Spring Cabin Safety: Boating & Safety Tips for Your Trip to the Lake

Spring Cabin Safety: Boating & Safety Tips for Your Trip to the Lake

The snow has melted (almost everywhere) and the temperatures have started to rise…  Besides thoughts of capris, hats and sunscreen, many families start to think about visiting a lakeside cabin. It’s that time of the year again! With the cabin comes celebrations, boating and BBQ. What sometimes gets forgotten are the accidents that can happen when people don’t follow some simple safety rules Keep in mind these simple safety tips when you’re packing up your floaties and coolers.

Boat Safety Tips
After removing your rock guards and getting the boat unhitched it’s time to get that puppy in the water, right? Wrong! When you’re boating, especially with children, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Never consume alcohol while operating or on a boat.
• Always check the weather before you head out on your pleasure cruise: if you see any sudden changes in weather, wind speed or sky colour, turn back and dock immediately.
• Prepare and complete a preliminary checklist before you head out. You should have: fuel, enough lifejackets for everyone, PFDs, fresh water, an air horn, working lights, the proper fluid levels, flares, and a basic toolbox.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back before you head out.
• Don’t overload the boat!
• When you are operating your watercraft be sure to: maintain a 50 foot distance from everything (other boats, people, land, docks, etc.), drive at a safe speed, and watch for areas that have low water – have your co-captain keep an eye out for these.

Swimming Safety
Swimming is always one of the highlights of any cabin stay and is a great, healthy activity to get the kids and adults outdoors.  It’s best to make sure that everyone has basic swimming lessons and those too little to have them are in good hands.

·         Swimming vests and arm flotation devices do NOT mean children can remain unsupervised. Kids can still drown while wearing them.

·         Always supervise your kids – don’t leave them for any length of time. It’s actually best to have an adult in the water.

·         Remember people can still drown in crowds too so stay alert and be aware of how many people are with you.

·         Look in the lake BEFORE you jump in – you’ll have to be careful of shallow areas, debris, etc.

·         Don’t swim out too far and be mindful sudden drops in the lakebed.

Campfire Safety
Smoky the Bear was right: only WE can prevent forest fires!  You’ll need a roaring fire to roast marshmallows, cook hotdogs and snuggle by when it gets chilly. Here are some basic campfire safety tips:

·         Use dry, dead wood – no living or wet wood please. No one wants a smoldering, smoky mess, especially the live treed you were going to use as kindling!

·         Pay attention to area warnings for campfire conditions. If it’s too windy or has been too dry out, don’t chance a forest fire - use the Hibachi and get some blankets.

·         Keep children away from the fire and set the ground rules from the beginning. There should be no running or jumping anywhere near the fire pit.

·         Put your fire out with a bucket of water. For good measure, you can also shovel some dirt or sand on the pit after.

The excitement is building and we are all itching to get out those swimming suits, light the camp fire or feel the wind in our hair while boating through our favourite lakes. Simple, wholesome fun with simple, straightforward safety tips. Spring and summer, here we come!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance author and web publisher. She is an advocate for lake, cabin and boat safety, and recommends a rock guard when travelling with a watercraft.

Weight Loss Before the Big Day

Any of us who have tried in the past to lose weight know that sometimes pressure can help… right? Wrong!  As the wedding day approaches, the stress piles on and that can make weight loss next to impossible. Between the flowers, the cake and wondering where to seat your drunk, inappropriate uncle your checklist culd be so long that fitting into your dress may seem like a pipe dream. There is hope however: a few simple weight loss tips and tricks that can turn it all around and help your body become the one you’ve been dreaming of.

Timing is Everything
I you’d like (or need) to lose weight before the wedding, plan ahead! Start as soon as you get that ring on your finger. Losing weight and changing your habits can take time – sometimes a lot of time – so make it easier on your self by leaving a large window of opportunity.

Get with the Program
Let’s face it, the diet industry is a huge, multi-billion dollar money-sucker… but that doesn’t mean that some of the programs aren’t legitimate. Millions of people each year drop major pounds  on these weight loss plans, so why shouldn’t you? The key is to take the program you choose, if you choose one, and work it in to your normal life so after the honeymoon, the buttons aren’t a-popping! Choose a program that makes sense for your life, your budget, and your values… and stick with it. Research it first and make a pros and cons list before you buy. If you’re wondering “What is Body by Vi?” or “Does Herbal magic work?”, look it up instead of shrugging your shoulders and giving up.

These programs generally offer the support and encouragement needed for a great weight loss experience.  Supplying you with a guided eating and exercise plan, you’ll hardly have to do any of the hard work yourself! Except for losing the excess baggage of course!

Or… Go it Alone
If you’re not the program kinda gal, then you’ll need to sit down and make a plan for your weight loss journey. When you’re on your own, you need smarts, encouragement and a bit of self control.

You should keep a food diary for a week just to really take a look at where you need improvement with your habits. Be completely honest about every bite you put in your mouth!

Try and cut your portion sizes down so that your total calorie intake is about 1200 per day.  Your calories should come from fuel – not junk. Take a look at Canada’s Food Guide and follow it - it’s there for a reason! Other than junk (you know exactly what food I’m talking about!) the best things to cut down on (not cut out) are carbs.  Carbohydrates are needed, but most people eat way too many of them so they end up being converted into sugar, which your body doesn’t need much of either. Complex carbs like whole grains are the way to go – no white flour.  Your plate every night should be filled with:

• ½ fruits, veggies and legumes
• 1/4 protein
•  ¼ grains

Besides watching what you eat – watch what you drink! Cut out any sugary drinks and definitely cut down on wine and spirits. (Notice I didn’t say CUT OUT).  Make sure you drink 6-8 glasses of water per day; not only is it hydrating it helps to flush the toxins and fat out of your body.

Choose one day per week to have a little splurge: some wine, chocolate or a bowl of chips; whatever the vice, give yourself a little taste once a week. Another great strategy is:  don’t have anything you might splurge on in the house – out of sight, out of mind!

Get Moving!
Now let’s talk exercise! 80% of losing weight is eating, but that other 20% is important too. Getting yourself moving is extremely important for your overall health, as well as toning and shrinking that booty. It’s imperative to start off slow and work your way up to 60 minutes a day if possible. Walking is great, as well as plyometrics, strength training, dance… Find something you like and stick with it, and every 4 weeks up your intensity. That’s how you get results and achieve a higher level of fitness.

Whether you’re on a weight loss program or doing it on your own, exercise must be worked in on an almost daily basis. 6 days a week if possible and one day to rest. Try varying the routines and working in strength, cardio and stretches. 

Start early, get motivated and work your way to a great body on your special day.(And don’t gain it all back on the honeymoon!)

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching and writing about fitness, weight loss programs and has answered the question: What is Body by Vi?

The Importance of Regular Furnace Maintenance

Speaking in home terms, the furnace is the heart of your home. And just like a heart, a furnace needs regular maintenance too. Without regular check-ups, your furnace can work at a lower efficiency, eat more of your hard-earned income and even cause sickness or death. 

Furnace Cleaning
Having your furnace cleaned is an important part of your regular household maintenance. The furnace connects to ducts which are connected to vents in your floor and ceiling. The floor vents often collect food, dust, pet hair and sometimes even toys. When the furnace is turned on, air is force through the ducts and up into your living area. The dust and items in your vents gets distributed through the rooms of your house lessening the air quality and can cause more severe allergies and general respiratory aggravation.

·         The clean ducts can result in:

• Improved airflow
• Lower heating costs
• Better air quality

Your furnace should be cleaned every two years or immediately after a new home construction, renovations, or if you have water in your ducts for some reason. The latter can cause mold spores to be spread throughout your house which as we all know is extremely dangerous.

To have your furnace cleaned, make sure you call a professional company that employs certified and trained furnace cleaning staff.

Filter Replacement
Furnace filters should be inspected by the homeowner once per month. Filters are in place to keep dust particles and debris from damaging the fan. Some filters can be vacuumed, others will need to be replaced. Filters can last anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on the type you have. 

The rate at which you change it or clean it depends on surrounding circumstances:

• Pets
• Allergies
• Age of furnace
• Type of filter
• Time of year (it will need to be changed more often during the winter months.

Furnace Inspection
To have your furnace inspected, just call your local utility company. Most companies offere a free service and will send out a qualified person to make sure your furnace is still running smoothly and intact.  The inspections should take place in the spring, before the heating season, once per year.

This is probably the most important aspect of furnace maintenance. Your furnace can emit deadly carbon monoxide gas into your house which can lead to sickness and even death. The inspector will be able to see and problems or defects that could lead to this problem.

Remember – just like your body, the furnace also needs a yearly check-up and proper care and TLC.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching on furnace cleaning and plumbing in Edmonton.

2012 Flower trends for Weddings, Funerals and Everyday

With the start of a new year comes change, even in the floral industry. Bouquets of flowers come in just as many colours as the Prada runway show and they can definitely set off a funky vibe in your home or office. The colours used in wedding bouquets can set off a bride’s themes; even funeral flowers can be a testament to someone’s personality and memory. 

Colour
The colour trends for 2012 are looking so bright you may have to wear shades. Like the clothing and jewelry trends, bright, almost neon colours are a great accent to any bouquet. Greens, yellows, bright pinks and purples are all very popular choices. 

Believe it or not, clashing colours are a bold yet smart choice in flowers as well right now. Adding a splash of red to a pink arrangement or yellow with purple isn’t so “crazy” anymore. 

Monochromatic arrangements are coming back into style as well thanks to the Royal bouquet last April. Kate’s shield-shaped wired bouquet of all white delicate buds made a huge splash in the public’s vision of elegance and grace. Wedding bouquets all over the world will be replicating the dainty, old-fashioned bouquet that the Duchess so lovingly designed. The unexpected bouquet could also have an impact on spring arrangements, Anniversary flowers, funeral flowers and birthday bouquets.

Texture
Adding texture to bouquets is a huge hit for 2012. Using succulents, lacy flowers, and proteas as accents will add a new dimension and visual appeal to any bouquet. Mixing round and flat, rough and smooth will definitely draw people’s attention and accent any room, wedding dress or birthday bouquet.

Also fitting under the texture heading is adding an unexpected textural element such as berries, feathers, herbs, etc. Rosemary and mint are beautiful not only to look at, but for your olfactory senses as well. It can be a wonderful addition to a funeral arrangement as well; paying homage to a loved one’s memory with a well-used herb or a favourite berry will spark memories and incite conversation.

Accessories
Adding an accessory to your flowers (men, take note of this one!) is the hottest trend for this year. French lace around the stems of the bouquet, the sparkle of a vintage hair piece in the midst of your blossoms, or even other gem-inspired pieces can catch people’s eyes and really add beauty to a bouquet. This is especially popular for wedding flowers and would be a great addition to flowers sent on a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. This is almost necessary for the “I’m Sorry” bouquet guys!

2012 has brought a fresh, unexpected rake on some tired flower arrangements. These trends add excitement and the element of surprise. A great way to ring in the New Year!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a nature lover and is currently writing about Calgary flowers and florists.

Before You Buy Your Dirt Bike – Where to Start

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Recently, my son met some friends that weren’t involved in hockey OR soccer (imagine that!). We instantly wanted to know what sports they were interested in: taekwon-do (already in that), rugby (not our kids’ style), and dirt-biking. “Dirt biking?” I asked. “Yep – they love it,” came the response. My kids ride bikes – they’re actually really great at it and already trying little tricks – no hands, one hand, bunny hops – but dirt biking takes those tricks to a whole new level. My kids were instantly intrigued which meant I had to do some digging and researching about this rough and tumble sport. What type of dirt bike to get and how to ride one.

How to pick your dirt bike:

Choosing your dirt bike is pretty simple – if you know what to look for. The size of bike you purchase depends on your size. For smaller kids, a mini bike is usually the way to go; for larger teens, their weight is the biggest factor. Kids and teens are always growing so keep that in mind when purchasing (an expensive kids’ dirt bike will be on eBay once they outgrow it so don’t go crazy with the budget!)

The purpose of your bike is important too: will it be used for racing, casual riding, or both? There are specific types of bikes meant for racing and casual riding so be sure to tell the sales-person your ultimate goal or agenda with the bike. (You can modify most bikes for dual purposes.)

What is your budget for the bike? You don’t have to spend a lot to get a good starter dirt bike. Another budget factor is the maintenance – will you be maintaining the bike or having someone else do it for you? Some more expensive bikes require expensive fixes (just like cars) so keep that in mind as well.

As for accessories, here are a few you can’t bike without:

• Helmet
• Eye protection
• Knee, elbow pads and chest protector

I believe dirt biking boots are optional but I’ve read that they are great for ankle protection.

Are you ready (to give your poor old Mom a heart attack) to start dirt biking?

I am definitely no expert, but I have quizzed parents and researched other dirt biking sites to get some basic rising tips.

• MOVE FORWARD!!! As far as I can tell this is one of the most important pieces of advice out there. Move forward on your seat – conjuring up an image of “Easy Rider” is not the way to go apparently! Concentrate on your proper body position as much as possible while still being able to operate the brakes.
• For your first ride ever, find a wide open space with no obstacles. This is very important as first time riders may be more prone to running into things.
• Spend some time getting to know the controls of your kids’ dirt bike or your own. Definitely make sure you know where the brakes are! Also, sit on the bike for while to see how it feels.
• When you decide to go for it, look ahead and don’t panic!  If you feel uncomfortable or scared, simply disengage the clutch and press on the brakes. Many people tend to panic and get injured, so try to keep yourself calm, cool and collected.

And after all that, I’ll tell you what I told my kids: Practice makes perfect! If you want to be a great rider then practice and become a great dirt bike rider. Just be careful, wear the proper gear (it’s not just for MOM- it’s important!) and ride smart.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and Mom to two active boys. She is currently learning about dirt bikes in Edmonton and mortorsports.