Monday, November 30, 2015


Friday, November 27, 2015

Perfect Pancakes

 
Ingredients: 
3 - cups plus + 2 tablespoons cake flour
1/2 - teaspoon salt
3 - tablespoons baking powder
2 - tablespoons sugar
2 - cups milk or buttermilk
2 - large eggs
3 - teaspoons vanilla
4 - tablespoons butter (melted)
Lots of butter and syrup

Directions: 
Mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix together milk, eggs, and vanilla.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring very gently until just combined.

Melt butter in the microwave and add it to the batter, stirring gently to combine.

Cook on a greased skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown. Serve with butter and syrup.

http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2009/07/quest-for-perfect-pancakes.html

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Ocean By H10 Hotels Adds Two Cuba Resorts To Caribbean Portfolio

The Company Will Manage a Total of Six Properties in: Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Cuba


Riviera Maya, Mexico (November, 2015) – Ocean by H10 Hotels –H10 Hotels Caribbean Division- has announced the expansion of its presence in Cuba and the Caribbean, by adding two new resorts which will be opening later this year.  In addition to the existing Ocean Varadero El Patriarca, all inclusive resort located on Cuba's famed Varadero Beach, the new all inclusive resorts Ocean Casa del Mar and Ocean Vista Azul will be opening by end of 2015 in Cuba.

The 800-room, five-star Ocean Casa del Mar, located in Cayo Santa Maria (Santa Clara International Airport), is situated on a white fine-sand beach with crystal clear waters.  The resort will feature five restaurants, six bars, two adults’ swimming pools and one children’s pool, a Spa Center and exclusive Privilege Club service and suites.

The 470-room, five-star Ocean Vista Azul, located in Varadero (Varadero International Airport), will offer spectacular ocean views and direct access to white fine-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The resort will feature six restaurants, six bars, two adults’ swimming pools and one children’s pool, Spa Center and exclusive Privilege Club service and suites.

The existing 420-room, five-star Ocean Varadero El Patriarca, featuring four restaurants and eight bars, its known for its front-line beach location on white sand and blue waters, and is surrounded by the Varahicacos Eco Reserve with lush green tropical gardens and the Patriarch cactus, which have been growing in the area for more than 500 years.  This popular resort also features a daily and nightly activities program, theatre, disco, Kid's Club, wedding gazebo, Spa Center and exclusive ‘adults-only’ Privilege Club service and suites, and is located within close proximity to the Plaza America Convention Center, Dolphin Aquarium and Varadero Golf Club.
The company also manages a 320-room urban hotel in La Habana - Cuba, the H10 habana panorama, under the H10 brand. The hotel is a reference in the Cuban capital thanks to its stunning architectural design and preferential location, facing the sea in the Miramar residential area, where most of the city's embassies, commercial companies and business centres are located. Among other services, the hotel provides free transport to Old Havana, three restaurants, four bars, a swimming pool for adults and a children's swimming pool, Privilege service and three meeting rooms.
The Ocean by H10 Hotels collection also includes the 320-room all-inclusive ‘couples only’ Ocean Maya Royale Resort (Riviera Maya – Mexico), the 591-room all-inclusive Ocean Coral & Turquesa Resort (Riviera Cancun – Mexico), and the all-inclusive 708-room Ocean Blue & Sand Resort (Punta Cana - Dominican Republic)
The company also already has plans to open a seventh Caribbean Resort, in 2016, in Mexico's Riviera Maya. 
Privileged beachfront locations, close proximity to gateway airports, a la carte restaurants and a unique “All-Inclusive 24 hours” identity truly characterize the Ocean by H10 Hotels brand.  Unlimited a la carte dining and free Wi-Fi (available in Mexico y Dominican Republic) exemplify the concept. The signature Privilege Club service, includes 24-hour room service and an exclusive Privilege Lounge now offering breakfast, a Tapas Bar for lunch and Fusion Dinner.  Other signature Privilege Club highlights include: butler service, premium top shelf liquor service, upgraded linens, pillow menu, exclusive Privilege Beach area -with beach beds and beach butlers-, personalized check-in and check-out, and more.

About Ocean by H10 Hotels

Ocean by H10 Hotels was founded in 2007 as a joint venture between Spain-based H10 Hotels and Vacances Air Transat, a leading Canadian tour operator and charter carrier. For more information on Ocean by H10 Hotels or to make a reservation, go to www.oceanhotels.net or call 1-888-531-8927 from within the U.S. and Canada.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Real Estate Word -- Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale



Real Estate Word -- Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale March 2015   
Real Estate News


Chad Campbell
Sales Representative
Trinity Realty
1249 Mosley Street
Wasaga Beach, Ontario
705-443-9444 (direct)
1-800-572-3981 (toll free)
www.ChadCampbellRealEstate.com


A positive first impression of your home can make a huge impact on your selling price!  This month’s article shares some simple tips on how to prepare your home for a successful sale.

There’s also a spring checklist to get your home ready for the gorgeous weather that’s just ahead as well as some body language tips that’ll instantly boost your confidence.

Thanks so much for checking out this month's newsletter.  Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments regarding the articles, or real estate in general -- it'd be great to hear from you!

Chad
In this issue...
Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale 
A properly prepared home will reap huge rewards!

Preparing your home for sale requires some planning but it’s well worth the effort as it’ll help your home sell quickly and for top dollar.  The following points can be implemented quickly and with little or no money:

  1. Curb Appeal - Home buyers form their opinions as soon as they pull up so first class curb appeal is key.  Create the best first impression possible by cutting the grass, tidying the yard, painting or washing the exterior and cleaning all windows.
  2. Clear the Clutter - Too much “stuff” makes your home appear smaller than it really is and most buyers can’t see past other people’s clutter.  Clean out your closets, garage, basement and attic.  Put what you’re keeping in storage and donate the rest.

  3. De-personalize - Buying a home is an emotional experience so it’s important that buyers are able to imagine themselves living in your home.  De-personalize each room by taking down family photos, knick-knacks and anything else that’ll make them feel like they're intruding.

  4. Fix it First - Buyers always inflate repair costs so make sure you take care of repairs ahead of time.  Even small things such as leaky faucets and ripped carpeting make your home appear neglected and a possible money pit in the eyes of buyers.

  5. Peeking Allowed - Buyers will size up each and every room but they'll also be snooping in your cupboards, drawers and closets so make sure they’re organized, de-cluttered and clean.  Hang clothes up neatly, leave open space and clear floor areas.

It’s often the little things that make a huge difference when it comes to creating a winning first impression.  If you want to get top dollar for your property, invest some time and money into fixing and freshening up your home before it hits the market.  It’s an investment that will definitely pay off!
Get Your Home in Shape for Spring 
Homes need regular check-ups in order to stay healthy.

Spring’s right around the corner so it’ll soon be time to identify and correct minor issues so you can avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.  This simple spring checklist will help protect the health of your home:

  1. Roof - Repair missing or cracked shingles.

  2. Outdoor Wiring - Check thoroughly for wear and tear.

  3. Deck/Patio - Check for safety hazards such as loose railings and rotten boards.

  4. Foundation - Inspect interior/exterior walls for cracks and signs of moisture.

  5. Gutters - Clean gutters/downspouts and make sure they direct water away from your home.

  6. Safety - Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and review your family’s fire plan.

  7. Landscaping - Cut back trees/bushes that touch the house and remove any dead branches.

Home is where the heart is so do your best to keep it healthy.  Regular maintenance of your home and yard will save you time and money in the future and you’ll be much more relaxed come summer knowing you won’t be in for any nasty surprises.
The Body Language of Confidence 
A person's body language usually says more than their words.

Projecting positive body language is a skill that should be mastered by all of us from corporate bigwigs to children on the playground.  Here are a few basic tips that’ll help boost your confidence:

  • use a natural tone, volume and pace when you speak
  • use your hands for gesturing instead of sticking them in your pockets
  • avoid fidgeting as it shows you're disinterested, bored and/or nervous
  • stand up straight in a relaxed posture with your head held high
  • give a strong handshake while looking into the person’s eyes with a relaxed smile

Studies have shown that our poses can actually change our body chemistry.  High power poses where the body is open and relaxed actually increases your confidence levels.  Stand tall and be proud!


PS Are you sick of scouring the paper and MLS sites looking for homes? Tired of playing telephone tag with agents only to hear the home's already sold? Sit back, relax and let me do the work for you! Just visit my website and check off the features you're looking for. Whenever a home matching your criteria hits the market, it'll be automatically flagged and emailed to you so you'll never have to worry about missing your dream home. This service is free and there's no obligation! Click here to get started.
Not meant to solicit clients already under contract.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Explore the Road less Travelled with Trafalgar’s 2016 Hidden Journeys Program

 

Featuring five new Hidden Journeys guided vacations including Costa Rica and Myanmar 
 Trafalgar’s (www.trafalgar.com), new 2016 Hidden Journeys brochure offers guided vacations to hard-to-reach and less-visited destinations in groups of no more than 26 guests. Offering 16 fascinating itineraries to Europe, North, South and Central America and Asia, guests will enjoy more unusual and authentic experience off the beaten track. The program offers travellers numerous value-added inclusions including daily breakfast, an average of 50 per cent of evening meals, VIP access and front-of-of the line access at major sites, free WiFi on their luxury air-conditioned motor coaches and free airport transfers on the start and end of most vacations.
“If you’ve already travelled to a destination, but want to get to a place that’s a little harder to reach, our Hidden Journeys guided vacations are what you’re looking for,” says Wolf Paunic, president of Trafalgar Canada. “Guests travelling on a Hidden Journey’s trip will still enjoy Trafalgar’s Insider Experiences, an expert Travel Director and hand-picked 4 or 5-star accommodations, all in groups of no more than 26.”
New in 2016 are five guided vacations to USA, Canada, Costa Rica and Myanmar.
Secrets and Winter Wonders of YellowstoneDiscover the secrets of Montana and Wyoming, on a wintry exploration that roams from Jackson to Bozeman via Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful and Grand Teton National Park. This new 8-day guided vacation will show guests a truly memorable window into the early days of Western tourism at the 320 Guest Ranch in Gallatin, Montana. Guests will stay in this 1898 Authentic Accommodation nestled on the lush hills of Big Sky, Montana and brought to life by the state’s first female doctor.
Secrets of Rockies and Glacier National Park with Calgary Stampede OptionThe glaciers, national parks and laid-back cities of western Canada are just some of the highlights on this 10-day adventure into places like Calgary, Lake Louise, Whistler, Jasper and Banff. The Be My Guest farewell dinner is a sure highlight for guests as they hop-on a horse drawn hayride and set out on one of the scenic trails surrounding the Guinn family ranch. Guests will enjoy pristine views, flowered alpine meadows and abundant wildlife before sitting down to a delicious meal of Alberta Beef with all the trimmings.
Natural Wonders of Costa RicaThe urban highlights and natural wonders of Costa Rica are revealed on this 9-day in-depth adventure that visits San Jose, Sarapiqui, Arenal National Park, Rio Perdido, Carrillio Beach and the Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Guests will enjoy the “pura vida” way of living like the locals and will love meeting the Quintanas as their eco-hacienda, where guests will discover the secrets to their sustainable way of living, explore the gardens and share delicious home-made dishes and make local wine together. Trafalgar will be the first guided vacation operator to visit Carrillo Beach and guests will stay at the new art eco retreat Nammbú – Beachfront Bungalows.
Secrets of Panama and Costa RicaThe cultures, contrasts and epic landscapes of Panama and Costa Rica are revealed on this 16-day trip, which ventures from capital to coast via Gamboa, Rio Perdido and Carrillo Beach. Highlights on this guided vacation start with a fascinating partial Panama Canal Cruise that includes lunch, a visit to the quaint streets of Casco Antiguo – a UNESCO World Heritage Site- in Panama’s Historic District and an exclusive Be My Guest lunch at a thoroughbred breeding farm situated in Cerro Punta Valley, where guests can explore the farm and learn how they breed these magnificent horses.
Secrets of MyanmarOn this 11-day guided vacation, guests will visit Yangon, Bagan, Monywa and Mandalay and will have the option to extend their trip to see the un-missable sights in Bangkok. Trip highlights include taking part in the Oil Lamp Ceremony at the Shwedagon Temple in Yangon at sunset, meeting the family at the be My Guest dining experience in Bagan and travelling around on the Inle Lake by long boat and seeing the Intha Fisherman. 
Travellers can save up to 10 per cent across Trafalgar’s 2016 Hidden Journeys program with Early Payment Discounts of up to $1,576 per couple* if you book and pay in full by November 19, 2015.
Past passenger discounts of 5 per cent per person (land only) are also available for travellers who have previously travelled with The Travel Corporation’s family of brands.
To find out more information, contact your local travel agent or visit www.trafalgar.com and follow us on Twitter at @TrafalgarCanada and Facebook


Terms and Conditions*Save with 10% Early Payment Discount (EPD) (land only) on 2016 Hidden Journeys vacation bookings made and paid in full by 11/19/15. Sample savings of $1,576 per couple is based on Splendors of Japan departing 03/13/2016. Savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates and are subject to availability.

About TrafalgarWith 70 years of expertise, we infuse every Trafalgar trip with the best moments, like our exclusive Insider experiences, VIP treatment and relaxing free time. We’re committed to doing everything to giving our guests the best vacation. And that means, they’re guaranteed the best memories.

About The TreadRight FoundationCreated as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The Foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities. Foundation priorities are set by the Steering Committee, which includes sustainability leaders like Céline Cousteau and Costas Christ.
TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” WildAid and inspiring wildlife advocates like Terri Irwin.


To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

everydayliving™: Freshline Gourmet Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Dark G...

everydayliving™: Freshline Gourmet Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Dark G...:




Product Overview                             

Ingredients:
100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Koroneiki Variety Olives.
The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Used:
A superior quality cold extracted extra virgin olive oil (amongst the best olive oils in the world). Carefully gathered by hand, from centuries old Olive Trees, these Koroneiki variety Olives, maintain their nutritional characteristics resulting in an extremely low acidity (less than 0.2% at harvest). This pure extra virgin olive oil has a full, fruity, fresh green olive flavour with a very slight pleasant peppery bite in the back of your throat. This peppery finish is an indication of a fresh (newest crop) and very carefully processed olive oil extracted from healthy, fresh ripe olives.
Characteristics:
  • Origin: Greece.
  • Acidity % as elaic acid (at harvest): less than 0.2%
  • K232: 1.43
  • K270: 0.11
  • Peroxyde: 6.5 meq O2 / Kg  
  • Cultivar: 100% from the finest Koroneiki Variety Olives.
  • Harvest: Hand Picked.
  • Extraction: Cold Extraction. 
  • Colour: A very bright, vivid green colour.
  • Flavour: A full, fruity, fresh green olive flavour with a very slight pleasant peppery bite in the back of your throat. This peppery finish is an indication of a fresh (newest crop) and very carefully processed olive oil extracted from healthy, fresh ripe olives. This elegant and harmonious taste, satisfies consumers that desire a natural and very tasty diet.
  • Scent: A very pleasant, freshly fragrant and clear green olive scent, from which you can easily recognize the rich and fruity aroma of the just harvested olive fruit.
  • Appearance: Clear.
  • Nutritional Properties: Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a high percentage of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and provitamins of oil, as well as polyphenols which protect cells from oxidation and free radicals. Therefore due to its vast organoleptic qualities and its nourishing and dietetic features, our extra virgin olive oil is to be considered as highly nutritional.
Offered in four formats:
  • 250ml (8.5fl oz)
  • 500ml (17fl oz)
  • 750ml (25.5fl oz)
  • 1lt (34fl oz)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • superior quality olive oil
  • certified olive oil
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  • gourmet olive oil
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