend the floor life
Slip resistant
Radiant heating can be installed before the concrete is
poured
Stays cooler in the summer months
Options to have another floor system over it
Generally cheaper than hardwoods
CONS:
Hard on the feet
Porous in nature
Doesn’t retain heat
Must be sealed properly to prevent moisture seepage
Moisture causes mold and cracks with winter freezing
Ask your contractor or builder for their suggestions
based on your house, style and considerations.
• Granite • Quartz • Laminate • Solid Surface • Sinks & Faucets • Custom Products
PF Custom Countertops designs, builds, and installs countertops, taking your project from start to finish.
Our people understand the intricacies of various materials. They work with you to ensure your countertop
meets your needs and fits perfectly.To learn more visit www.pfcustomcountertops.com
780.484.0831 10417 174 St.
REAL HOME ADVICE
15

Education on
Natural Wood Cleaners
and Polishes
The usual array of supermarket
floor polishes might consist of any
combination of hazardous elements
and chemicals that are fast becoming
known to create irritations to skin,
eyes and throat, mucous membranes,
and linings of the lungs and nasal
passages, as well as to create other
issues with the bodies systems.
What was once accepted as normal is
now being given the cold shoulder by
more informed customers who look
for natural alternatives to cleaning
products, especially when there are
young toddlers and pets at home
lying on, crawling or running bare feet
across the floors.
If you want to learn more about
cleaners that are actually toxic for
you and your families’ health, the
organization The Environmental
Working Group has a list of the most
shameful products on our supermarket
shelves today. After their in-depth
investigation they stated that only
7% of the questionable ingredients
included in household cleaners are
actually disclosed.
16
The Canadian Centre for Occupational
Health and Safety on the Government
of Canada website talks about the
effect of chemicals as endocrine
disruptors and what this means for the
health of the body. For example – in
their list of consumer products they
mention cleaners that contain parabens,
phthalates, glycol ethers, fragrances and
cyclosiloxanes, which are known to be
endocrine disrupters. They state, “Many
consumer products like cosmetics,
personal care products and cleaners
(especially the fragrances products),
contain complex mixtures of chemicals
that have endocrine disruption
properties.”
You can visit their website for more
information:
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/
chemicals/endocrine.html
In the meantime, in keeping your family
and household healthy and thriving,
some of the most obvious natural turnto
cleaners are borax and vinegar. Along
with lemon juice, vegetable or mineral oil
and baking soda, these are a few of the
staples to keep in stock in your kitchen
pantry or cleaning supply closet.
Vinegar and the oils mixed in equal
parts make great wood floor cleaners,
as does vinegar, or lemon juice and
olive oil, or borax in a bucket of hot
water to mop wood floors. They are all
effective and safe ingredients to keep
wood floors both clean and polished.
Good old-fashioned ingredients and
recipes still seem to be the best and
safest alternatives to the complex
array of chemicals that still deck
supermarket aisles. As consumers,
the more educated we become, the
more we opt for natural products,
with the hope that cleaning products
laced with chemical pollutants will no
longer grace supermarket shelves and
become a thing of the past.
If you have a look at your kitchen
pantry, odds are you can make your
own home and wood floor cleaners
that are cheaper, healthier and give
you peace of mind that you are
not exposing your family to toxic
compounds that will compromise their
health.
REAL HOME ADVICE

SALES ASSOCIATES
FOR THE
FOLLOWING AREAS
|Central & southern Alberta
|Saskatchewan
|British Columbia
TO SUCCEED IN THIS POSITION WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
• Have a hunter/prospector mentality and are not easily discouraged by hard work
• Your ability to talk to people, assess their needs and build a strong relationship where they
are comfortable doing business with you
• Have experience in a commission-based sales environment
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Solid established computer and organizational skills
• A high degree of motivation and discipline
• Ability to create and execute outbound calling campaigns
• If you have what it takes to succeed and would like to apply ... why wait! Submit your cover
letter and resume to us today adcopy@realhomeadvice.ca

Shrugs, Rugs
There can never be a more timely welcome to the soft
colourful patterns of a rug underfoot on a bare floor, or
a shrug to wrap yourself in and curl up against multiple
cushions, read a good book and drink a steaming cup of
tea. Late Fall and Winter will do that for you.
The choice of decorative, accent and throw pillows is
endless. And especially around this time of the year – red,
gold or coloured, patterned pillows that match with your
decor and scattered across your sofa make an attractive
picture both for colour, texture and interest. Experiment
and have fun choosing solids together with a variety of
printed zigzags, geometrics, stripes, patterned, textured
and embellished, beaded or embroidered, or how about the
ever-popular Moroccan crewel. Pillows are so versatile with
their mix-and-match combinations, whether elegant, gilded
or boho chic – they exude luxury and comfort.
Throws add a textured dimension to your sofas and
loungers. From luxurious cashmere merino wool to fleece,
cotton, chunky knits, multi weaves, chenille, artic faux fur,
satin tasseled, highland checks, and your festive quilted
The
Fireplace
Guy
(780) 999 5065
sharpbuildingsolutions.ca
info@sharpbuildingsolutions.ca
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL RENOVATIONS
OUR SERVICES:
Gas Fireplaces
Wood Fireplaces
Fireplace Mantels
Fireplace Surroundings
Wood Stoves
Competitive prices
780.974.7689
Edmonton, AB
• Residential & Commercial Renovations
• Basement, bathroom & Kitchen Renovations
• Custom Cabinets & Home Additions
• Deck & Patio Repair Services
18
REAL HOME ADVICE

and Cushions
jacquards, printed or reversible all-over embossed patterns
– they soften the shoulders of couches, and create a sense
of inviting warmth.
One benefit of wooden or concrete floors is that you can
change up the look and feel depending upon the season.
Rugs are the most versatile to do just that. Again, the
construction and images, patterns and designs leave a
great deal of choice and play at combining linen looks,
pastel watermark patterns or stripes, abstract harlequins,
multi-dimensional kaleidoscope patterns and designs, pop
art and zig zags. And colours may range from the exotic to
muted colours like duck egg and olive for example, stone
or tobasco.
However you choose to make a favourable impression on
your guests, or if you are looking just to enjoy comfort and
warmth with your family, there is no end to design, texture
and colour in choosing either a new rug, a few cushions
and throws to enhance and change up your living or family
rooms. Bring new energy and feel-good furnishings that
will make your home look new and refreshed.
REAL HOME ADVICE
19

NAIT:
Building Alberta one
apprentice at a time.
in technical programs continues to grow. “There has been an
evolution in technical schools over the past 10 years. With older
trades workers retiring, coupled with constant advancement in
technology, there’s definitely a void to be filled,” says Haines.
“Trades were often seen as the only option for individuals
struggling with core school subjects such as Math and Science
but it has evolved and a higher level of skill is required.”
It’s no surprise that technical schools are evolving and trades
workers continue to be vital to our communities and our cities.“You
would find it very difficult to identify an area of our daily lives
that has not been touched by a tradesperson,” says NAIT Dean,
Malcom Haines. “They are responsible for physical structures
like residential housing, to office towers. Trades keep the world
of transportation on the move. And they even cook our food!”
The Northern Alberta Institute for Technology (NAIT), located
in Edmonton, is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering
education in science, technology, business, health, and trades.
NAIT’s programs see thousands of students annually with Alberta
representing 32% of the total apprentice population in the country.
This year at the 2020 Edmonton Renovation Show, apprentices
from NAIT are showing-off their talent in a live skills competition
to earn a spot at Skills Canada National Competition. Nailed It! will
have two student demonstrations: one showcasing apprentices in
Cabinetmaking and the second in Carpentry. NAIT instructors will
also be on hand to provide rationale and answer any questions
from show-goers. “It will be a great experience for both students
and attendees,” says Haines. The skills from students are not to
be taken lightly either: “The Skills Canada National Competition
is essentially the Olympics of trades,” says Haines. “We have
individuals competing at the provincial level who progress to the
national level and even international thereafter at WorldSkills. The
competition is intense, the caliber of skill is remarkable and the
students deserve all the recognition.”
NAIT is proud to provide programs such as Carpentry and
Cabinetmaking that provide tactile training and great rewards.
“This line of work can now be considered as a rewarding
career path for individuals who excel in core subjects, want to
build tangible products and solve problems but don’t want to
be bound by an office environment. They can stand back and
say “I built that with my own two hands” and enjoy a financially
rewarding career at the same time.” Haines also knows that after
graduating, many of the trades graduates become self employed
and employ other trades people-- contributing to the economy
in many ways. “Graduates are creating businesses of their own
and becoming entrepreneurs. Our programs provides them with
the fundamental skills to practice their trade which enables them
to explore business ventures,” says Haines. “We are happy to
support them in any way we can.”
Get in on the action! You can cheer on some of Edmonton’s best
apprentices at the Edmonton Expo Centre, January 24-26. The
Edmonton Renovation Show continues to be chock-full of the best
inspiration and tips home-owners need to nail any renovation
project. Meet with industry experts as well as over 225 exhibitors
ready to lend a hand for the projects you’ve been itching to finish!
For tickets visit www.edmontonrenovationshow.com.
In the past few years, there has no doubt been shift and growth
in the trades area. Due to technological advancements and an
aging workforce in the trades industry, the need for new students

Jan 24-26
Edmonton
Expo Centre
Proud partner Bryan Baeumler endorses this show but will not be appearing this year.
Your Project. Our Experts.
Bring your ideas to life with trusted experts at the Edmonton
Renovation Show, January 24-26, 2020 at the Edmonton Expo
Centre. Discover the latest home renovation trends and get
practical advice from hundreds of experts. From kitchens and
baths to flooring and more, find great deals, new ideas and
inspiration for all your home projects.
SAVE $3
Buy tickets online
Promo Code: ADVICE
*On Regular Adult Admission Only
Sponsors:
.com
Home and Garden Events
@YEGHomeShows #ERS20
edmontonrenovationshow.com
Produced by

Trending Furnishings
2019/2020
Trends for 2019 and certainly into
2020 are finding more homeowners
looking to defrag from technology
and seeking solitude in smaller, cozier
rooms devoid of the buzzing and
distraction of technology. And with
the onset of the cooler weather and
winter around the corner, the fireplace
once again becomes the focal point
of attention - though without the
crowning wall-mounted television
creating distraction.
Stone Coated Steel Roofing Inc.
780.439.5522
9440 60 Ave. Edmonton, AB
The Last ROOF Your Home
Will Ever Need!
• Uses 100% recyclable steel • High energy effi cient
• 17 Energy Effi cient colors to choose from • Lifetime Roofi ng with 2.5”
Hail-stone warranty and 200 KPH wind warranty.
To learn more visit www.scsrs.ca
Fireplaces fronted by embellished
wrought iron or aged metal screens
have made a comeback. Wicker
baskets for your kindling and pinecones
make a warming and hearty hearth,
reminiscent of the country and natural
living. Place a rattan rocker by the
fireside. Ye Old World maps, lanterns,
and paraphernalia combine to create
interesting relics and accessories
reminiscent of yesteryear; and wooden
woodland creature ornaments evoke
that wonderful country and farmhouse
ambience.
Available in stores are faux fur throws
and rugs, floor pillows and blankets
in plush, velvety fabrics, chunky knit
angora cushions, Icelandic sheepskins,
large ribbed poufs for your feet to
rest on – anything and everything that
exudes raw earthy textures, natural
comfort and homeliness. Tartan checks
create interesting visual textures.
22
REAL HOME ADVICE

Speaking of textures - a selection
of fabrics, prints, woven East Indian
carpets and rugs, handcrafted and
glazed ceramics blend to bring artist
and craftsman together in a more
personalized connection into your
living room, family room or kitchen.
Terracotta floors and walls are muted
and matte, creating warmth and texture
to perfectly balance and compliment
any room.
By the way – the kitchen stainless
steel look is out and replaced by matte
metals in antique greys. Grey is also
looking good as the choice of colour
for your hardwood floors. Grey can
be found in a wintery day’s palette of
shades and evocative ash, smoky,
woodsy hues. From wall colours to
bed linen and towels, grey is the new
pastel neutral for tranquility. Midnight
blue, indigo and other vivid blues are
in for the colder months of winter and
will flow into forest greens and other
jewel tones touted by designer and
home decorating aficionados for the
New Year. Upholstery prints feature
granny prints with large lush florals
and vivid colours. Bedrooms too have
been toned down and “naturalized” in
the neutrals of Scandinavian chic and
simplicity. Harmonize the warm wood
finishes with chunky cable bedcovers
and cushions, and soft natural light.
Create a backdrop on your wall behind
your headboard with reclaimed wood
paneling to give that cabin treatment
or create chevron patterns for more
interest. In your children’s bedroom
you can create a backdrop of lightly
washed pallet wood.
You can create a zen-like retreat out of
your bedroom, or you can go the more
opulent, elegant route and emboss
your headboard with a luxurious
quilted fabric. There are numerous
shapes and sizes of padded,
upholstered designs to create a
lush and plush effect. Highlight and
accent the décor of your bedroom
through colour or design and shape
of your headboard. Wallpapers have
also made a big comeback in clean
geometric, woodsy, or complex
embossed designs, prints and
colours. Have fun with your creativity.
Scandinavian furniture and that Nordic
influence bring a clean, uncluttered,
sleek and functional look on the one
hand and on the other - the oversized
sofas, and natural linen slipcovers, tan
leather and all things relaxed and more
natural.
Evocative of those far-away places that
you can escape to for peace and quiet,
you can create that atmosphere in
your home. Have fun visiting your local
furniture store, consignment or antique
store, and feed your imagination to
create a dreamscape that will give you
and your family a wonderfully warm,
cozy and comfortable escape through
the colder months.
REAL HOME ADVICE
23

Enhancing the
Life of Your
Poinsettia Plants
24
REAL HOME ADVICE

Christmas has come and gone, and
your poinsettia plants and flowers have
reached their zenith and flowering
glory decorating your tables and living
room spaces. And now a few weeks
into and past their prime, you might
be wondering what to do with your
poinsettia plants. Most of them get the
boot and end up in the waste patch or
out on the street. You can however, with
a little care, keep your plant and prepare
it for the next winter holiday season.
How you ask? Gardener Michael
McGroarty has some great tips as
to how to extend the life of your
poinsettias.
• Keep your plant in a non-drafty area
of your home, and water only when
the soil is dry. They do not like to be
waterlogged.
• After your plant has completed
flowering, you may fertilize it twice a
month until the spring.
• Cut your plant back to about four
inches in April; new growth typically
appears in May.
• When it is warmer outside, you
can keep your poinsettia outdoors.
Transplant into a slightly bigger
pot with well-draining potting
soil, and place in bright indirect
light. Continue to fertilize twice a
month through the summer until
mid-December. Prune back new
stems so three to four leaves
remain on each stem in late June,
early July and mid August.
• Through October, November and
December keep the plant in a dark
place for 14 hours each night, and 6
to 8 hours of bright sunlight everyday.
It is recommended to keep this up for
8 to 10 weeks until the plant flowers in
mid-December.
Here’s to trusting your hard work and
tender loving patience and care will
draw flowers on your poinsettias once
again for winter festivities next year.
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REAL HOME ADVICE
25

Growing Your Own
Veggies -All-Year Long
• Residential
• Commercial
780.328.0014
GET UP TO $20,000.00 FOR DEVELOPING YOUR BASEMENT
INTO A LEGAL SUIT*
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12512 128 St Edmonton
*conditions apply
26
Sam Ammar Ad.indd 2
REAL 2018-02-08 HOME 12:48:37 ADVICE PM

It’s no secret! The price of fresh
fruits and vegetables seems to be
on the rise. And what does that
mean for your family?
If you are not the soil-tilling type,
perhaps a local greenhouse in your
garden never looked so good! Right?
Given the increasing talk about the
impact hauling product over great
distances has on the environment,
the trend towards purchasing local
becomes more appealing. How much
more local can you get when you can
reap veggies from out of your own
greenhouse? Sounds good doesn’t
it? You might be asking right at this
moment though whether a greenhouse
would look like an aberration in your
yard; how would you get a structure
erected in the space you have; or what
would you do with it in the winter?
Over the years, the development of
greenhouses has evolved. One such
unique system has been created out
of Quebec through the inspiration of
sustainability students searching for
creative solutions. The structure is one
that can grow organic produce in any
climate, and is built using recycled
materials.
Christened the “Greenhouse of the
Future,” this structure has a microclimate
which can produce an
abundance of food with “minimal
energy usage and low construction
cost.” One other attractive feature is
that it becomes an oasis to escape to
even in the cold of winter months.
The greenhouse has a passive
rainwater collection system; an
insulated roof for warmth during
winter, reflecting light towards
the plants; and in the summer
protecting plants from the extremes
of heat.
Given that the meaning of fresh is
just a couple of yards away, you
might be enticed to research this
exciting new concept. Not only will
your children benefit from getting
over that disconnect that food is
grown in supermarkets; being closer
to observing nature in its growing
stages teaches us a lot, and is
healing. As one of the designers
so aptly states, “Transforming the
garbage of the past in the beauty
and abundance of the future is
not easy, but what else is more
important and better to do?”
REAL HOME ADVICE
27

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Fans
A lberta
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28
REAL HOME ADVICE

Looking for alternatives to skyrocketing energy bills and air
conditioning? The ceiling fan can reduce your energy bill by
up to 40% if used correctly in your home.
Nowadays there are fans to suit all sorts of room sizes,
ceiling slopes and décor. Hugger fans come with or without
lights, and are flush mounted against the ceiling. They are
ideally suited for small rooms with low ceilings. Trends bring
the elegance of a chandelier and fan to give form to the
fandelier – combination of any variety of light fixture with
the fan incorporated into the design. Outdoor fans are also
popular in a variety of styles and blades running from a span
of 44” up to 72”. Others are wall mountable, and of course
you have the traditional oscillating stand fans and personal
metal fans.
Before purchasing your ceiling fan however, there are a few
considerations to think about: where will the fan be installed;
what is the right blade span for your room; what is the slope
of the ceiling? Do you want a fan with light or without light?
Your local lighting and fan specialist can guide you on what
will work best for your room/s.
Look for remote controls for your fan and also ensure the
fan is energy efficient and has high airflow. Fans have
both a forward and reverse option. The direction in the
summer is forward or counterclockwise. The downward flow
produces a wind chill effect. In the winter, the fan direction
is reverse or clockwise – to warm up a room in cooler
weather. In reverse mode, a slow fan can circulate the
warm air trapped from the ceiling down to the floor. High
ceiling rooms require medium or high speeds to be more
effective.
The chart gathered from ceiling fan experts below
designates the approximate fan size and suggested CFM -
cubic feet per minute, of airflow on the ceiling fan.
Room size Blade span CFM
6 x 6 24” – 36” 3,000 - 4,500 CFM
8 x 10 37” – 48” 4,000 – 5,500 CFM
10 x 15 49’ – 56” 6,200 – 7,500 CFM
15 x 15 56” – 80” 7,000 - 9,000 CFM
The higher the airflow the more you feel the cooling
breeze. Most typical fans available for bedrooms or small
living spaces are sufficient at 4,000 and 5,500 CFM.
The larger the motor, the more pitch and airflow will be
produced. For higher ceilings you need more CFM and
larger size fan. For lower ceilings and smaller rooms, you
can use a smaller size fan.
Now that you have a little more information regarding the
approximate size and type of fan for your room/s, the hunt
for fans can now be focused on the style for your décor as
well as functionality.
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匀 爀 ⸀ 䴀 漀 爀 琀 最 愀 最 攀 䈀 爀 漀 欀 攀 爀
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REAL HOME ADVICE
29

REAL HOME ADVICE 25