Spring 2011: Trends That Left the Fashion Schools Buzzing (the rest of us too…)

The new year is proving to be a very interesting and eclectic year in fashion. Watching the trends that came down the runways for Spring 2011, left everyone with a sparkle in their eyes and a skip in their step (it wasn’t just the champagne!) Looking at the bright, bold and fresh spring trends reminiscent of a fashion school graduate’s first show (meant in the most flattering way possible) reminds us that fashion is not dead, drab or boring anymore. There has been new life brethed into the clothing world and it is going to be an exciting spring.

Top 5 Spring 2011 Trends:
1. Bold Colours: While nude is still nice, bold is fashion’s secret weapon this spring. Dazzling hues of orange, green and blue make everything new and clean again (not neon!). Designers have taken inspiration from fresh fruits, Dr. Seuss, and the freshness of the season. For those who like to rock – wear it head to toe. For those who like to stand out a little less, buy some fabulously bright accessories and wow the crowd. Staples: oranges, greens and blues.

2. Feminine and Flirty: Nothing says feminine like the sultry 60s housewife-inspired look for the spring. Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks reall knows how to fill out a sheath, and designers took notice. The hourglass figure is back, ladies and gents. Don’t have a curvy bod? Pick up a full skirt and tiny belt and cinch that waist up. The full skirt is the perfect paradox for day and a perfect option for those who don’t like flaunt what they’ve got. Staples: full skirt, fitted sweater, sheath dress and kitten heels.

3. Biker Chic: Replacing the uber-popular military trend that has plagued designers for more than a decade, biker jackets and quilted leather pants are suddenly all the rage. But don’t go for basic black and matted leather; think metallic and futuristic. Then pair it with a funky pair of biker boots and you’re good to go. Staples: bikeresque jacket, biker boots.

4. Punk-ish: While punk has been an underground favourite for years now, the newness has faded away, much like the washed out founders of the style. But the anguished and independent message remains, as do certain elements of the style. Studs, leather and holey shirts are pieces you can pair with other solid pieces of clothing. Don’t over do it, and you won’t drown. Staples: ripped or worn tees, Doc Martens and something studded.

5. Disco Dream: The 70s are back, and that’s the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, the designers like it. This time around, though, the feathered do’s and flared pants are elegant inspired. Statement belts and billowing sleeves finish off the look for day; while sophisticated bohemian dresses and a few well-placed chunky rings will blow people’s minds in the evening. Farrah would be proud. Staples: Flared pants, blouses and a fantastically long dress.

There you have it: the styles and inspiration behind 2011 fashion trends. Fashion careers have been built on less and lesser trends have been appearing for years. Have fun and be fashionable!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She enjoys writing on a variety of topics and is currently researching fashion design schools in Canada.

Top 5 Christmas Gift Ideas on a Budget

The holiday season can be one of the most magical times of the year. But every year as I watch another penny, nickel, dollar, or twenty go through my fingers, it gets less and less magical. Christmas gifts for your loved ones are sometimes hard to come by when you’re on a strict budget. And just because you have a budget doesn’t mean you have to feel like Scrooge, or like you’re giving less than desirable gifts. (Massages at esthetic schools aren't any less relaxing!)

Here is a great list of some inexpensive Christmas gift ideas for those of us who have to be a little more frugal this year:

Christmas Ornaments: Personalized Christmas ornaments are a great idea. They are sentimental, thoughtful and … cheap! (The first two attributes cancel out the last.) Don’t count these out as a gift idea.

Day Spa Package: That’s right, you read correctly… get that special person in your life a gift certificate to a local beauty salon or day spa – located in the nearest cosmetology school. Nearby esthetic schools are the perfect place for a day of relaxation, at a fraction of the cost. They have all of the same services, priced much lower than other salons or day spas: manicures, full body massages, you name it. Why spend more when you can get the same luxuries for less.

Music: Nothing says “I care” like a mixed CD… Luckily there are even better ways to express that sentiment these days. If the lucky person you’re buying for has an MP3 player of any kind, why not let them choose their own tunes? Give them an iTunes gift card (available in $5 denominations) and let them make their very own mixed CD.

Picture Collage: For less than $20, you can pick up a picture frame, print off 6-8 pictures of good times in the past (black and white look just as snazzy) and make a lasting impression on a friend or relative. For an extra special touch, buy a metallic pen and write some special captions by the photos. And, voila! A truly thoughtful, wonderful gift.

Baking: Homemade baking is one of the single yummiest gifts ever! Baking tins are usually available at dollar stores or big lot stores. Just make some delectable, digestible goodies; pack ‘em up and you’re ready for Christmas!

There you have it: five perfectly thoughtful, wonderful, joyful and, ahem, inexpensive, Christmas gift ideas. Remember: Christmas doesn’t have to break the bank!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and publisher. She enjoys writing on a variety of topics, and is currently researching esthetic schools and beauty salons in Canada.

Is Business Coaching the Right Career for You?

In North America’s ever-changing economy, we are seeing an alarming trend that hasn’t happened for decades: Mid and Senior-level professionals wondering “What now?” So many have been left out in the cold due to restructuring, downsizing and bankruptcy; and in this fast paced life, so many are ready for a change. A stellar option for those considering a career change is business coaching.

Business Coaching is a career that has really taken off in the past two years. Why? Because there are so many people starting again. Starting their own businesses and trying to do for themselves what their employers couldn’t do for them: balance and success.

What is Business Coaching?
Business Coaching is known by many names: business consulting, executive coaching, mentor, etc. These are fancy terms for a strategist. This is a position for people that have 10-15 years of experience in Mid or Senior-level management; experienced professionals who want to share their knowledge with others that would like to succeed in the same areas.

To become a successful mentor, consider that you should have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Marketing /Communications
• Sales
• Operations
• Entrepreneurship
• Law
• Management
• Human Relations or Internal Communications
• Consulting

Business Consultants should be very experienced professionals and should be certified by a reputable business coach training program.

Who Needs a Business Coach?
All business owners, operators and managers should consider a business consultant, especially if they are researching how to start a small business, or trying to get their company off the ground.

Mentors or business coaches can offer many services to these companies and can answer tough questions and help find the right strategies and tools to navigate the tough corporate road ahead.

As a business coach you can help organizations:

• Find competent, fresh employees
• Gain time management skills (at home or in the office)
• Construct new business models
• Stay ahead of their increased competition
• Calculate exit strategies and train new managers
• Become more successful financially

Why Business Coaching?
The trend in business : life balance is on an upswing as professionals realize that life doesn’t stop for work. Professions like mentoring offer many perks. When you become a business coach, you are a freelance professional so to speak, able to make your own hours and schedule and create the life you desire. This career is perfect for those who love to create and expand people’s business opportunities, including their own. The ability to collaborate and strategize with those business owners or managers that are in need of some sound planning and advice will make you a valuable asset to any organization looking for the keys to success.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and publisher. She writes on a variety of topics including business opportunities, the economy, and business consulting.

The Smile Makeover: Edmonton Dentists Work Their Magic!

Ask people what the first thing they notice about someone’s face is, and their number one answer is: their smile. People’s smiles say so much about their personalities and often set the tone for a first impression. Unfortunately, sometimes our teeth get stained, chipped, knocked out or we are simply blessed with that charmingly crooked smile. If you’re not happy with your smile, Edmonton dentists have come up with a solution: the Smile Makeover.

WHAT IS A SMILE MAKEOVER?
We love makeovers for our bodies, hair and clothing… why not perfect your grin? A smile makeover can change not only the appearance of your teeth, gums and face, but also the way you feel about yourself. People who are self-conscious about minor or major oral imperfections can pay to have the flawless smile they’ve always dreamed of. Everyone’s experience will be different as everyone has different issues with their teeth. While one person may need only minor cosmetic dentistry performed, another may need more extensive procedures.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Almost any procedure can be done by a competent cosmetic or Edmonton family dentist, cosmetic dentist, orthodontist or periodontist to correct flaws in your smile.

The first step is to locate a competent Edmonton dentist who in fact offers the services you require. You will then visit the dentist for a consultation. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible regarding your procedures and be sure to discuss cost as these are generally considered to be categorized under cosmetic dentistry and are usually not covered by dental insurance. The cost will vary depending on your chosen dental office and how many procedures are recommended.

Your dentist will take note of the state of your mouth and facial features to recommend the correct course of action for you. Some of the things that will affect the makeover are: the colour, size and shape of your teeth; any gaps or alignment issues; your skin tone; the state of your gums; and the overall balance of your mouth and face together.

PROCEDURES
During your consultation, your dentist will examine your smile imperfections and also take into account your issues as well. Here is a list of procedures that can be included in a smile makeover:

• Tooth Bonding: used for chipped and broken tooth repair
• Crowns: used for chipped and broken tooth repair
• Porcelain Veneers, Lumineers: used for chipped, broken and crooked teeth
• Modern Streamlined braces (Invisalign, TipEdge, etc.): used to change your tooth and jaw alignment in fewer visits than traditional braces
• Dental implants: for large gaps due to missing teeth
• Bridges: for large gaps and missing teeth
• Dentures: for missing teeth
• Surgical or Laser Gum contouring: used to correct the appearance of gums and correct gum-to-tooth-ratio
• Tooth Whitening: for the whitest, cleanest smile

There is no end to the amount of safe procedures that your dentist may be able to perform on you in order to give you a beautiful, bright, perfect smile!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web publisher and writer. She researches and writes on a variety of topics, including cosmetic dentistry in Edmonton, where she currently resides.

New Year, New Career! Esthetic Schools: Become a Beauty Expert

The Esthetics industry is booming and it is all due to people’s love of being pampered. Hitting their stride in the mid-90s, day spas and spa treatments became a necessity for those who like to be coiffed, groomed and buffed. Esthetic schools are in abundance; now offering diplomas and training in all subjects and treatments essential for anyone looking for a day spa career.

REQUIREMENTS
Most Hair Design Colleges or Cosmetology Schools require their applicants to be 17 years of age, have a high school diploma have not only reference letters (character and job training) but also the passion to research the industry and the ability to compose a career essay.

TRAINING, COURSES AND JOBS
Cosmetology and beauty schools are not hard to find these days and all of them offer a myriad of courses in order to make you into the best esthetician you can be. The key to finding the best training is to research the programs and be certain that there is training in theory and practical applications, as well as separate programs for each career path. (Getting lumped into a cosmetology program when you are striving to be a hairstylist will not result in a diploma that you can use.) The beauty schools you research should also have a salon either in the school or a sister beauty salon in which you can practice what they have preached.

Hairstylist Training
If you are thinking about a hair stylist career, it is wise to choose a school with a good reputation in not only the basics, but in the practice of hair design as well. Hair design has been elevated to a new level with the variety of options available to both the customer and the stylist. Not only should the student learn about the technical side of how to style hair, they should also be taught how to assess clients’ needs and how to retain their clientele.
Here is a basic list of what you should be learning at your school of choice:

• Hair Cutting and Styling – Men’s and Women’s
• Colour
• Perms and Straightening
• Advanced Options for Cutting and Styling

Career options for completion of these programs are limited to salons and day spas that offer hair stylist services; however there are more lucrative and flexible options such as a home-based salon, chair rentals within select salons and more luxurious hair design clientele.

Esthetics
Day spa careers have skyrocketed in the past 20 years and with the number of new options popping up every day, the career choices are endless. Choose from full service day spas and salons, cruise ship spas, destination resort spas, open a home spa or become a makeup artist – the choices are endless.
Here is a basic list of what you should be learning at your school of choice:

• Spa therapies (basic massage, hot stone therapy, body wraps)
• Manicures / Pedicures ( with basic reflexology)
• Make Up Artist Training
• Nails (artificial and real)
• Hair removal
• Eyelash and brow tinting
• Skin Care and facials

Some esthetic schools also have a fashion college option as well and can offer expertise in more areas of beauty, relaxation and professional esthetics than others.

If you’re looking for a new career that is exciting and focuses on peoples’ love and need for relaxation, beauty and body maintenance, these careers are the perfect choice.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching salons and day spas in Edmonton, cosmetology schools and new career choices.

Fun and Easy Holiday Wedding Ideas

Christmas is the most magical time of the year for most of us; sparkling lights, Christmas spirit and effortless décor are everywhere. This is actually the ultimate season for effortless planning and fairytale wedding ideas; wedding flowers, wedding decorations and your menu will be a snap if you simply take your cues from the “most wonderful time of the year…”
Wedding Dresses
Choosing a wedding dress for your Yuletide nuptials should be the same process as any other time of the year. You should choose a dress that complements your shape, your skin tone, the tone of the wedding and the season. Christmas is the perfect time of the year for a little extra sparkle on your dress, or with a gem-studded head-piece. Cream, and ivory dresses are wonderful choices as are gowns with metallic accents and fur trims for bolder brides. Holiday weddings are also the ideal time to break out those fairy-tale accessories that may seem a bit much under the hot summer sun.
Try these wintry additions to your perfect dress:

• Elbow length gloves
• Fur shrugs
• Fur muffs for cold hands
• Colourful sashes for your waist

Wedding Colours
Holiday and winter weddings call for deep, rich holiday colours. Burgundy, forest green and deep jewel tones are beautiful choices when accented with other lighter colours and vice versa. Some popular colour combinations include: Cream with gold, silver accents; reds and burgundy with cream, gold or silver accents; deep jewel tones (plum, royal blue) with silver and gold accents. If you are thinking of using more traditional Christmas time colours - red and green – they are best used in your décor with flower arrangements and other decorations, not as your main theme.
Wedding Décor
Flower arrangements, bridal bouquets and decorations that are tres chic are tres simple in December. For your Christmas floral arrangements and winter wedding bouquets, florists recommend: red roses, white chrysanthemums, baby’s breath, stargazer lilies, holly, pine boughs, amaryllis, paper whites, carnations, calla lilies. Potted poinsettias are a great choice added flare, and mistletoe placed strategically around your room will add romance as well.
And to top it all off, add some holly sprigs or a few beautiful Christmas ornaments to the top of your wedding cake for a jolly, cheerful look.
A warm Christmas glow is another obvious but necessary choice for easy ambience on your special day: twinkly white lights and candles will keep your event festive and Merry.
Other ideas include:

• Popular Christmas tunes playing every fourth or fifth song
• Arriving in a sleigh or horse drawn carriage
• Serving hot cocoa as a beverage choice
• Strategically placed candy canes in your centerpieces
• Small decorated and lit christmas trees placed around the venue (or just place some lights on existing bushes!)

Wedding Menu
With the temperatures cooling down outside and snow on the ground (or brown grass at the very least) comfort foods are a perfect choice for your wedding menu. Roast beef or chicken with rich gravy, pared with root vegetables and mashed potatoes are an easy and cheap choice for your day – and a guaranteed hit with the kids.
Wedding Favours
Charming Christmas ornaments with the date of your special day will be a wonderful thank-you to your guests. Unique holiday gifts are always preferred and easy to incorporate into their own décor at home. Special cookie and holiday drink recipes written on keepsake cards are also a unique favour. Copper or silver Christmas cookie cutters bundled together for each family is a clever idea – just attach a cute little marriage announcement along with a candy cane and you’re set!

Holiday weddings don’t have to be a source of added stress at one of the busiest times of the year; on the contrary. With the natural merriment, festive Christmas background and these holiday wedding tips, your winter ceremony will be a delight and a joy for everyone involved.
Lilly Gordon is a freelance web writer and publisher. She is an avid gardener and is fascinated with wedding trends, and Calgary Flowers.

Things Men Really Need to Call a Professional For (Really.)

We all know the scenario: something breaks down, Dad’s in the basement swearing and pounding on something metal with a wrench; Mom’s on the phone with the plumber / electrician / furnace guy. It’s a classic story. Fixing things with tools seems to be a statement of manliness and to tell the truth, that’s how we like it to. Women don’t want to take the power away – we just want to direct your energies to more important tasks. Tasks that we really hate doing: mowing the lawn, taking out the garbage, shoveling snow. These are tasks that you are an expert at, and we get a certain sense of satisfaction seeing you do them. It makes us appreciate you even more.

But when we see you head into the bathroom with your “plumber’s pants” on because the toilet is making a god-awful noise, it strikes fear in our hearts. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule: some hubbies know what they’re doing. And most are handy enough to handle replacing light fixtures, unclogging the central vac and replacing the trim that came off the floor. But when it comes to certain fixes, we want, nay – we need you to call in the professionals.

PLUMBING
I fully trust my husband to unclog the toilet, fix the leaky faucet (a maximum of three times before I get on the horn to the plumber) and put the chain back on the toilet plunger. Heck, I can do these things as well, but I know that these are things I can count on my man to take care of – things my kids can help with too. But leaking toilets, hopelessly clogged pipes and strange noises warrant a trip from the plumber. For instance (honey I love you but I have to break the silence…) this writer’s toilet has been, for lack of a better word, screaming when we flush it for a few months. Every few days my husband scratches his chin, makes a small adjustment, and the noise stops… for a day. And then we all have to sit through the melodic strains of Ode to Toilette once more; time to call a professional. The general rule of thumb for plumbing is: anything that can’t be fixed within 30 minutes warrants a plumber. Unless you ARE a plumber, 30 minutes plus worth of work is out of your league!

FIXING THE CAR
When it comes to the family vehicle, only extremely minor repairs are allowable. Changing the battery or the tires is something we can stomach you doing. Bumper repair, dent removal and pretty much anything under the hood lies in the realm of the mechanic’s job. We really don’t feel better when we notice you’re under the hood trying to replace brake cables or spark plugs – it makes us fear for our lives. And just for the record, black Sharpies do NOT hide scratches. (Sure, it may have been me who scratched the car, used the Sharpie, then blamed it on the kids but that’s not the point.) Even small damage repair needs to be done by professional – it’s the rule.

ELECTRICITY
This category is the scariest for women. Perhaps because we are afraid of losing our husbands and the fathers of our children… Perhaps because we are afraid of our houses burning down due to an unforeseen inner-wall fire which we all know can happen because we watched it on that animal show where the lady’s cat acts weird all night and wakes her up by licking her face because there’s an unseen fire in the wall. Anyway, the point is, even if you are not super-paranoid, the dangers of messing around with electricity are real, especially for amateurs. Fellas, we know you can switch the light bulbs and change light-plates. Heck, I let me husband install our light fixtures. But when it comes to any major rewiring, it’s time to fork over the dough.

GAS
We know you think you’re experts in this subject (insert laugh-track here) but the rule when it comes to gas is this: Yes, I CAN smell gas and yes, I have called someone in the time it took you to argue with me that you can’t. It is not permitted for husbands to tackle anything in this category.

ROOFING
I have to admit, I don’t have much experience in this category as my uber-man is afraid of heights; I have never had any arguments happen due to loose shingles. There have, however, been enough stories floating around the school-yard and enough videos on Youtube of Dads falling off the roof or getting stuck in the chimney. We are of two minds on this subject. While we believe that repainting the window sills is most definitely a job you can do and save some money at, we want to make sure you’re steady up there. Small repairs are allowable, such as replacing ONE shingle, repainting or clearing out a vent. But anything that goes beyond that, especially anything to do with the chimney or major leakage on the roof, needs to be paid for. Sorry guys – you’re too valuable alive to us – you’ll have to make the call.

So, when it comes to these hopefully infrequent because they are bloody-expensive fixes, pick up the phone and call someone who’s trained to do it. We honestly think it’s sexier to see you call Dan the Plumber than it is to see you in the hospital or staring at your house while it’s burning down.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web publisher and writer. She is a Mom of two, stellar wife (most of the time) and enjoys writing and researching on a variety of topics including her wonderful husband, the joys of parent-hood and sincerely apologizes for thinking car painting can be done with a Sharpie.

Carpet vs. Hardwood: Which is Better in New Homes?

St. Albert, Edmonton, Calgary – you name the city, new home buyers everywhere across Canada are having the debate: Carpet or Hardwood? Both types of flooring can be beautiful and both can be somewhat cost-effective. The question is: which is right for you? New homes in St. Albert and across Alberta have followed the home decorating trends over the years. In the late 1960s, carpeting in homes became increasingly popular. Then in the 90s, hardwood flooring started making it’s comeback. The comfort and warmth of carpet seemed comparable to the ease of cleaning and clean lines of hardwood flooring. The popularity of hardwood overtook carpet easily (especially in bathrooms – yuck!) but now has evened out again, and the debate rages on.

Any experienced new home sales team will tell you that right now, hardwood flooring is easier to find in a house. The majority of carpeting in houses right now is going to be fairly old and in need of replacement. So, when you and your real estate agent are searching through the MLS listings in Alberta, take a minute to look at the home’s features and decide whether you want existing carpet or hardwood; or whether you’d rather spend the money replacing your flooring with a material of your own choosing. Any high quality flooring chosen and installed properly is going to add value to a home – new or old; both carpet and hardwood have advantages and disadvantages so weigh them carefully when making your decision.

CARPET
Carpets are considered to be more of a dated choice when choosing flooring for homes, but at one point so were hardwood floors. Trends come and go and if you are planning to stay in your home for any extended time frame, trends should not be the only factor when making your decision.

Advantages of Carpet:

• Price: Even high-end carpeting can be less expensive than hardwood.
• Noise: Carpet absorbs sounds and helps keep the noise level to a minimum.
• Foot Health: Carpet provides a necessary padding that your tootsies will appreciate.
• Health: With allergen and pollutant levels on the rise, carpet manufacturers have finally seen the light and started making hypo-allergenic carpets available.
• Installation: Carpets are usually easier to install than other types of flooring.

Disadvantages of Carpet:

• Price: If you are tearing up new carpet and find hardwood underneath, it is probably more cost effective to refinish your hardwood, rather than installing new carpet.
• Overall Health: Carpets are notorious for harbouring harmful bacteria and emitting toxic vapours. Even the carpets touted as hypo-allergenic can be more harmful than the new stains used on hardwood.
• Life Span: Carpets will probably need to be replaced every 10-15 years, whereas hardwood can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Endurance: Carpets are easily stained and patterned carpets can be easily damaged as they usually have loops that can pull.

To reap all of the benefits of carpet, be sure to plan a maintenance schedule for cleaning. Infrequent cleanings will leave dirt in your carpet which will eventually leave immovable stains. To avoid staining, blot up liquids immediately, and place mats on high-traffic areas (entranceways, exercise areas, etc.)

HARDWOOD
Hardwood, when stained correctly, can be a beautiful addition to any new home. Sales agents across Canada can attest that buyers’ ears seem to perk up when they see that the specs for a new home contain “hardwood flooring”. The popularity of hardwood has been steady over the past century with some noticeable peaks over the years. Hardwood flooring, however, is not necessarily better than our fuzzy friend, the carpet, just better in different ways.

Advantages of Hardwood Flooring:

• Price: With the invention of engineered and tongue in groove hardwood, the price for materials has come down significantly.
• Health: Hardwood floors are a much healthier option, as long as a water-based stain is used to avoid other, toxic fumes. They obviously cannot hide any bacteria or dirt as everything stays on the surface of the floor and can be easily vacuumed or swept up.
• Maintenance: Hardwood is extremely easy to maintain on a regular basis and should only be re-stained every 10-15 years.
• Lifespan: As stated earlier, hardwood flooring can last a lifetime with proper maintenance and stained in a variety of colours should you get bored with the appearance.

Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring:

• Price: High quality hardwood flooring is generally very expensive as are the installation and staining costs.
• Endurance: Hardwood floors may last a lifetime but they are quite easily damaged. Even a fine layer of dust and dirt can cause the finish to scratch. Little ones can be tough on this floor as well with trucks, strollers and frequent un-noticed spills. Hardwood can also warp, stain, splinter, dent and break with heavy use.
• Health: Some stains and sealants can emit toxic fumes when used in your home. Try to choose water-based products whenever possible (your choice may depend on the type of wood you choose.)

To keep your hardwood in fine form, clean up wet spills A.S.A.P.; liquids can warp and stain your floor. Use hardwood floor cleaner and place mats or area rugs in high-traffic areas.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. Lilly is a real estate enthusiast and loves to stay on top of decorating and real estate in Edmonton, where she currently resides.

Let’s face it: celebrities' kids are born into a different world. A world filled with lights, cameras and… well, you know the rest. But just because they’re born into privilege doesn’t mean they don’t have the normal urges that every kid has come pumpkin day every year. Whether they’re famous or not, kids’ Halloween costumes all over North America are bound to be similar. Here are some surprisingly normal costumes for some freakishly famous tots.

1. My spidey senses are tingling… I sense that Ruby Maguire, daughter of Spiderman’s leading man Toby Maguire and Jennifer Meyer had a lot of fun dressed as a big orange pumpkin on Halloween night.
2. Real-life princess Suri Cruise dressed as (drum roll) a princess last Halloween! A pretty standard costume for such a little lady. Oh, did I mention her costume cost over $6000…?
3. Max Bratman, son of Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman, was spooky dressed as a bony skeleton.
4. Alyson Hannigan went the cute route for her daughter, Satyana’s first Halloween with a kangaroo outfit.
5. James Wilkie was a bird – no – a plane… He flew threw NY in his Superman costume with mom Sarah Jessica Parker.
6. Gewn Stefani and Gavin Rossdale’s little boys, Kingston and Zuma sure looke ferocious in their dino costumes! (Ferociously Cute that is.)
7. Little Apple Martin (Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter) really embodied her Alice in Wonderland costume last Halloween.
8. I hope they cleaned up after themselves! Brooke Shields and hubby Chris Henchy’s girls sniffed and begged their way into doggie costumes. Rowan was a dalmation while Grier preferred a pink poodle costume.
9. Russell Crowe’s son, Tennyson put out fires and broke tiny hearts in his heroic Fireman costume on a past all hallow’s Eve.
10. Following in mom’s fashionable footsteps, Lola, daughter to talk-show queen Kelly Ripa, danced her way through the city as a wholesome Disco Queen.

So, this year skip the trashy, skimpy and bloody costumes for the little ones. Take a hint from these kids who have it all and stick with traditional, fun kids’ costumes. This year, fill the streets with little pigs, train conductors and superheros!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web publisher and writer. She is a Mom of two, and enjoys writing and researching on a variety of topics, especially shopping for children and Canadian baby boutiques.

Unique Flower Designs: September’s Aster

September’s birth flower, the Aster, is a delicate flower that enhances any bouquets or garden. Used as a frilly filler in florists’ unique flower designs, the Aster is known for its daisy-like petals and fringed texture.

MEANINGS & USES
The exact origin of the name Aster is debated. Some say the name for these beautiful flowers is direct from Greek mythology: Asters were said to have grown from the tears of the Goddess Asterea. Others say they were named for their abundant growing patterns (like the night sky) and their star-like shape.

Asters have long been given to symbolize love, daintiness and afterthought. Gentlemen and ladies in the past used to present them to people they hoped to draw affection from. Placed on the graves of French soldiers, Asters were used as a symbol of a better life to come. They can also be used to symbolize a 20th Wedding Anniversary and are a wonderful gift in a bouquet for any occasion.

The petals of the Aster used to be smoked to ward off evil serpents, but could also be used to help with headaches, colds, back pain and muscle spasms.

CULTIVATION
Asters are most often used now as filler in bouquets and as a delicate accents in gardens. They grow best in rich, wet soil in direct sun – partial shade, and should be thinned and replanted every two years. Because Asters grow in thick bunches, they can be separated and replanted in gardens in the spring. Asters bloom from mid summer – early fall and are a perfect choice for a fall wedding bouquet.

The Aster grows in over 600 species and can also be found in a variety of colors: white, pink, lavender, red, purple. They are a popular choice for gardens due to their ability to attract butterflies, bees and birds. They grow to be less than a foot tall and are a good choice for filler or accent flowers in gardens.

Perhaps the Greeks had it right, Asters may have grown from a goddess’ tears… or perhaps September's birth flower is just are simply a lovely, delicate choice for any unique flower design or a gardener’s delight.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web writer and publisher. She is an avid gardener and is fascinated with floriculture and Calgary Flowers.

How to Choose Your Wedding Day “Do”

Not sure how to style your hair on the big day? Choosing your wedding hairstyle shouldn’t get your veil in a bunch! You want to look your best, and we want to help, here are the top tips to turn your mane into a wedding-day do.

1. Don’t do anything outrageous! Sure you’ve always wanted to try a Mohawk – a  month before your wedding is not the time for a big change. Save the daring look for when the ring is on your finger.
2. Go with a natural colour. If your hair is brown, this is probably not the best time to go platinum. Highlights: good. Bleaching whole head: bad.
3. Do test runs! Make sure you book those hair appointments for test runs a minimum of 6 weeks before your wedding. Hearing “Surprise” from your hairdresser the day of won’t be pleasant.
4. Compliment your dress, don’t compete with it. Your hairstyle should be an extension of your dress, not a whole new showpiece. If you are sporting a ballgown, an updo is the way to go; if you are looking romantic in soft flowing layers, wearing your hair down in loose curls looks dreamy.
5. Come to terms with your hair’s personality. Everyone’s hair has a nasty side. Whether its flaw is frizziness, crazy curls or cowlicks, be sure to make peace with it and choose a hairdo that will finesse, not fight, with your hair’s worst enemies.
6. Choose a hairdo you can handle. A mile-high beehive may not be the answer if you plan to dance the night away… Choose something you are prepared to keep in check all night.
7. Respect the elements. If your hair tends to frizz at the slightest hint of moisture and you’re marching down the aisle outdoors, leaving it loose on a rainy day may not work in your favour. If you’re outdoors, consider Mother Nature as a consultant to your style.
8. Veil or no veil… Your veil, tiara or headdress is essential to your style. Make sure it accompanies you on your test runs and that is can be easily and naturally worked in to your hair. Also, be sure that your headdress’ fasteners will stay in place all night.
9. Go with the flow… Did you write “Black-tie” on the invite? Make sure your hair reflects your wedding theme.
   Formal = updo
   Semi-formal = casual up-do or hair half-up
   Casual = just make sure you take the rollers out of your hair!
10. This is the most important rule: do what you feel comfortable with! It’s your day girl so have fun! (Just remember your wedding pictures will be ion your wall forever…)

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web author and publisher who enjoys writing on a variety of topics. She currently resides in Edmonton and is researching budgets, brides and Edmonton spa services.

From Flowers to Diamonds: The Smart Man’s Guide to Apologizing

So… You screwed up again. It’s okay to admit it. In fact, if you actually admit it, you’re farther down the right track than most men. Kudos! Unfortunately, admitting you’re wrong is often-times not the “best you can do.” Chin up fella, she’ll forgive you, with some encouragement – which in this case means some form of bribery.

Here is your basic guide to apologizing for normal, everyday occurrences:

What You Did	Gift Required	Recommended Apology
Left your clothes on the ground	Flowers: a small arrangement with at least three red roses.	“I’m sorry babe – when will I learn!”
“Lost” your wallet, keys, watch, etc. somewhere in the house (in plain view but she had to find it.)	Flowers – small arrangement with lilies should do the trick.	“I’m sorry about that hon – I’d lose my head if it wasn’t screwed on tight!”
Left your expensive phone in the pocket of your pants. She washed it but it’s still your fault.	You pay for a new phone – and don’t ever mention it again.	“I’m sorry that you washed my phone - I will NEVER leave my phone in my pants again!”
Broke item that once belonged to a dead, obscure relative of hers.	Night out with the girls: tell her you’re staying at home with kids Friday night (DO NOT use the term “babysit”.)	“Dang that was stupid of me. I really miss your Great-Great-Aunt / Cousin / Grandma too…”
Broke item that once belonged to a dead, obscure relative of hers then lied about it, then told the truth after she found it in the garbage.	Jewelry: You can probably get away with some funky silver jewelry here.	“I don’t know hay I did that – I guess I just love you so much I couldn’t bear to see you in pain.”
Gave her your “honest opinion” about something she was wearing.	Romantic dinner made by you including fancy dessert.	“I’m sorry hon - I think you look better naked…”
Get caught not listening	Top to Bottom House cleaning while she’s out shopping at your encouragement, with your cash.	“I’m really sorry honey – I know what you were saying is really important to you and therefore it’s important to me.”
Went to strip club.	Hotel room, dinner and flowers. (Not to be booked for at least one week after offence.)	“I’m sorry honey – I just had to go with (insert name here) because he’s been having a rough time lately. You know I think those girls are nasty.”
Looked at another woman while with your wife.	The whole package: hotel room, babysitter, diamonds and bouquet of roses or her favourite flowers. (Not to be booked for at least two weeks after offence.)	“I’m sorry I just thought she looked a lot like my sister / mom / aunt. But I was wrong - my sister / Mom / Aunt is much prettier.”
Doing any of the above while she has PMS.	Massage and foot rub after she’s had a bath and you’ve cleaned the house and put the kids to bed.	Don’t say anything, just run. Take the kids. Don’t come back until you’ve had a lengthy visit with your Mom.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web publisher and writer. She is a Mom of two, stellar wife (most of the time) and enjoys writing and researching on a variety of topics, especially topics on marriage, weddings, Calgary flowers and the way to a woman's heart.

Flowers of August: The Dramatic Gladiolus

Flowers of August: The Dramatic Gladiolus
If you’re looking for a dramatic, meaningful flower to include in your garden this year, or to send to a loved one, the Gladiolus is an exotic choice. August’s birth flower was named for its sword-shaped leaves; the name Gladiolus, is Latin for “sword”. This beautifully simple flower was also called “xiphim” from the Ancient Greek word xiphos – meaning sword.

Meanings and Colors
Flowers come in all shapes and sizes and the Gladiolus is a fine example of this. It has large thick stems, usually with 6-8 tightly packed blossoms on one side. They come in a variety of colors – some that are native to the species and some that have been cultivated over the years – pink, yellow, red, purple, white and orange.

Representing strength of character and gracefulness, this blossom also represents the 40th Wedding Anniversary. Said to have had a secret meaning in the Victorian era, this flower was given to symbolize “love at first sight” and secret passion.

Parts of the Gladiolus are poisonous if ingested; nevertheless, this extremely fragrant member of the Iris family was still used for medicinal purposes once upon a time. The English used the corms to remove thorns and splinters, while some mixed powdered corms with goat’s milk to relieve colic.

Care and Cultivation
If you are a gardener looking cultivate flowers that evoke a gladiator-esque or old Victorian feel for your garden, the imposing Gladiolus is a wonderful choice. They are generally semi-hardy (there are some hardy varieties) and should be grown in temperate climates - full sun if possible.

In the fall, after the blooming season is over, lift the corms (bulbs) from the soil, store inside and replant in the spring. Some of the hardier varieties can be left in the soil. When you are ready to plant in the spring, plant the corms 4-6 inches apart in full sun – partial shade, in an area with good drainage.

The Gladiolus is a must for unique flower designs and looks beautiful as a cut flower. It should be tended to daily with fresh water and the removal of wilted blossoms.

Enjoy this unique flower in your garden or on your kitchen table; it is sure to evoke passion and strength with whoever comes across it.
Lilly Gordon is freelance web publisher and author. She writes on a variety of topics and is a fan of gardening and cultivating Calgary flowers, where she currently resides.

Roses: The history, care of, and meanings behind the most popular flower in the world

Excerpt from
A Little Budding Rose by Emily Bronte
It was a little budding rose,
Round like a fairy globe,
And shyly did its leaves unclose
Hid in their mossy robe,
But sweet was the slight and spicy smell
It breathed from its heart invisible….

History
The rose is one of the oldest plant species and has been a beloved and celebrated flower for thousands of years. Thought to be symbols of love and beauty, poets, artists, florists and gardeners alike delight in the beauty and delicate nature of its fragrant blooms. Acient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all celebrated the rose with awe and reverence. The rose plant was used as a decoration and for medicinal purposes, to cure gout and stomach upsets. The Catholic Rosary was originally made of 150 dried roses and England has adopted the rose as its national flower. During the 17th century, roses and rose water were deemed so valuable, they were used by royalty as legal tender. Roses, from the family Rosaceae, are over 35 million years old and there are 150 species in the northern hemisphere. Some people say that these flowers were cultivated in gardens as many as 5000 years ago. The hardiness of these flowers, combined with their diversity and appearance may account for their popularity. Roses bloom over a longer period of time than most other shrubs and plants in the garden and are therefore sought after as permanent fixtures in many a yard.

Meanings
Traditionally, roses are the most popular flower at the florists shop. A staple in wedding bouquets, funeral arrangements, holiday arrangements and as an everyday token, roses are flowers that make a statement. Whether giving a single rose, a bouquet to a loved one; or sending flowers to acknowledge an event, the giver can rely on the face that their message will be received without words.

• A single red rose: “I love you”
• A single purple rose: “Love at first sight”

Bouquets

• Red: love, beauty
• White: purity, innocence, youth, heavenly
• Pink: appreciation, “Thank you” happiness, joy
• Yellow: friendship, remembrance, delight, joy
• Peach: appreciation, modesty
• Orange: desire
• Purple (or lavender): enchantment, mystery
• Red and white: unity
  
  Care

In order to successfully cultivate roses, gardeners must be sure to provide and area that is in full to partial (morning) sun with more than adequate drainage. The plants and shrubs need to be watered regularly as they are active bloomers all summer long and need continual moisture to promote their growth. Roses should be pruned in earl spring and deadheaded often – until late August - in order to make room for new buds. Shrub roses and old garden roses are the most popular kinds; the Hardy variety is the easiest to keep and is a beautiful accent to any garden.

The variety of rose plant you select should be based on your garden’s growing conditions, size and above all, personal taste. They should be planted at least 24” apart and deep enough to allow the roots to be covered up to the “bud union” or “graft union”, about 15” usually. The soil should be loose around the roots and not tamped, allowing for both drainage and air circulation. Allow for 6 hours of sun per day at least and mulch if desired. Roses should be cut at a 45 degree angle when preparing for bouquets.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web writer and publisher. She is an avid gardener and is fascinated with floriculture and Calgary Flowers.

Prevent an Unplanned Pregnancy: Talk to Your Children About Sex!

Talking to your children about sex isn’t the most fun thing to do. We all know it’s embarrassing, but if you truly sit and think about the consequences of NOT talking to your kids about sex, you may find it significantly less embarrassing. Kids who don’t know the truth about sex are more likely to end up with an unplanned pregnancy or something far worse like an incurable sexually transmitted disease (STD). Children want to know the truth, and they want it from the people they trust the most: their parents.

The first thing to know is: it’s never too late! It’s recommended that you start talking to your children in their early childhood years. But if you have pre-teens or teenagers that have somehow avoided the subject, don’t despair – they are never too old to learn about the truth! As soon as children start seeing any sort of “sexual messages” (pregnancies, Mom and Dad hugging, etc.) they will need to (and want to) at least know the basics. Another important thing for a parent to remember is to always be open and honest; always be available for a chat, no matter what the time of day.

When talking with your kids about sex and pregnancy information, craft your words and responses depending on the age of the child and his or her level of understanding. What is appropriate for a four year old is probably not going to fly with a pre-teen.

• When talking to a young child, you may tell them about the different body parts, or ask them if they know why boys look different from girls. They may also be curious about how babies get in and out of peoples tummies. Children are also never too young to know that their parents love each other and what that means.
• An older child may be ready to hear about relationships between men and women (or same sex relationships, but that’s a different article!), dating, and their bodies changing.
• Teenagers need to hear about pregnancy info, STDs, positive relationships with others and their own bodies, birth control and fertility, and the emotional aspects of intimate relationships.

When starting these conversations, parents can reference pregnant relatives or friends, TV shows or movies with pubescent characters, or even books specific to the subject. It doesn’t matter how you start the conversation as long as you tell your children the truth. Remember, a child who is old enough to ask the question is old enough to hear a truthful response! Children should also be informed about your family’s values and details that may be religion-specific; but make sure not to scare your children. For example, if you believe in complete abstinence before marriage, it is best to explain it in a way that will be open and honest with ‘earthly’ consequences rather than using scare tactics.

Remember that kids view their parents as experts on sexuality and relationships and are less likely to venture out into the world seeking knowledge on these topics if you give them forthright information about sex, unexpected pregnancy, STDs and relationships. Being embarrassed is normal – your kids may be embarrassed too – but it’s a topic that needs to be addressed at different times in a child’s life, by the people that have the most authority on every subject - their parents.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance author and web publisher. She writes on a variety of topics and is an avid supporter of educating children about safe sex and unplanned pregnancy.

The Reality of Pregnancy: A Week by Week Guide to Crazy Ladies and Nursing Bras

Wondering what to expect during your partner’s pregnancy? It’ a good idea to be realistic and expect the worst – then you may be pleasantly surprised. Just for the record, only about 10% of women experience happy, blissful pregnancies. The rest of us experience what I like to call the “year I went crazy.”

The beginning…
When a woman finds out she’s pregnant, she’s usually about 4 – 6 weeks along. (Which in medical time is actually only 2-4 weeks.) So as you can imagine, the hormones are just starting to brew. You might notice a little change; she may be a bit more emotional, her breasts may instantly perk up, and she may look at you like you’re an Adonis who fertilized her womb.

What most of you don’t know, is that this is the calm before the storm.

6-12 Weeks
This is the time when, if you’re going to get morning sickness, it’s going to start happening now and last until you hit the 12 – 14 week mark. If you’re not okay with your lady throwing up, don’t go near the bathroom. And it usually doesn’t happen in the morning. It could be noon, it could be the middle of the night, or it could be all day. Her breasts will be so sore that she’ll take a swing at you if you even look at them. She may cry during breakfast. Or on the phone. Or while she’s peeing. This is normal.

12 – 20 weeks
This is the trickiest time in the pregnancy due to the start of the weight gain. Just a heads up for you guys: don’t comment on it. When she asks, “Do I look pregnant, or just fat…?” you can do one of two things:
1. Say “Pardon? I didn’t hear you because I was too busy cleaning the bathroom for you. I know how tired you’ve been.”
2. Pretend to pass out and just avoid the situation entirely.

The Mother-to-be of your child may also be very tired right now. Let her sleep as much as possible to avoid unnecessary conflict. The morning sickness should be over now and give way to the whole new enemy: constipation. There is nothing you can do to help with this problem except to nod sympathetically if she brings it to your attention, and pretend not to cringe when you see stool softeners in the medicine cabinet.

20 – 28 Weeks
Now you will start to see your partner blossoming into a beautiful, life-giving entity. For those of you that are lucky, this is when some pregnant women get a little “randy” and suggest passionate sessions of sex. For those of you with a different type of extremely hormonal partner (remember, she can’t help it) this is when she will swear off sex for the rest of the pregnancy, if she hasn’t already. Also, she may take on an odd smell – this is caused by extreme flatulence – a common side effect of pregnancy. Also beware of: overheating, swelling of extremities and weird ailments (skin rashes, hemorrhoids, etc.)

This may also be the time to get the baby’s nursery in order. Be prepared for her to shop… A LOT. If this is your first, she may break the bank at baby boutiques buying everything from burp pads and potty seats and headbands. (Baby girls will cause a significantly bigger shopping spree.)

28-38 weeks
If your wife is going to get bitchy, it’s going to happen now. There are varying degrees of bitchiness. She could range anywhere from Disney-princess to Linda Blair (think The Exorcist.) Women will shake their heads and disagree, but I for one, didn’t allow my husband to chew inside the house. Yes, chew. It’s not uncommon either. Here are a few things that may or may not set her off like an atomic bomb:
1. Breathing on her, or breathing in general.
2. Chewing by her or chewing in general.
3. Snoring.
4. Drinking alcohol or general merriment with “the boys”.
5. Mentioning there’s a funny smell by her (she probably farted – keep it to yourself.)
6. Your suddenly stronger-than-usual odor.
7. Your hygiene habits –do not clip your toenails around her.
8. Any sudden noises (like coughing.
9. Any failure to understand what she’s going through (dude, just pretend.)
10. The mere mention of sex.

38 – 42 weeks (I really hope for your sake it’s 40 weeks)
You’re in the homestretch! You’ve both made it to the end of a long, hard journey… but not quite. This is the nesting period, when your lovely will clean out the whole pad, scrubbing like she’s Cinderella and working for food. Don’t get in her way – even to help. She won’t notice anyway, and she’ll just clean it again. You are to offer your heavy-lifting services only.

Your wife will look as big as she’s going to get now. Her breasts will be massive and need to be poured into a nursing bra 2-3 sizes bigger than normal. Her belly will resemble a massive beachball and her feet may be so swollen she has to have a foot rub twice a day (get on it!)

Quick Tips to get you through 40-ish weeks of joy/scariness:
• Go to the appointments with her.
• Don’t miss the ultrasound!
• Give her foot rubs every day.
• Pretend to be excited about everything.
• Be less annoying in general.

Good luck and God Speed.
Lilly Gordon is a freelance web publisher and author and enjoys writing on a variety of topics. She is a wife and mother of two and specializes in babies, burp pads and diaper changing.

Top Ten Budget Wedding Tips:Esthetics Schools and Homemade Invitations Are Cool!

A wedding is the most wonderful time in a couple’s life together. The engagement is exciting; setting the date is a blast; setting the budget is… well, not so fun. Statistics show that the average cost of a Canadian wedding is $20,000. More and more couples are paying for their own weddings and paring down the costs. Making your own invitations and using the services of esthetic schools are just the beginning. Here’s how to plan your budget wedding.

1. Guest List: We all know how hard it can be to pare down a wedding guest list, but for the sake of the budget, it’s necessary. The general rule is: If you haven’t spoken to or seen a person in the past two years, they shouldn’t be on your guest list. Also, be sure to take control of your list – tell Mom and Dad that the neighbours you had when you were five aren’t invited!



2. Invitations: Make your own invitations. Spending hundreds of dollars on invitations is completely unnecessary. You can purchase invitation kits at local office supply stores for a fraction of the cost. All it takes is an hour in a word processing program on the computer, a cute picture of the couple and some address labels. Also, instead of spending money on reply card postage, ask your guests to reply via email or phone.



3. Hair, Makeup and Spa Services: Forget about pricey spas and salons. Look online to find your local Hairstyling school or esthetics school. The students at these schools know how to style hair too and fancy hairdos are usually their specialty. You will pay a fraction of the cost for the same do. These establishments also offer makeup and spa services for very low costs and are a fantastic option for manicures, pedicures and all other spa services as well.



4. Wedding Dress: This can be one of the biggest costs for a bride. We all know you want to look your best, but that doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget. Spend some hours looking online at used dresses: eBay and local online classifieds are a great source. If you’re not open to used, try rental establishments. Sample sales and seasonal sales at stores are a great opportunity as well. Call stores in advance and find out when they are hosting these events. You can also look in non-traditional stores for not only your dress, but your bridesmaid dresses. Sales racks at stores that offer formal dress wear are usually packed with options.



5. Decorations & Favours: Ask for help with the decorating. Your friends an family are bound to harbor some inner craftiness.When choosing your wedding flowers, look for silk or seasonal fresh flowers. Wedding favors don’t need to be expensive. Bottles of bubbles with personalized labels that are computer made are a really inexpensive option as are little bags of candy.
   
   
6. Wedding Day: Try a non-traditional weekday or Friday-night wedding. Saturday wedding costs are usually much more expensive, and they break up your guest’s whole weekend.



7. Say NO to the Open Bar: Having an Open Bar at your wedding is definitely a no-no if you want to stay on budget. Instead, place two free drink tickets on each guest’s place setting and then have a cash bar for the rest of the evening. When couples offer open bars, the drinks tend to be discarded or lost after two sips anyway.



8. Dinner: Instead of appetizers and served meals, try a buffet-style dinner. It is usually the cheaper options and provides your guests with more options for their supper.



9. Cake: Guests at weddings usually don’t eat the cake so consider a small wedding cake for show only. Dessert is offered with dinner so don’t feel compelled to have a cake big enough to feed all of your guests.



10. Photograper & Videographer: If you have a friend who is an amateur photographer, enlist their services. Or, consider having you’re a professional only for the ceremony and placing disposable cameras on tables for the reception. You will get great, spontaneous shots. If you hire a professional, be sure to ask about enlargement fees, and having all of your images available on a CD for your own use after the wedding. Ask one of your single friends to be the videographer for your big day. It’s a great way to preserve the memories AND get your friend talking to everyone at the party.

Planning a wedding on your own dime can be a stressful and complicated project. But it isn’t impossible and it is definitely worth a little extra effort. Remember, your wedding is just the start of your life together… Don’t spend all of your hard earned money on one day when you have the rest of your life to live.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance web author and publisher who enjoys writing on a variety of topics. She currently resides in Edmonton and is researching budgets, brides and Edmonton spa services.

Lilly's Actual Brain

Does anyone really care what's in Lilly's Brain... I do. But it's my brain. I feel a bit neurotic and conceited thinking that anyone would, but that's the point of a blog right?

It's also the general feeling of society these days. The illusion is over; it's not about simply sharing information anymore. It's all about making damn sure your information is seen, heard and appreciated, even if it's not meant to be.

So where does that leave us? Read and enjoy - I do it because I love to write and if you want to read it, all the better. I guess you wouldn't be here otherwise.

Please suggest topics to me: I am always on the lookout for fresh topics and new ideas.

First Time Home Buyers: How to Find a Mortgage Broker

Making the decision to buys a house is a huge decision in a person’s life. Before you start looking for the perfect house, you need to find the perfect mortgage broker. Finding any mortgage broker is easy- you can just look online or in the yellow pages. Finding a great mortgage broker is a little tougher; some are not as good as others. So how do you find the broker that is right for you and your family’s home buying needs?

1. Contact your local Real Estate Boards for a listing of brokers in the area. Try for neighbourhood specific realtors: for example, if you’re looking for a house in Sherwood Park, Alberta then try to find a mortgage broker in Sherwood Park.

2. Call the recommended brokers from your list. When you call them make a checklist of items to ask them:
• Do they answer their calls and promptly call back?
• Do they have an up-to-date website?
• Are they educated? Do they know the business?
• Can they provide you with current mortgage interest rates?
• Do they have all of the most recent information on first time home buyer programs?

3. Look for a mortgage broker that focuses on relationships, not fees. If they are interested in building a relationship and are forthcoming and honest about fees and all aspects of the home-buying process, this will benefit you as a first time home buyer.

4. Don’t be afraid to set more than one meeting with several brokers to find your perfect match.

5. Remember: it’s your money on the line! You are the one who will be paying the mortgage and interest so be realistic and self-focused with your needs. The mortgage broker isn’t the one moving in!

Mortgage financing can seem like a scary path, but with the right mortgage broker, it can be a snap.

Real Estate in Edmonton: What Can You Afford?

Real Estate in Edmonton: What Can You Afford?

Before you start surfing through MLS listings and envisioning the white picket fence, you have to make a budget. Jumping into a house without sorting out your financial situation is not a smart idea and could lead to a catastrophe down the road. Preparing a budget can be a scary thought for most of us (especially when confronted with credit reports and monthly expenses) but it is a necessary task when deciding to purchase real estate in Edmonton or anywhere across Canada. House prices have fluctuated so much in the past decade that people are flailing when in comes time to pay for their homes; taking this first step will help ensure that you are not one of those people.

First, take a look at what you can allocate to your house purchase. To do this you will have to think ahead to the tow main categories of expenses: Mortgage Payments (including principal, interest and insurance) and Living Expenses. To get to these two figures, you first have to lay out all of your current finances and work from there.
• What is your credit card debt?
• What are your current loan debts (if any)?
• What are your current monthly living expenses?
• How much monthly income is coming into the household? (Don’t forget to factor in any known income changes that are coming down the line.)
• What are your current savings?

After adding (and subtracting) all of the involved figures, you should have a monthly figure that roughly represents your net worth – a figure that represents how much money you have to play with when looking at the costs of purchasing a home.

Once you have that figure, your financial provider, or lender will give you a house budget – this number will be your maximum purchase price. Your maximum price is usually higher than the price you will be able to afford down the road a few years. There are other costs to factor in. Experienced Edmonton Real Estate Agents and financial advisors will be able to help you with your budgeting.

Typical One Time Fees can include:
• A property inspection for your new home
• Legal fees, property survey fees and land transfer fees
• Mortgage application and appraisal fees
• Moving and/or packing expenses

It should be noted in some situations, fees can be negotiated or subtracted from the purchase price of the home. This is something to discuss with your realtor.

Projected Monthly Expenses can include:
• Property taxes
• Utilities
• Homeowners Association Fees (may not apply)
• Community League fees (optional)
• RRSP / savings payment plans
• Debt payments
• Living expenses* (food, childcare, entertainment, sports, clothing, gifts, etc.)
• Miscellaneous* (medical costs, etc.)

*In order to calculate estimated living expenses and miscellaneous costs, you will have to collect receipts for the previous year and use those figures, realizing that expenses will not be exactly the same from year to year.

After adding all of your monthly costs up, you will be able to come up with a definitive monthly mortgage payment and amortization rate that will determine what your maximum house price really should be. Remember to factor in the cost of rising property taxes and possible home renovations due to the age of the house (roofs, furnaces, hot water tanks: all of these things are costs that need to think about.)

Here are two final pieces of information that may help you with your budgeting:
It is recommended by the Canada Mortgage and housing Corporation (CMHC.ca) that your monthly house payments (including mortgage, taxes and utilities) should not exceed 30% of your gross household income.

With all of these budgeting tips, you will be able to find your affordable Edmonton property and live happily ever after.