CLARKSON CUP 2014

The Clarkson Cup, recognizing the top female hockey team in the country, will be awarded this week in Markham, Ontario.

In the fine tradition of Governors General donating trophies/having trophies named in their honour (Georges Vanier, Earl Grey, Earl of Minto, and Lord Stanley to name a few), the Clarkson Cup bears the name of former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson who commissioned the award in 2005 to honour the top women's club team in the country.

The annual tournament takes place in a neutral city and this year the Markham Centennial Centre (8600 McCowan Road) will once again host the event (Markham was host to the 2013 tournament). Past winners include: the Montreal Stars (2009, 2011, and 2012), the Minnesota Whitecaps (2010), and the Boston Blades (2013).

Schedule

All games will take place at the Markham Centennial Centre (8600 McCowan Rd., Markham, ON).

Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Calgary Inferno vs. Toronto Furies @ 11:00am
Montreal Stars vs. Boston Blades @ 7:30pm 

Thursday March 20, 2014
Boston Blades vs. Toronto Furies @ 11:00am 
Montreal Stars vs. Calgary Inferno @ 7:30pm 

Friday, March 21, 2014
Montreal Stars vs. Toronto Furies @ 11:00am 
Boston Blades vs. Calgary Inferno @ 7:30pm 

Saturday, March 22, 2014
Championship Final @ 2:00pm

Tickets are just $10 for the round robin (Wed-Fri) $15 for Saturday's championship, or $70 for the tournament pass. Tickets are available online at the Canadian Women's Hockey League website or at the gate.

Decorating with light captures the fresh spirit of spring

Something about spring seems to inspire us to lavish attention on our homes. Whether enthusiastically cleaning or freshening decor, Americans seize spring as an opportunity to breathe new life into interior spaces. While painting and decluttering are great ways to revitalize home decor, for sheer spring-like impact it’s hard to beat decorating with light.

Incorporating light into interior design can go far beyond a few strategically placed, attractive lamps and some upgraded overhead lights. It’s possible to use both natural and artificial lighting to complement other decor and architectural elements, and to create a brighter, upbeat mood that’s perfect for warm weather. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few concepts to keep in mind as you begin decorating with light:

Natural beauty

There’s no debating the benefits of natural light for boosting mood. After dark, short winter days, spring brings abundant sunshine, and you can put all that natural light to work in your home. Boost daylighting by lightening up window treatments to admit as much sunshine as possible, choose fresh paint colors that interplay well with the direction from which light enters a room, and consider adding skylights to rooms that demand drama or where adding a window isn’t practical.

A relatively low cost home improvement that can be accomplished by a professional in a day or two or over a single weekend, adding a skylight not only enhances home decor, it delivers energy-saving benefits as well. Skylights can help reduce dependence on artificial lighting – saving money on electricity bills. And, if you choose an ENERGY STAR certified solar-powered, fresh-air skylight like those made by Velux America and add remote-controlled, solar-powered blinds, you can improve the skylight’s energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent while improving indoor air quality through the venting effect of open skylights (which close automatically in case of rain).  Solar-powered skylights and blindsqualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as does the cost of installation. 

Lightening colors

Some hues absorb more light, making them appear darker which causes the room to look dark as well. Spring is a great time to lighten colors throughout the home, and not just wall colors. Fresh paint brightens any room, but to amplify the effect, choose lighter, less intense colors such as pastel yellows, peaches and soft blues.

Continue the color upgrade through key decorating elements such as upholstery fabric, accent rugs, window treatments and wall art. Choose colors that speak to you of spring, whether it’s an Easter egg pale purple, a cheerful sky blue or a bright grass green. Replace heavy winter drapes with translucent sheers that admit natural light and give rooms an airy, open feeling.

Upgrading other light sources

While you take steps to maximize the amount of natural light that enters you home, artificial lighting will always be needed, especially when spring showers darken the skies for a while. Choose light fixtures – including floor and table lamps – that continue the bright, easy atmosphere you’ve already created with color and natural light.

Keep in mind the importance of layering light with a mix of sources throughout a room, and choose lighting styles that fit the room’s purpose. For example, in kitchens where a lot of work gets done, overhead and under-counter lights provide the best illumination for cooking and other chores. In bedrooms, wall sconces and table lamps provide softer, more soothing light.

Don’t overlook energy efficiency when you’re revamping your artificial lighting. Spring is a great time to boost your home’s energy efficiency by replacing old, electricity-guzzling incandescent light bulbs with energy-sipping CFLs and LEDs. While these bulbs may cost more to purchase, you’ll save money over their usable life.Energy.gov says these bulbs use 25 to 80 percent less energy than incandescents, and can last three to 25 times longer.

8 simple ways to detox your body

Cut your sugar intake

Cutting back on sugar and drinking more water are smart strategies for a healthier spring.

A seasonal detox is an effective way to clear your body of toxins, which will also speed up your metabolism and enhance your overall health. Start by decreasing the amount of sugar you consume, says Matt Dower, spa director at Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles, NY. And that includes honey, molasses and artificial sweeteners. "If you eat more sugar, you ask your body for more insulin, straining your pancreas and wearing yourself out," he says. "In the long term, this kind of habit can cause you to become chronically fatigued, diabetic, develop cancer and pack on excess weight."

Start with water

Dower also suggests you drink a tall glass of water with juice from half of a lemon in the morning. "Lemon helps re-hydrate the system and promotes digestion, which will help the flow of waste out of your body," he says.

Move your body

Regular exercise encourages circulation in the blood and lymph system, Dower says. Doing so will also enhance digestion, reduce tension, lubricate joints and strengthen your body. It's a proven fact. "People who exercise regularly have far fewer total toxins in their systems," he points out.

Drink a lot of tea

"Not only is tea full of antioxidants, it hydrates you (especially if it's herbal) and fills you up," says Ashley Karr, a research psychologist and wellness coach. "This means you will be less likely to overeat or eat the wrong things!" Keep in mind, the caffeine in tea is different than the caffeine in coffee—it's gentler on your system. It'll also give you a pick-me-up minus the jitters.

Eat organic

Chad Sarno, research and development chef for Whole Foods' Health Starts Here initiative, suggests you reconfigure your diet this year. "A colorful variety of fruits and veggies should be the main focus of your diet, along with whole grains, beans and legumes, and small amounts of nuts and seeds," he says. You should eat whole plant foods because processed foods lack the nutrients your body needs. Dark green vegetables, for instance, are full of micronutrients and are very low in calories, so you can eat a lot of them.

Combat environmental pollutions

Don't forget that pollution and allergens are all around you. They're in the air and can trigger allergy symptoms (such as yucky, puffy, red eyes). Dr. Travis Stork, host of daytime talk show “The Doctors” advises you flush your nasal passages regularly with a Neti pot. Doing so can eliminate the side effects of air pollutants and lead to better breathing naturally. If you use the Neti pot before bed, even better—it will enhance your sleep.

Sweat it out

Forbes Riley, creator of fitness product SpinGym, who you may also remember co-hosting Jack LaLanne's juicer infomercial, is a big fan of detoxing. It's how she lost her pregnancy weight gain at the age of 42 after giving birth to twins. She suggests you use a sauna regularly. "There's nothing more detoxing than sweating it out," she says.


Exfoliate

"Skin brushing and oil massages will help exfoliate the toxins from your skin and refresh circulation," says Christina Chodos, a certified health counselor and educator from Chicago, Ill.

The 2014 National Home Show

The 2014 National Home Show is right around the corner! Offering you inspiration for your home and landscaping projects.  With over 750 exhibitors showcasing their best and newest products and services - you won't want to miss all the great opportunities they have to offer you and your home. Tickets are on sale now, so make sure to check back often to see what we are coming up with for the largest home and garden show in North America!


Until the 2014 National Home Show search our retailer resource guide.

Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of March 14–16

LITERATURE

Pages Festival and Conference
During the festival component of the weekend (Thursday to Saturday), Canadian authors will work with digital artists, as well as dancers, actors and musicians to put on performances. The conference (Friday) features panel discussions on the impact of technology on the publishing industry. Mar. 13–Mar. 16. Tickets from $15. Various venues, pagesfestival.com

MARCH BREAK

March Break at the AGO
Busy your kids at the AGO during the tail end of March break with activities like a Hot Wheels track-builder challenge, kid-friendly films and family yoga. Children and their minders can also indulge in prix-fixe ($25) meals at Frank. Until Mar. 16. Family Pass $49. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., ago.net

DESIGN

National Home Show
Home DIY enthusiasts will source advice and inspiration from exhibitors like Andrew Richard Designs and Bullfrog Spas. Meanwhile, Canada Blooms will deck out over 50,000 square feet of space with lush gardens. Attendees can also meet celeb guests like Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV’s Leave it to Bryan. Mar 14.—Mar. 23. General Admission $20. Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd., nationalhomeshow.com

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Irish boxer and Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor will be the grand marshal at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Participate in the festivities or watch the marching bands and floats as they wind their way down from Bloor and St. George, over to Yonge, and finish at Queen and University. Mar. 16. Free. Various venues, topatrick.com

MUSIC

Lemon Bucket Orkestra Birthday Show
Join the Juno-nominated 15-piece folk band for a two-day birthday carnival, featuring guests like Montreal’s Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra and New York’s Raya Brass Band. Mar. 14—Mar. 15. Tickets $20 per show. Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W., lemonbucket.com

17 Left-brain exercises for creative people

Most creative people are right brained and frankly, sometimes we work the right half of our brains way too hard. Being “right-brained” means we like to think outside the box, frequently disregard logic, and typically hate subjects like math and spelling. But researchers have noted that the brain works more efficiently if we not only work the side that is dominant for us, but spend some time working the less dominant parts. Therefore, the following are some ideas to help creative people, like you and me, exercise the left side of our brains without entirely wasting time.

Code a web site (1)

Well, here’s an obvious one. What more can a designer ask for than an activity where he gets to first use the right side of his brain (designing the web page in Photoshop or any other design program) and then carry out the task using his left brain (code the site using XHTML, CSS, PHP, Javascript, etc.) Not only will this help your brain to be more well-rounded, but you will also possess a very valuable skill as a designer once you have started to master the art of coding a web site that not only looks good but also validates according to standards.

Do some writing (2)

One of the best things you can do to exercise your left brain is to practice your writing, spelling, and word composition. This not only helps you exercise your left brain, but also makes you a more effective communicator. Below are some ideas that you can try to help get the writing habit started. (And believe me, once you start, you only get more and more efficient at it.)

  • Keep a daily journal of your activities. (3) Whether online or in a notebook, write what’s been on your mind that day.

  • Write for a blog. (4) You can either start your own blog or write for someone else’s blog. Either way, knowing that other people will be reading what you write is good motivation to sharpen your spelling and grammar skills.

  • Write for a magazine or newspaper. (5) Printed editorials are frequently looking for guest authors and outside opinions. Contact a local newspaper or magazine and ask if you can submit work for them to review. If you are still in school, do the same with your school newspaper.
  • Leave meaningful comments on blogs and other sites. (6) While this isn’t heavy-duty writing, a little writing each day by posting comments on other web sites can be a great way to increase your communication-via-writing skills.
  • Use twitter. (7) Why do I suggest twitter above any other social media service? Because twitter limits you to 140 characters. This means you have to force yourself to be concise and use explicative words to get your message across.
  • What else would you add to the list of writing opportunities?

Crunch some numbers (8)

Besides writing and spelling, math and numbers are a great way to exercise the left side of our brain. For some this might come easier than for others, but keep at it and you’ll find yourself getting better. So what math can a creative do?

  • Consider a web designer. He can build his sites according to a grid and calculate the correct measurements to make it looks just right. (9)
  • How about an advertiser? He can look into the media strategy side of things. Learn about media buying and budgets. (10)
  • Freelance designers: You crunch numbers at least once a month when you bill your clients and pay your bills. (11)

There are plenty of opportunities to do math. You simply have to consider your options. While it may not be as fun as designing a poster or web site, remember: it will help you be more well-rounded.

Master a new skill (12)

Another tip is to master a new skill (preferably one that includes deductive reasoning). What skills require you to use deductive or logical reasoning? How about learning a new language,(13) mastering a difficult tutorial online,(14) or finding something entirely new to add to your skill set.

Do a word or number puzzle (15)

I know I’m about ten years behind the times but, after years of not understanding the point behind them, I recently got addicted to Sudoku puzzles.(16) If you’ve never tried one, give it a shot. These little puzzles allow me to escape the creative overload I deal with on an almost daily basis and find refuge in logical, rational, deductive thinking. If you enjoy crossword puzzles, give them a shot. Whatever you prefer, carry around small sheet of paper with some puzzles on it or a book in your bag. When you feel a creative brain-freeze coming on, whip out the book and give your right brain a break.

I think you’ll find you’re more creative after a 15-minute puzzle break. It’s worked for me.

Read a book (or read at all) (17)

As creatives we tend to get wrapped up in the extensive design showcases, inspiration galleries, and complicated design tutorials. While these are all fine and useful–even necessary to a creative mind–it should not constitute the bulk of our reading or study. Make sure to read the longer articles (like this one), pick up a book every once and while, or read a magazine or newspaper.

We are a generation of skimming content and it is weakening our left brains. You can even read something on your preferred topic such as web design, graphic design, advertising or copy writing. The key is that you read instead of skim.

What to look for on your 2013 income tax return

It’s another good year for do-it-yourself tax filers. There aren’t too many tax changes and one really lucrative new tax credit.

Related: 

It’s another good year for do-it-yourself tax filers. Like last year, there aren’t too many personal tax changes – just one really lucrative new tax credit to encourage people to get into the habit of charitable giving.

Here’s what’s new and some tips for when it’s time to get down to your 2013 return:

First time donations: A big change this year encourages more people to donate to charity. First time donors are entitled to an additional 25 percent credit for cash donations up to $1,000 made in 2013 to their favorite charity. Here’s how it usually works: on the first $200 given, you’ll get a 15 per cent federal credit, for the balance, a credit of 29 per cent. In Ontario, when the 11 per cent provincial credit is factored in, close to 40 per cent of your $1,000 gift is refunded.

If you or your spouse gave for the first time (or neither of you have done so since 2007) an extra 25 per cent is added to the 15 per cent and 29 per cent respectively. You’ll get close to 60 per cent of your donation back; that’s right, tax savings of almost $600 of the $1000 you gave. But you can only make the claim once now until 2017. Donations from prior years will not qualify.

Super-size your credits : Maximizing your credits is another way to find more savings. A printed copy of the tax forms is a good guide for hunting down receipts like student loan interest, public transit amounts or children’s arts or sports classes. The federal tax brackets and most personal amounts have been indexed by 2 per cent. The pension income amount, First Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit and the $5,000 tuition, education and textbook transfer maximum are notable exceptions.

Take special note of the Family Caregiver Amount (FCA), introduced last year to support families who give care to disabled dependants. It’s now $2,040. If you’re claiming an infirm spouse, dependent child, or other dependant who lives with you, add the FCA to your regular claim.

Maximize medical expenses : Everyone seems to miss here, because there are so many opportunities. For example, claim unreimbursed medical costs for yourself, your spouse and dependent children. Also include costs for a grandchild, parents, grandparents and other extended family member who you supported if they lived in Canada during the year. Your claim is reduced by a percentage of your net income, so it’s usually better to claim costs on the lower earner’s return.

Don’t forget medical travel costs: If you have to travel to another community to receive cancer treatment or other medical services not available locally, claim costs of driving or taking public transportation fares if you travel at least 40 km. If it’s 80 km or more, you can claim meals and lodging. Keep receipts and a log of driving distances.

Even the dog may be claimable : Other important medical expenses include costs from a dentist, optometrist, speech-language pathologist, naturopath, acupuncturist, audiologist. Private health care premiums like Blue Cross count. Yes, even the costs of training and maintaining guide dogs to provide care for infirm dependants qualify. Starting in 2014, service animals used to help a taxpayer manage severe diabetes will qualify, too.

Out-of-country assets: Failure to file enhanced Form T1135 Foreign Income Verification Statement can bring unexpected and expensive penalties for investors this year. Report the cost (not market value) of offshore funds including foreign bank accounts, and the portion of foreign equity held in brokerage accounts. If you get a T-slip from your broker or a mutual fund company, no further reporting is required.

Real estate held in a foreign country is on the list. So, the big question is this: must your Florida or Arizona winter home be reported? Not unless it is used primarily (50 per cent of the time or more) for business or rental purposes.

Split pensions: You can elect to split private pension benefits from a Registered Pension Plan (at any age) and RRSP (at age 65 or later) with your spouse or common-law spouse. To do so, both spouses must file form T1032 Election to Split Pension Income with their returns. This is really lucrative for some couples when up to half the pension of the higher earner is taxed in the lower earner’s tax bracket and a second $2,000 pension income amount becomes available. If you missed, go back three years to minimize your tax on this income. For the 2010 tax year, file an adjustment by April 30, 2014.

File early: File early to invest your refund, put it into your RRSP if you have room, or pay off bills. No RRSP room? Consider investing in a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) for tax free savings.

File on time, if you owe: It always pays to file an audit-proof return: report all income, including barter and cash transactions, and all the deductions and credits you’re entitled to. Then file on time, especially if you owe money. You’ll save on late filing penalties and interest charges. But, if you can’t pay, arrange to pay the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) over time. Proactivity will save you money: make the call, or have a tax pro do it for you.

2013 Tax facts

  • This year's filing deadline is April 30.
  • The average refund last year was $1,641
  • 76 per cent of Canadians filed an electronic tax return last year.
  • 6 million Canadians filed a paper return, a 30 per cent decline from 2012.
  • The average paper return takes 4 to 6 weeks to process, online returns take about 8 days.
  • The current interest rate charged on unpaid personal taxes is 5 per cent.
  • The interest rate paid on over payments by individuals is 3 per

    • Five things to do in Toronto on the weekend of March 7–9

    In this edition of The Weekender, comic book buffs gather, a classic ballet comes back and three more things to do in Toronto this weekend.

    COMICS

    Comicon Toronto
    Comic book nuts in wacky costumes will swarm the city this weekend to participate in workshops, visit exhibitors, chat with celeb guests like Eliza Dushku and Jon Hader and socialize with fellow fans. Mar. 7–Mar. 9. Weekend pass $45. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., comicontoronto.com

    COMEDY

    Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
    During this ten-day festival, comedy fans can attend hilarious shows by Canadian sketch troupes like The Kids in the Hall and The Irrelevant Show. Aspiring comedians can also participate in workshops, including a sketch-comedy writing course with Kevin McDonald. Until Mar. 16. Four-show pass $50. Various venues, torontosketchfest.com

    CULTURE

    The Forbidden City: Inside the court of China’s emperors
    The ROM’s new exhibition of artifacts from China’s imperial palace opens this weekend. Be the first to scout out rare objects from the personal chambers of 24 ruling emperors (see our preview here). March 8–Sep. 1. $27 (includes general admission). Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, rom.on.ca 

    MUSIC

    Long Winter Year 2 Volume 5
    This last instalment of this year’s Long Winter series should mean spring is around the corner (if only). Cozy up with music from bands and DJs. There will also be karaoke and a variety of film, dance and puppetry for attendees to enjoy. The Galette Girls and Holy Moly Doughnuts will be providing treats. Mar. 7. Pay what you can. The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W., facebook.com

    BALLET

    Swan Lake
    Catch choreographer James Kudelka’s stunning adaption of this classic ballet, which re-opens this weekend for only a week. Mar. 8—Mar. 16. Tickets from $107. The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts,145 Queen St. W., national.ballet.ca

    Tax season: Seven most common taxable benefits explained

    Here are seven things that may form part of your compensation and how they are taxed by the Canada Revenue Agency.

    By now most Canadians should have received their T4 slips (if they get one), which records how much you made and the amount of tax deducted throughout the year.

    If you look closely you may find that the amount you paid taxes on is higher than your annual salary. The reason is that many of the benefits and perks you enjoy are also taxable and your employer must report them to the Canada Revenue Agency. These amounts are in addition to base pay, commissions and any bonuses you earned last year.

    Here are seven things that may form part of your compensation and how they are taxed by the CRA.

    1. Group benefits: Amounts your employer pays for your life, accident and critical illness insurance coverage are taxable benefits. But when the company pays all or part of the cost of your extended health care, dental plan, short-term disability (STD) or long-term disability (LTD) insurance you do not pay tax on the premiums.

    If you collect on your short-term or long-term disability insurance you will pay taxes if any part of the premiums were employer-paid.

    2. Pensions/group RRSPs: Your company’scontributions to your pension plan are not taxable. However, your employer’s contributions to your Group RRSP account are viewed as additional taxable income by CRA. But you can deduct RRSP contributions (up to $23,820 for 2013) so you will not actually have to pay taxes on Group RRSP contributions made by your employer on your behalf.

    3. Service and recognition awards:Cash, gift certificates and things like gifts of stock certificates and gold coins are always taxable benefits. However, you can receive tangible tax-free gifts or awards worth up to $500 annually in some specified circumstances, such as a wedding or outstanding service award.

    In addition, once every five years you can receive a tax-free, non-cash long-service or anniversary award worth $500 or less.

    4. Tuition reimbursement: If you get a scholarship or bursary from your employer it will be a taxable benefit unless you took the program to maintain or upgrade your employment skills. For example, if you need an executive MBA to be promoted, no tax is payable on the value of company-paid tuition.

    Where the company gives you child a scholarship or bursary, generally neither you nor your son or daughter who gets the scholarship has to pay taxes on the amount.

    5. Parking:Employer-provided parking is usually a taxable employee benefit unless you have a disability or the parking spot is provided because you regularly need to drive a car for work.

    If you work in a shopping centre or industrial park where parking is free to employees and customers, a taxable benefit will not be added to your remuneration. Similarly, if there are fewer parking spots than the actual number of employees (scramble parking), free parking is not valued or included in taxable income.

    6. Mobile phone:Charges paid by the company for the business use of your cellphone are not taxable. If your phone is used in part for personal reasons, that portion of the bill should be reported on your T4 as a taxable benefit. However, if the cost of the basic plan has a reasonable fixed cost and your use does not result in charges over the cost of basic service, CRA will not consider any part of the use taxable.

    7. Subsidized meals:If the company cafeteria sells subsidized meals to employees, this will not be considered a taxable benefit as long as employees pay a reasonable amount that covers the cost of food preparation and service.

    More details about the taxation of these and other employee benefits or allowances can be found on the CRA website.

    Market Watch: TorontoMLS Sales Up in February

    March 5, 2014 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher announced that February 2014 home sales reported by Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® were up by 2.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. Total February sales amounted to 5,731 compared to 5,613 last year.

    “Despite the continuation of inclement weather in February, we did see a moderate uptick in sales activity last month. The sales increase was largely driven by resale condominium apartments. New listings of resale condominium apartments were up on a year-over-year basis, giving buyers ample choice. This is in contrast to the listings situation for singles, semis and townhomes, where supply continued to be constrained. Some would-be buyers had difficulty finding a home that met their needs,” said Ms. Usher.

    “If we see renewed growth in listings for low-rise home types, the pace of sales growth will accelerate as we move through the year,” Ms. Usher continued.

    The average selling price for February 2014 sales was up by 8.6 per cent to $553,193, compared to the average of $509,396 reported for February 2013. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was up by 7.3 per cent year-over-year.

    “While the strong price growth experienced over the last year should prompt an improvement in the supply of listings, sellers’ market conditions will continue to prevail this year. Home prices, on average, will trend upwards at a pace well-above the rate of inflation. The impact of strong price growth on affordability will be mitigated by low borrowing costs,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.