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By Dave Dhamoon, on August 19th, 2010
One of many great designs for a kitchen is a two tone effect that has recently become very popular in North America. The idea of a two tone kitchen can be freighting to some, due to the fact that the user is not only picking one colour but two that they wish to go well with their kitchen; cabinetry and appliances.
The whole idea of a two tone kitchen predominantly came from Europe where builders of apartments and smaller homes usually provided a very basic kitchen, and when the needs of the homeowners grew, so do their needs for space, storage and counter top. Most would contact the original kitchen manufacturer, others opted to buy additional cabinets and counter tops from elsewhere. Seeing that colour matching is almost impossible, with the exception of white which usually worked best as it is neutral and will compliment almost all stains, tiles and counter tops, it is the most popular choice for additional pieces to an existing design.
Like the best designs, this trend appeared by necessity. This type of design is not just a trend in places like Europe but has now become a classic look which some could consider timeless. Today however this type of design has taken on new aspects of two toning such as uppers and bases in two different colours, full wall cabinets and main kitchens in two colours. > Click for more
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By A.Britton, on August 11th, 2010
The weather may not have been exactly what we had hoped for, but there was nothing to stop the good spirits and fun for AyA this past Sunday!
Our annual company picnic was held here at AyA for employees and their families with great food, fun games and prizes. Our 2nd annual partner scavenger hunt, took on a Summer School theme with 8 “courses” and a “final exam”.
Participants were challenged with fitness, geography and math activities; just to name a few and a final exam, with the winning phrase “the dog ate my homework!” > Click for more
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By A.Britton, on August 2nd, 2010
Feng shui; which translates literally into English as wind-water, means good health and fortune by combining laws of Heaven and Earth to balance energies, as derived from ancient Chinese culture.
The art of Feng Shui widely varies in practice depending on the school or practitioner, but all with the same key purpose in mind; to create positive atmospheres and improve living for those in the space.
Placement of the Space
With the kitchen being a popular room in the home it represents nourishment and prosperity and there are tons of Feng Shui ideas for this space, so if you are looking to see how in tune you are with the zen, or just interested in finding out more; you’ve come to the right spot!
In new homes when you can select the position in the home, the kitchen should be towards the back of the building. It is believed that kitchens in view at the front of the home foreshadows digestion and eating problems, and is also believed that guests invited dinner will only stay for the meal and immediately leave following. However, if your kitchens in the front of the home, don’t worry, it is suggested that place curtains in the doorway or creative, eye catching artwork or decorations that divert attention away from the kitchen when initially entering the home. > Click for more
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By Patrick Ryan, on July 27th, 2010
Solid-colour painted kitchens have been gaining a lot of popularity over the past few years, and it doesn’t look like that trend is showing any sign of decline.
There have been many trends that come and go over the years – I grew up in a kitchen with Avocado appliances and had to look at them every day for the greater part of my youth! How many of you can look back at those pickled Oak cabinets you loved so much back in the late 80’s and wonder ‘what was I thinking?’ Some trends come and go, (and some should stay gone forever), but it seems that the white kitchen is timeless. The look of the white kitchen has changed over the years, thanks to updated appliances, new surface materials for countertops and backsplashes, as well as an ever-growing selection of cabinet hardware and sinks and faucets. Add state-of-the-art interior fittings like recycling centers, bottle pullouts, rollout shelves, upgraded drawer systems and soft-close hinges, and you can turn a simple farmhouse kitchen into an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional styles that look right at home in any kitchen today.
Often, I am asked what material is best for painted cabinetry. Some old-schoolers adamantly stick to the credo that solid wood makes for the most durable and long-lasting cabinets, but that is not necessarily the case. All wood products are susceptible to movement caused by humidity differences as the seasons change. > Click for more
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By Heather, on July 21st, 2010
It’s a tricky thing – trying to create a wish list that is both realistic and achievable when looking to buy a house.
I know for myself, I’m up to my eyebrows in online searches and open houses, not to mention what seems to be a whole new language of terms and numbers to contemplate, and deciding on even a wish list is proving to be a challenge! But, it seems that there are two main things that keep grabbing my attention; what is the kitchen like and what is the entertaining space like – inside and out. After all, doesn’t it feel like those are two of the things we spend so much of our time doing? – cooking for ourselves and others!
After much contemplation, deciding that location comes second (within reason) to falling in love with a house the feels “right”, or at least, having the potential to feel “right”, seems like a giant first step. So then comes the next big question; fixer-upper or move in ready…… or somewhere in between?!?!
As a first time home buyer, as much as I like projects, I’m a little gun shy of trying to pull off a major reno on my first go at this. So, I think I must fall into that “somewhere in between” category! What does that mean exactly? > Click for more
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By Mike, on July 13th, 2010
Do you dislike the taste or texture of vegetables? You know they’re good for you, but you’re just not a fan? Well why not gain all the benefits of raw fruits and vegetables by drinking them! Yes, I’m talking about JUICING!
Juicing offers many benefits for those who are seeking good health or a healthier lifestyle. As children we all learn how important it is to eat fruits and vegetables, however many people still fail to eat the recommended daily amounts. Yes it’s great to include vegetables in your cooking recipes and meals, but it’s the raw goodness of them that offers the real benefits.
Juicing has tremendous advantages over eating cooked fruits and vegetables.
When cooking the key elements and nutrients are broken down, as with juicing, you can ensure that these components are preserved and enjoyable. The enzymes absorbed through juicing also aid in proper digestion and helps to absorb the nutrients simply and efficiently where they are utilized by the body, promoting good health and well being. > Click for more
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By A.Britton, on July 9th, 2010
 With the final game taking place this Sunday, we take you on our last tour of the World Cup countries and visit the historic land of Spain.
With a European culture influence and Moor, Jewish and Arab traditions, the cuisine of Spain is also influenced by these cultures and historic events.
The cuisine of Spain heavily incorporates their agriculture such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and beans,and also includes seafood from their surrounding body of water; the Mediterranean Sea. An essential ingredient to Spanish dishes is olive oil, with Spain also producing 44% of the world’s olives.
Spaniards start their day with breakfast, which is called “desayuno” and is a light meal usually consisting of a cup of coffee and a churro-which is a light fried doughnut like pastry.
“La Comida”; lunch is the largest & longest meal of the day. Traditionally given 2-3 hours off from work la comida includes siesta! Yes it’s true, however not necessarily for a nap, the workplace shuts down, allowing employees to go home and eat with their famillies, and properly digest the large meal, before returning to work. > Click for more
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By Thuy Tran, on July 7th, 2010
It’s funny how a mini kitchen project can snow ball into a major project quite quickly.
One day you notice a leak in your sink, which causes water damage to your cabinets, so you decided to change it. Next thing you notice is that, it would be a good opportunity to change your flooring, which leads to changing your countertop, which leads to changing your back splash and next thing you notice is that the whole kitchen renovation begins. There are many things to think about and to keep into consideration when renovating a kitchen. Many people tend to get so wrapped up in the fun part of it, such as the new kitchen design and product selections; that they tend to forget if the project will be according to the city’s building code, for example, plumbing, electrical, flooring, appliances, etc…. It would be a good idea to understand the basics of your city’s home renovation policies for the location that you reside in, before starting your project. > Click for more
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By A.Britton, on June 30th, 2010
This July 1st marks our Country 143 years young! As we celebrate the greatness of our country with family and friends we promote safety amongst the party! Here are a few tips to enjoying the holiday and keeping it safe:
Sunscreen!
This year’s forecast is calling for sun, sun, sun! So please make sure you are wearing your sun screen! Apply the lotion approximately 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. Re-apply as necessary, considering your activities, so if you are swimming, make sure to apply more frequently than dry activities. Also, if you will be using insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first. It is suggested that a higher SPF is used as Insect repellents are reported to reduce the SPF by up to one-third.
> Click for more
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