TOP TIPS FOR BEING MORE PHOTOGENIC

There are few people who don’t wish they looked better in photographs.  Think of how many times you’ve been excited to get photos back from a great vacation, wedding, or social event only to find yourself cringing when you see the a) bright red pupils, b) crooked smile, c) unflattering outfit or d) unusual expression on your face.  We’ve all been there.  At least we can take solace in the fact that we’ve entered the digital era where we aren’t wasting countless dollars anymore, processing unseen rolls of film only to end up actually liking 1 out of every 24 photos.  Just think of how many polariods we wasted back in the 70′s!  Even with digital photography and our amateur abilities to photoshop the red eyes away (at least a little), there are still many ways we can improve the way we look in photos right from the moment the camera goes “click”.

Sandra Kreuger of Vogue Models & Talent Mgmt.

To help gather the best tips & tricks for making sure you look great in your next photo, we consulted with former model and owner of Vogue Models & Talent Mgmt. in Burlington, Sandra Kreuger.  So whether you’re headed out to a red carpet gala or prom, getting ready to walk a runway, enduring another family dinner where Dad won’t put the camera down, or just enjoying an intimate celebratory moment with friends (perhaps on a sunny patio over the long weekend!), here are some of the top tips for being more photogenic in every photograph:

Classic Red-Eyes

1. Look just slightly to the left or right of the camera’s lens.  This significantly helps reduce the chance of those crazy red-eyes, not to mention minimizing the potential “deer in headlights” look.  Sandra recommends looking somewhere other than at the camera right up until the last moments before the picture is taken, as it creates a fresher expression and far more natural looking gaze.

Hand on Hip + One Foot Forward

2. If you like looking slim (and who doesn’t?), especially for women, then don’t ever stand with your feet side by side.  As any model or celebrity will demonstrate in the tabloids, you must must must stand with one foot slightly in front of the other and angle your body to one side a little.  If you are putting your right foot out further than the left (towards the camera), then you’ll want to angle your body so that your right shoulder is also coming further towards the camera.  Put your hand on your hip and stand up straight with your shoulders back and you’ll see a big difference, guaranteed.  Sandra also points out that wearing black is always a big help when going for a slimmer look, and dressing in clothing that is not too tight is always the best option.

3. Don’t puff up like a peacock.  Men seem to do this quite frequently, and it never ends up working out well.  It comes off as trying-too-hard and unnatural.  Much of it stems from having taken a deep breath and holding it in until the flash has gone off.  Keep breathing normally, and don’t mistake taking a deep breath for the same thing as good posture.  Stand tall and never slouch, but leave your chest where it always is and breath like you always do.  Sandra notes that men often look great in photos when they put one hand (just the tips of their fingers) in their pant pocket and leave their thumb out – a very natural look that creates a relaxed impression and helps avoid looking too “posed”.

4. When you smile, be genuine.  Don’t say “cheese” and for goodness sake, use more than just your mouth!  Think about when you smile in real life – you use your whole face – your eyes widen, your cheeks rise, and you rarely press your teeth together.   Leave a teeny gap between your teeth, and if you like to smile without teeth showing altogether, then leave a teeny space between your lips.  These are things you do naturally when the camera isn’t around, and natural always looks better in photographs.

5. To avoid the dreaded double chin – one of the most common compliants – simply lift your chin up ever-so-slightly.  Be careful not to look up too much and appear that you’re watching a plane overhead!  Another way to ensure you never experience this unflattering scenario is to encourage the photographer to position the camera at eye-level.  Some amateur photogs just love squatting down near the ground and taking big group shots with the sky in the background, but that forces everyone to look down at the camera – never a good thing for avoiding that double-chin.  Get that photographer a nice little stool and you’ll all look fantastic!

If you already love how you look in photographs and have considered a career in modeling, enter Vogue Models & Talent Mgmt.’s Fresh Faces Facebook Contest this month!  If you’re over 18, all you need to do is send a photo and a few details and you could win some great prizes and kickstart your modeling or acting career!  Grab the contest details here and enter before May 30th!

Wishing you all great smiles and flattering poses in all your future photographs!  Hopefully you’ll capture some wonderful memories in the next few days on a much-needed sunny Victoria Day long weekend!

How To Buy The Best Sunglasses for Your Face

Fashion trends come and go, but one of the few constants in our lives is our face shape.  We may gain & lose weight, but the shape still remains: oval, round, heart, or square.  This quality is helpful to be aware of when you’re shopping for sunglasses, as it can get you started in finding the most flattering pair!  It’s not the only factor to consider, mind you, but it’s a great place to start.

The 4 Main Face Shapes

If you’re unsure of your own shape, get a second opinion from that fashionable friend you have who always gives it to you straight.   Or you can compare yourself to some well-known celebrities who exemplify the four shapes.  Sometimes it’s useful to see a real live example before you make your final decision.  Then look in the mirror.  You’ll start to see it.

Demi: Square Face Shape

The Square Face: this face shape would see a similar distance from between the edges of your temples, between your cheekbones, between your jawline, as well as the distance from your hairline down to your chin.  You likely think of yourself as having a squared jawline.  Celebrities with this face shape include Demi Moore and Calista Flockheart.  Round, oval and cats-eye sunglasses work well on this facial shape, and you’ll want to stay away from angular shapes and accents that would draw more attention to the strong angles of your face.   Many men have a strong jawline that leads them to having this face shape, so for men with a square face, you’ll want to take the advice above and do the exact opposite!  Try those rectangular wraparound shades (often referred to as ‘sheilds’), as drawing attention to your square jaw is actually a good thing for men.

Ginnifer: Round Face Shape

The Round Face: measurements from a) your hairline to jaw, and b) the distance between the outside edges of your cheeks would be similar, with a nice round curve connecting all those points.  A round face has fullness without clearly defined cheekbones.   Actress Ginnifer Goodwin is a good example of this, as are celebs like designer Stella McCartney or teen queen Selena Gomez.  Wide, rectangular sunglasses are flattering on a round face as it balances out the strong curves, and you’ll usually want to stay away from round frames that amplify the fullness of your face.

For men with round faces, remember that round glasses on a round face will only make your face look rounder.   Look for boxy or rectangular shapes to add some angles to your face.

JLH: The Heart Shape

Classic Aviator Shades

The Heart Shaped Face: Jennifer Love Hewitt is a great example of the heart shaped face.  Not surprising with the word “Love” in her name, is it?   This face shape is characterized by a wider forehead and cheekbones, when compared to a narrower chin.    Great sunglasses for this shape include the glamorous 1950′s cat-eye style (which has been in-style ever since) as well as round shades.  For men with a heart-shaped face, you’re in luck, as this is the best face shape for the ultra-cool and classic aviator sunglasses.  Think of Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer in Top Gun.  Aviators never, ever go out of style, so it’s absolutely worth investing in a pair since you can bet your last dollar you’ll be wearing them your whole life long.  Even if you don’t have a heart-shaped face, chances are you’ll still look awesome in classic aviators.

JayZ: The Oblong

The Oval or Oblong: a long face with narrow cheeks and chin characterizes this look, and flattering shades are those with wrap sides and those that are considered oversized and dramatic like those classic “Jackie O” shades.  For men with oblong faces, this is when you go for those oversized rock-star shades, as they look best on your face shape.   Jay-Z easily pulls off a pair of retro-inspired RayBans here – notice how the lines across the top of the sunglasses add more width to the top of his face, making his jawline look slimmer.

Specs On Pearl

Specs On Pearl Team

One of the most popular shops in Burlington for the best sunglasses around is Specs on Pearl.  You’ll get exceptional, boutique-style service from owner Beth Norton and her gorgeous and knowledgeable team, including an onsite optometrist available when you need.  Despite being surrounded by hundreds of amazing sunglasses, you never need to worry you’ll be overwhelmed here.  Unlike chain stores where you’re often left on your own to try on every pair in the shop and see which ones you like, Beth’s team will narrow down the selection right away, showing you those that will flatter you.  Their approach to finding you the right sunglasses is based on so much more than face shape.  They can tell as soon as you walk into the store which pairs will suit you best.  Factors they’ll consider before making recommendations are the prominence of your nose and the placement of the bridge, how high your cheekbones are, and how/when/where you intend to wear them.

If you’ll be outside playing water sports or boating, polarized lenses are a must to reduce glare.  If you spend a lot of time outdoors on patios, sipping lattes and surfing your ipad, polarized lenses are not the best choice as they present a unique challenge when viewing digital screens.   The pros at Specs on Pearl can educate you on everything you need to know to find the most flattering – and activity-appropriate – pair for you.  The only hard part will be choosing just one pair, as customers often leave with several!

Chanel

At Specs on Pearl you’ll find luxury brands like David Yurman, Tom Ford, Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Tiffany and Prada along with stylishly sporty and classic lines like Oakley, Switch, Maui Jim and RayBan.  Their spring & summer collections for 2012 include something for everyone’s tastes.

RayBan

If you have high cheekbones and have never thought you looked great in RayBan aviators before, you have to try the RayBan Cockpit model at Specs on Pearl.  It’s slightly modified with less of a dip at the outer edges, and opens up the aviator look to a lot more people.

Thierry Lasry

You could grab hot brand Thierry Lasry – a fave of fashionistas like Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Rihanna.  This take on the classic cat-eye (the “Lively” model) is both unique and head-turning!

Oliver Peoples

Men are loving the sporty look of the Oliver Peoples “Maceo”.  It also has a photochromic lens, meaning that the lenses will appear lighter when you’re indoors, and once you step outside into the sun (and are exposed to UV rays), they’ll quickly darken.

Specs on Pearl also carries a great selection of prescription eyewear, trendy eyewear chains from La Loop to hang your glasses from, and popular Toy Watches.  Located on the corner of Pine and Pearl Streets downtown (the southeast corner of Village Square), pop in from Monday through Saturday or feel free to make a consultation appointment anytime!

Dr. Tracy Brodie and Associates

Across the street you’ll find even more sunglasses to choose from at Dr. Tracy Brodie and Associates.  Designer shades and prescription eyewear abound here too, with full service vision care (exams & diagnostics) as well.  You’ll find top quality, name-brand sunglasses and eyeglasses here (Christian Dior and Fendi, for example) along with excellent service from Dr. Brodie and her team.

Whatever you wear on your unique face shape this summer, be sure those sunglasses have both UVA and UVB protection to keep your eyes healthy and safe!  Cheers to a summer full of sunshine this year!

Don Draper Style

The Burlington Men’s Spring Fashion Guide: It’s finally May, and although we had a bit of a taste of summer back in March, Spring is here to stay this month, boys!  So it’s time to start dressing like it!  In the era of the stylish and classic Don Draper/Jon Hamm of Mad Men, it’s time for everyone to step up their game this year.  ZZ Top said it best guys: “Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man“.

Putting away your bulky winter wardrobe – and making room in your front hall closet for lighter fare – is mandatory in May for the stylish gentleman.  A great way to help your home feel lighter and airier for the warmer weather coming our way is to remove all the bulky items you won’t be needing again until late Fall.  Take away all your coats, scarves and hats, along with all your winter boots & shoes – and your front hall closet will instantly seem twice as big!  Grab a big, sturdy Rubbermaid container and stick it all in the basement for the next 6 months.

As for your clothes closet, it’s time to gently fold away all those warm, wooly sweaters, flannel shirts (yes, we know some of you have them!), and polar fleece half-zips, and bring back the basics: fitted polos, colourful dress shirts, cargo shorts and lightweight khakis.

If you’ve got all those basics, but your closet still seems a little empty and/or stale, we can help you round out your spring & summer wardrobe in style!  Many men get stuck in a fashion rut, wearing the same pair of jeans and the same few button downs every day from May 1st through Labour Day, year after year.  It doesn’t have to be that way though, and it also doesn’t have to be difficult to infuse some fresh style into your wardrobe!  Let’s figure out what are you missing from your man closet this year by exploring Men’s Spring Fashion Trends for 2012.

Despite many men having an inexplicable aversion to colour, it’s time to rethink your love affair with browns, greys, blacks, whites, and navy.  Those are great colours in limited doses, but Spring 2012 is the time to break out the fun (and patio-perfect) colours like crisp green apple, tangerine orange, sky blue and sunny yellow.  Once you get a bit of sun on your face, you’ll be surprised how flattering those colours will look on any complexion.  Plaid multi-coloured shorts have come a long way since the patchwork-quilt looking madras prints of our childhood, and pairing fitted knee-skimming versions with bright white tees and flip flops is a must for a backyard bbq!

Don’t just take our word for it – let’s consult the men’s style bible, Esquire Magazine as they sum up Spring 2012 Men’s Fashion Trends:

1. Casual suits
2. Light Denim
3. Colourful Preppy looks (layers, collars)
4. Jolts of Colour
5. Suede shoes
6. Prints (tribal, aztec, anything!)
7. Patterns (especially on shorts & swimsuits)
8. Cotton Twill pants (a nice change from khakis)
9. Slipper-like slip-on shoes
10. Better Quality Swimsuits (that go from pool to patio)
11. Lived-in looking pieces (like sunworn sweatshirts)
12. The perfect crewneck tee (apparently 7 times more masculine than a v-neck!)
13. The coloured-band watch

All great advice from one of the most trusted resources for stylish men.  Don’t be fooled into thinking you can only achieve stylish greatness in a big metropolitain city like NYC or LA.  Fortunately for you, Downtown Burlington has exactly what you need to elevate your style and freshen up your image this year.  Let’s explore some of the top shops:

Scrivener’s Men’s Apparel: a mecca for stylish men, Scrivener’s carries brands that appeal to all ages, like Hugo Boss, Cole Haan, Seven for All Mankind, Adriano Goldschmied and Tommy Bahama.  You’ll also find exceptional service, and a selection that will take you from the most polished of professional offices, to your weekends in cottage country.  One of their favourite spring trends is this elbow patch blazer from Hugo Boss, paired with some Boss blue suede shoes (Elvis, anyone?), AG jeans and a fabulous dress shirt.  A perfect outfit for dinner at Spencer’s on the Waterfront, overlooking the fabulous view of Lake Ontario.  There are few men who can’t pull off a look like this, and even fewer women who wouldn’t love it!  While you’re there, grab some great swim trunks and be sure to try on a pair of Swim’s lacefront loafers.  Perfect for summer, these shoes are so comfortable and innovative in their design: a waterproof spin on the classic loafer.  Great colours, antibacterial mesh lining, and superior grip on their non-marking soles for slippery docks and boat surfaces!

Bush’s Men’s Wear: With a history that dates back all the way to 1921, Bush’s is one of Burlington’s oldest and most respected stores.  In addition to excellent service, value, and quality, you’ll find brands like Andrew Marc, Coppley, Fidelity and Mirto.  From suits to casual wear, and everything in between, you can’t go wrong shopping at Bush’s.

Jeff’s Guyshop: for the stylish, young, and young-at-heart, Jeff’s Guyshop will wow you with a wall of trendy denim, slim fitting suits, ties, cufflinks and manly accessories.  The best selection of going-out shirts in Burlington, you’ll find tailored and flattering fits by brands like Horst Trend, Matinique, and Michael Kors.  Golfers and polo-shirt-enthusiasts will love the colourful offerings by Penguin, Ping Golf, Ben Sherman and Lacoste.  Jeff’s is always a great place to buy those better quality swim trunks that you would feel just as comfortable wearing in the pool as you would standing at the bar later that night with a great shirt on.  Hip shoes, belts, and tees round out this one-stop-shop of cool!

Don Deez Clothing: Specializing in Men’s Modern Fashion, timeless styles, and quality pieces, Don Deez is relatively new to Burlington, having opened in April of 2010, and the store brings a much needed infusion of urban/street clothing to our downtown core.  Brands like  L-R-G, FIVE FOUR and Monarchy, Mishka, 10 Deep, Rock Smith, Orisue are exclusive to Don Deez, and you’ll also find a great selection of shoes as well.  How awesome is this McQueen walnut wool shoe from CLAE Footwear?  A modern take on the desert boot but with modern materials, great detail, and a rubber sole.  Perfect with denim, and with a name like McQueen, it can’t help but be cool!

And don’t forget if you want to finish your look off with a new haircut – or manscape that back or chest a little before you hit any hot tubs – head over to New York New York Men’s Grooming Lounge and they’ll fix you up right!   They’ve also got a Signature Shave Line with a revolutionary lather that could change the way you shave forever! You will experience fewer irritations and dryness after shaving due to their unique formula which includes olive oil, allantoin, aloe, and vitamin E. Come in and experience it during a hot towel shave!

Have a great Spring gentlemen!  May it be your most stylish one yet!

Planning for Retirement is one of the most important financial tasks we do in our lives, and it is never to early – or too late – to start.

One of the most common causes of stress in our lives is money.  Many Canadians lose sleep worrying about how they will afford their own retirement, pay for their kids’ educations, and ultimately one day take care of those they leave behind.  With ever-changing political policies impacting the Canadian Pension Plan, unexpected economic circumstances altering Employer-based Pensions, and unpredictable life events impacting us in ways we may not be planning for, it’s essential to have a clear and flexible plan we can count on.

There are several key areas to consider when planning for retirement:

INVESTMENTS: this is such a complex area, with so many moving parts, that professional advice is truly essential.  If you have children, considering RESPs for their post-secondary education is a must.  For yourself, factoring in pensions along with RRSPs – and then estimating their future value – can be a complicated exercise.  What standard of living do you expect to want when you retire?  How often do you plan on traveling?  Eating out?  Supporting others?  How much would you like to leave for your children?  Estimating your future needs is no easy task, but it can be done.  With the constantly fluctuating stock market, making investments all on your own is a daunting and often risky task.  Getting professional advice can help you balance your risk tolerance with your goals for growth and income generation.  Advisors also have the expertise and experience to ensure you are aware of every advantage available, such as properly making use of the Tax Free Savings Account, and considering all the current and future tax implications of the decisions you’re making.

There are many excellent choices in Downtown Burlington when it comes to Investment planning for retirement, including banks with experienced in-house advisors, private investment firms, and firms with the full range of financial planning services (investments, insurance, mortgage planning, and more).  Visit the Burlington Downtown Business Association’s Directory of Financial Services and you’ll be surprised how many excellent options there are right in our downtown core.

INSURANCE: the first question is do you have any?  The second question is whether it is sufficient to provide for those you love.  Factors to consider include taking care of outstanding debt (like mortgages or lines of credit), maintaining a current style of living (with regular expenses like hydro or child care), education expenses for your children, health care expenses you may not see coming, ultimately paying for a funeral should the need arise, and more.  Do you know the difference between Life Insurance, Group Insurance (through your employer), Disability, Annuities, Critical Illness, Accident & Sickness, and Long-Term Care?

For example, Annuities are an insurance product that provides a regular stream of payments, typically made to a retiree, at predetermined invervals (such as monthly) which guards against the possibility of running out of capital before you planned.  They help offset the worry many people have of outliving their savings, which is a real concern for many Canadians, especially with life expectancies being longer than ever before.

To fully understand the type of insurance coverage you need, it is important to sit down with an experienced insurance partner and discuss the finer details of your personal situation.

Visit the Directory of Life Insurance Experts in Downtown Burlington to find the right partner for you and your family.

WILLS: having a will is step one.  If you’ve already got that, great, but you’re still not done yet.  Having a will that is updated to reflect any changes that have happened in your life is step two.  Marital status can change.  More children or grandchildren may be born.  People you’ve included may have passed away or moved out of your life for various reasons.  You may have recently inherited some family heirlooms you weren’t expecting.  It is important to revisit your will on a regular basis and make sure it reflects your current wishes, and your current situation.  Leaving your loved ones to sort out those details (possibly in court) is not the ideal situation, so take control of the process by meeting with your lawyer whenever circumstances change.  If you die without a will, the province in which you live will decide how to distribute your estate, and if you have minor children, the Provincial Government (through Public Trustee) will decide who will raise and care for them.  Don’t leave such big decisions up to chance.  A will should be a priority for any Canadian.

In recently speaking with Robert Martin of Martin & Hillyer, Lakeshore Law Chambers, it is clear that you can make your will as specific as you like, with the freedom to choose who your executor should be, who the guardian(s) would be for any minor children, how your assets should be distributed, and whether you want to stagger the payments to any children (to ensure, for example, that they don’t receive a large lump sum before they are mature enough to manage it wisely).  He also points out that you can and should choose backup choices for decisions like who your executor or guardians will be, should anything unfortunate and unexpected happen to your original choice.  They will also keep signed copies of your will on hand for safe keeping.

Downtown Burlington has a wealth of legal expertise who can help you with writing your will.  Visit the Burlington Downtown Business Association’s Directory of Lawyers for the full list.

Financial planning can seem daunting at first, but when you find the right professional partner to guide you through the process – ensuring you are doing the right things for you and your loved ones – you’ll feel much better about your financial future, no matter what age or financial circumstance you find yourself in now.   And you’ll definitely sleep better too!

When To Dry Clean + The Stain Removal Guide

We’ve all done it…spilled something horrible on a favourite article of clothing.  We’re hosting a dinner party and the delicious glass of Cabernet in our hand gets jostled just enough to land a few drops on our crisp white shirt or blouse.  We gasp in horror at this tragic mistake, and then we go on to make an immediate second one when we change into something else so we can throw it in the wash right away.  Next time, we need to take a deep breath and avoid running to the washing machine.

Most people don’t realize that almost any stain can be removed if you a) treat it quickly & properly and b) have a little patience.  Here’s your How To Guide for caring for all your favourite clothes, and what to do when you’re faced with those inevitable stains & mishaps.

Step One: Get the item into cold water ASAP.  Run cold water through the stain (position the article so that water flow is coming from behind the stain, not from on top of it).  Spills like red wine respond well to simply flushing with water or club soda.

Step Two: Take a clean absorbent cloth and blot the stain.  Don’t rub – blot.  Allow the cloth to absorb some of the stain up into it through that blotting process.  In the case of red wine, if you still see a little colour left, sprinkle some salt on the stain and allow it to soak up what is left.

Step Three: Avoid chlorine bleach.  Your mom and June Cleaver will likely tell you different, but it’s a harsh chemical that many delicate and modern fabrics do not react well to.  Bleach weakens most fibers, so they are left prone to holes & tears.   There is also the danger of it turning whites a yellowish hue.  With so many new stain fighting and brightening products on the market, including oxygen-based bleaches (better), the old chlorine-based bleach should really be a last resort.

You already know the strategy for red wine, so here are a few more tips for common spills:

Ink: Rubbing alcohol is a great solution for pen, whether it’s on your clothes or even upholstery.  Again, blotting is the key to your strategy here, as is a clean, absorbent cloth.  Oh, and patience is a must!  Don’t expect instant success, but with a little time and a lot of blotting, success will come.

Blood: Soaking the item in cold, salted water is a proven strategy in this case.  Use one cup of salt for every 2 quarts of water and soak for at least 30 minutes.   Launder afterwards in cold water.

Yellow Sweat Stains: Underarm stains are caused by the reaction between anti-perspirant ingredients and the salt in your sweat. It is the aluminum in most anti-perspirants that causes the build-up and yellowing on fabrics.  Avoiding them means choosing brands with low or no aluminum, but if you can’t avoid that, getting the stains out can be done with 1 part oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) and 1 part ammonia.  Just rub that solution into the stain for 30 seconds before you launder.

Oils (like olive oil & salad dressing): coat with baking soda or cornstarch, let sit for 30 minutes, and brush off.  Repeat until it’s gone.  You can also use a grease-fighting dish detergent (like Dawn) and rub it gently into the stain, letting it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and launder as usual.

Allowing the above items to air dry after you’ve treated and washed them is also a great way to help the process.  This lets you see if the stain is really gone before adding the heat of a dryer (which would bake the stain right in if it’s not truly gone yet).  For whites, letting items dry outdoors in bright sunshine with the stain’s original location facing the sun is also an excellent way to get them back to their brightest whitest selves again!

When To Dry Clean

If you’re wondering about the general laundering of your favourite fine fabrics like wool, cashmere, silk and the like, the question of whether to dry clean or not is easily answered.  Just read the tag!  If the tag on your clothes says Dry Clean – then Believe The Tag!  Most clothing designers and manufacturers know that dry cleaning is not on anyone’s wish list of clothing qualities since it means spending more money in the long run, so it is hard to imagine they’re adding that “Dry Clean Only” label to help their own sales or line the pockets of their neighborhood dry cleaners.

Before you head off to the Dry Cleaner, there’s a few strategies you can use to ensure your item comes back properly cleaned and in excellent condition, and your finest items last as long as possible.  We talked to local Dry Cleaning experts from Spotless Dry Cleaners (1477 Lakeshore Road, Unit A) for all the “dirt“:

Pre-treating before the Dry Cleaner: Spotless suggests not pre-treating or rubbing any stains prior to coming to the dry cleaner, and points out that stains are harder to remove the longer they remain on the fabric.  Clearly the sooner you can get to the dry cleaner, the better!

If you’re looking for deals & discounts, Spotless has a page on their website where you can find current coupons to print out and use for your next visit.  They also offer alterations, and even have a valet service if you’re too busy to bring in/pick up your clothes.

While many people have environmental concerns about the dry cleaning process, it’s good to know that Spotless has a recycling program where they recycle all soaps and solvents, actually cleaning the soaps after they are used!  Add to this the hangar and packaging recycling program that they encourage customers to participate in, and you’re left with a clearly environmentally-conscious business.

A little further north, at 587 Brant Street (in the No Frills plaza with free parking), you’ll also find Brant Cleaners, offering wash & fold laundering services, as well as dry cleaning and alterations.

Ideally you’ll never need the stain-fighting information above, but in reality we all know accidents happen.  So the next time you’re faced with a spill or mishap, remember to take a deep breath, treat it before laundering, avoid bleach when you can, and by all means – believe that Dry Clean Only tag!

Throughout the entire high school experience, few nights are more exciting than Prom!  Not only is it a time to make amazing memories with friends, it’s also a time to reflect on all the ups and downs you faced together over the years, and look forward to the exciting adventures that lay ahead. Don’t forget about all those photos that are going to end up on twitter & facebook – you definitely want to look your best before you’re immortalized forever on social media.

The Classic Pre-Prom Limo Photo: Always a Must

There are SO many decisions to make leading up to such a special occasion: a) who to go with? b) how to get there? and c) which afterparty to go to?

All valid questions, but let’s be honest, for most girls there are three far more pressing concerns: the dress, the hair, and the makeup!  Fortunately, Downtown Burlington can help you create a look that stays true to your own unique personality, and makes you feel your absolute best!

Let’s start with 2012 Prom Dresses.  Aside from your wedding day, there is unlikely to be another night you can dress up this fabulously.  Why risk showing up in the same dress as someone else by shopping at the mall?  The boutiques of Downtown Btown are run by stylish and passionate fashionistas, flying off to NYC each season to hand-pick the best gowns & cocktail dresses just for you – ones you’ll never find at the mall.  They’ll also take the time to ensure – through their own special control systems – that you don’t have to worry about anyone else at your school showing up in the same dress.  Oh, and if you’re looking for honest advice in the fitting rooms, you’re guaranteed to get it from the awesome staff in Downtown Burlington. No one will sell you a dress that’s too tight or unflattering here.

Here’s Where To Get Your Prom Dresses In Burlington:

Mirella herself with her Favourite Prom Dress of 2012 - one she finds flattering on all body types

Mirella's Shoe Selection

Mirella’s: hard to believe this amazing Store is celebrating their 20th year in business!  Run by the impeccably fashionable Mirella Marsilio, you’ll find Prom Dresses from $99 and brands like Alfred Sung, Dessy, Lela Rose and Bill Levkoff.  Metallic and sequin platform pumps and stunning clutches are here to round out your look.  This store really has one of the biggest selections of dress shoes in all of Burlington.  Onsite tailoring will ensure a perfect and flattering fit for instock dresses, and if you are thinking of ordering something original in a custom size or colour, make sure you visit Mirella’s right away so that you can get it made & delivered in time for Prom!  Who needs the stress of waiting until the last minute?

Prom Dresses at Joelle's

Joelle’s: be wowed by trendy brands like Laundry by Shelli Segal, Tracy Reese, MICHAEL Michael Kors, French Connection, Ted Baker, Milly and Trina Turk.   You’ll find full length and cocktail dress options surrounded by sparkling shoes, glittering necklaces, and some of the most memorable staff in town.  Joelle – and her equally style-savvy buying-partner-in-crime Alex – are always on top of the latest trends thanks to their travels to the shows in NYC, so you’re guaranteed to see the most current and amazing dresses when you’re in this fabulous shop!

Evening wear at Organza Lines

Organza Lines: recently relocated to their new location at 427 Brant Street, you'll find fun & frilly cocktail dresses in every colour of the rainbow, in classic silhouettes and with glittering embellishments.  With lines like Cartise, Dolchazza, Franco Mirabelli, Illriya's, and La Voila, you're sure to find something stunning for any occasion.

Glittering gold and sequin Prom Dresses in The Oyster's ever-changing windows

The Oyster: a truly amazing selection of formal dresses and an attentive staff to help you find the perfect one for your big night!  This shop always has a unique variety of evening gowns and cocktail dresses that are absolutely perfect for Prom.  These are the kind of dresses that always turn heads and have people asking "Where did you get that?"  Their additional selection of necklaces, jewellery and shoes make it a truly one-stop-shop for the big night.

Style Stalker at Doll Haus

The Doll Haus Co. Boutique: if you've got confidence and attitude, and don't like to go with the crowd, check out the unique options at Doll Haus and you'll definitely wow the crowd at Prom!  Brands like Style Stalker will help you make a statement and completely avoid looking like anyone else on the dance floor!  Totally rocker chic!

While all those Stores have great jewellery as well, there are even more options for adding some bling to your look at Ohh!! Beautiful Things, Fairhome, and J.J.Orr.  You can literally spend the entire day walking around a few downtown streets and get everything you need in one trip!

Prom Shoes, Glittering Silver Clutch and Necklace from Pearl Street Fine Shoes

One must not forget the importance of a great shoe to complete the outfit, and you can grab the latest trends from places like Pearl Street Fine Shoes. You'll really get boutique-style service there from a focused and attentive staff, and you'll find great brands like Nina, Guess and Ivanka Trump.

Or try some vintage pre-loved selections at amazing prices by browsing at My Girlfriend's Closet.

If you need a strapless bra, as many dresses demand, or any special lingerie, including slimming shapewear, you can get some of the best around at Bocana Boutique or The Black Pearl.

As for makeup, treat yourself to the best by booking a luxurious Prom Makeup Application at Saltridges and pop in ahead of time for some of Jessica Biel's favourite Cor Silver Soap to ensure your complexion is flawless for the big day.  Feel good about buying from the large selection of vegan and vegetarian products at Celestial Beauty in Village Square, another great option for makeup applications and prom-essential services like manicures and pedicures.

The classic Chignon updo

And how to wear your hair?  Updo, sleek pony, classic chignon, professional extensions...you can get them all at Keora Salon while you sip complementary coffees and enjoy a view of the lake.  You might even like to splurge on some killer semi-permanent eyelash extensions and avoid the risk of your mascara running when your BFF gives you one of those thank-you-hugs for all the years of friendship you've endured together.  Ask for Ashley and you're sure to get lashes even J.Lo would envy!

New York New York Men's Grooming Lounge

For the Guys out there who want to look their best, New York New York Men's Grooming Lounge is an excellent choice for that manly experience you just can't get anywhere else. From manscaping to hair treatments and beyond, this place will have any guy looking prom-ready in no time!

Suits, Blazers, Dress Shirts & Ties at Jeff's Guy Shop

Guys who don't want to show up in a classic tux can break the mould with stylish choices from Scrivener's (where onsite tailors will help ensure a perfect fit) and brands like Cole Haan and BOSS Hugo Boss, or Jeff's Guy Shop, where fitted Matinique dress shirts and tailored blazers in hip patterns mingle with slim fitting Horst suits, great ties, and funky cufflinks.

If you want a map of some of the above locations, here's the handiest one around - showing you just how close all these amazing shops are.  All the shops mentioned in this article fit within this little map!  You can really make a day of it, and grab your girlfriends, sister or mom, get all your prom shopping done and then stop for lunch or dinner in one of Downtown's great restaurants!

2012 is the year to Just Say No to shopping for Prom at the mall.  Make sure you look great and don't have to worry about wearing the same thing as anyone else, by choosing something fabulously original from the amazing boutiques of Downtown Burlington.  That way the only thing you'll have to worry about is how you're going to get home!

Congrats Grads of 2012!  Have a great Prom!

When Can I Start Spring Planting? - It’s one of the most common questions heard around garden centers this time of year.  With the wild ride of temperatures we’ve been seeing over the past month, the question is being asked earlier than ever.

Pansies from Centro Garden

As eager as we may be to welcome spring with beautiful flowers in our gardens and planters, the weather in Southern Ontario requires us to be cautious.  No matter how warm and sunny the days can be, remember that nightfall usually brings with it drastic temperature drops and the possibility of frost.  Getting a head start on your planting requires thoughtfulness to ensure you are picking plants that can withstand the elements.

Did you know the average date of the last spring frost in the golden horseshoe area (cities bordering on Lake Ontario like Burlington, Oakville, Toronto and Hamilton) is April 30th?  We have seen frost as late as June in some years!  Professional gardeners will tell you that early plantings are usually no further ahead by June than those that have been delayed until after frost season is over, so don’t feel rushed.  If you are eager to get started anyway, keep in mind that covering your plants on frost-likely nights can help (especially for flowers out in the open and unprotected by your house) and a light watering in the mornings can help mitigate frost damage because wet leaves help insulate the plants.

Another popular question is What is the Difference Between Annuals and Perennials?  The easy answer is that annuals last one season, typically have a lot of colour, and flower for a long period of time – often for months.  You’ll need to replace them every year.  Perennials, on the other hand, will live for many years, with roots that help them come back to life each year after winter. Perennials usually only flower for a short part of the season and then display their green leaves the rest of the time.

Centro Garden's Courtyard

Centro Garden on Brant Street has already opened their outdoor courtyard and it is overflowing with hardy plants and gorgeous outdoor furniture and accessories.  Their expert team can help you revive your planters so they don’t have to stay empty until the May long weekend when most people start their gardening in earnest.  If you previously bought pots and vessels at Centro Garden, don’t forget they’ll refill them and restyle them for just the cost of materials (a handy discount)!  And if you load up with too much to carry, they offer complimentary delivery downtown and within the area.

Have a chat with Centro Garden’s owner and longtime gardening expert Jason Pepetone, and you’ll get all the expertise you need to understand What you can Plant in April in Southern Ontario.  There are tons of great options that will help you create a garden brimming with colour and depth or fill those empty planters at your front door.  Speaking of covering those plants on frosty nights, Jason says you can use something as simple as wet newspaper to insulate sensitive plants if you don’t have burlap or frost cloth on hand.  As for those April-friendly flowers…

Pansies: these vibrant and colourful flowers can tolerate night temperatures as low as 4 degrees, though they do best when daytime temps start averaging above 15 on a regular basis.  They love lots of sun, but you can plant them in partial shade if need be.

Tulips: always a favourite and with the seemingly endless variety of colours, you can really create something stunning.  Like pansies, they can even handle a light snowfall.

Ranunculus, like Buttercups, are great for planting right now as they like at least a month of cooler spring weather to sprout and grow before they bloom.

Hydrangeas, Snapdragons and Ferns are other hardy options to plant in April.

Centro Garden Spring Planter

Filling your planter in stages is a great way to avoid weather problems without leaving your planters empty.  Start out early with hardy additions like the ones mentioned above, perhaps adding a bit of height with some decorative pussy willows, birch branches or boxwood clippings, then in late May when the weather is consistently warmer, add in vibrant and more sensitive flowers with more colour.

As for those bulbs that you want to see blooming in summer, now is the time to start planting things like dahlias and gladiolus.  Jason notes that ideally you should get these started indoors in pots, then move them outside once the frost season has passed.  Other flowers that really flourish in Southern Ontario include Sweet Pea, Alyssum, and Dusty Miller.

Organic Herbs from Centro Garden

If you love filling pots and planters with fragrant edibles, Centro has a huge selection of organic herbs and can help you avoid those pesky trips to the grocery store when you need a pinch of fresh basil or some sprigs of vibrant parsley.  Herbs always make for decorative planters with their varying heights and textures.

If you’re in the mood to spend some of the Easter Long Weekend doing a little planting, Centro Garden is open the entire weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Monday!

Speaking of herbs, what a great reminder that flowers are not the only way to fill a garden.

If you’re working on a vegetable garden, good for you!  With food prices continuing to skyrocket, it’s both a healthy and money-saving option to grow your own produce.  Frost-hardy options that can be planted in late April include: asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, lettuce, onions, radishes, rhubarb, peas, spinach, parsnips, and early potatoes.

Wait until May for things like beets, carrots, cauliflower, celery, late potatoes, early sweet corn, Snap beans, sweet corn, and tomatoes. 

Late May and early June are your safest bets for planting lima beans, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, pumpkins, squash, and watermelons.  You can get a wealth of information from Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture if you’re looking for more.

Whatever you fancy in your garden, here’s hoping the time outdoors brings you the common benefits of relaxation and increased energy, as well as some beautiful results!

EASTER ENTERTAINING: Spring brings with it a multitude of blessings, not the least of which is Easter: a time to celebrate with loved ones for a myriad of reasons.  Timed perfectly with the first buds on the trees and the first blooms in the garden, Easter weekend is traditionally a time to entertain, cook, bake and decorate – something many of us have not done since Christmas, making it especially welcome after a chilly and bleak winter.

Preparing for Easter can be a little daunting once we realize it’s time to find that roasting pan again (where did we put it on December 26th?), decorate the mantle, plan an egg hunt for the kids and coordinate the guest list for a family dinner.  With the help of some local experts, we’re here to help you get started!

Easter Dinner is often a large meal, with the usual mains, appetizers, sides, and desserts.  If you’re feeling like you want to up your game in the kitchen, check out a hands-on cooking class at Stir Kitchen Store.  Even if you don’t have time to attend a class before Easter, you can be sure you’ll be ready for your next big family dinner.

Fresh Olive Oil & glass bottles from Stir Kitchen Store

While you’re there, if you’re heading out to someone else’s home for Easter Dinner this year, why not forgo the usual bottle-of-wine-as-hostess-gift and arrive with some gourmet olive oil, poured fresh from Stir Kitchen Store’s in-house supply into a beautiful glass bottle?

Pair it with a vibrant Italian balsamic vinegar from Modena and get both for just $30.  You can’t get more impressive and original than that.  Besides, have you ever met a dinner host who doesn’t love a few new gourmet bottles for their pantry?

If you’re looking for some inspired recipes, check out Red Canoe Bistro Chef Tobias Pohl-Weary’s ever-changing online recipe book for an Easter-perfect starter like Roast Sweet Yam Bisque.  Of course if you don’t feel like cooking at all, you can just book a table and let Chef Pohl-Weary wow you with seasonal menus full of delicious ingredients from Canadian farmers.  Working with prestigious venues like The King Edward Hotel and Eigensinn Farm helps explain why the awards for this Chef and his restaurant keep coming.  Not only that, you’ll get the added bonus of avoiding that entire doing-the-dishes scene after your meal like you’d have to endure at home.

Casteleyn Easter Egg

As for wowing the kids in your life, grab some gourmet chocolates from Casteleyn Belgian Chocolatiers – like this giant Easter Egg filled with 20 assorted chocolates – and you’re guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth in the room!  They’ve also got bunnies and eggs in various sizes to fit any appetite and budget.  Casteleyn is owned by brothers Mark and Luk Casteleyn (Belgian, of course) who make everything fresh and preservative-free, using only fine, natural ingredients like Belgian chocolate, cream, butter, coffee, fruits and European liquors.

Fairhome Easter Friends

Splurge a little on keepsakes like stuffed animals with bunny-ears at Fairhome and you’re guaranteed to see smiling little faces across any age group!

Chocolate Covered Easter Oreos

Keepsakes, tableware, decorative wreaths, flower arrangements, hostess gifts, and menu ideas truly abound in Downtown Burlington.  The festive selection at places like Fairhome, Ohh!! Beautiful Things, Classique Tableware & Gifts and many more shops will get you ready in no time!  Did you know Ohh!! Beautiful Things now has these chocolate-covered Oreo cookies decorated as Easter Eggs?  Brilliant.

Lakeview Pastry and Chocolates

Lakeview Pastry and Chocolates is brimming with chocolate Easter bunnies in every shape and size, in milk chocolate or white chocolate, covered in jellybeans, whatever your heart desires!

Blossoms of Burlington arrangement

It’s hard to imagine Easter without beautiful floral arrangements on the table.  How many of us show up to our mother’s house, year after year, with a fragrant bouquet of lilies in our arms?  Downtown Burlington has a wealth of creative and passionate florists to help you in this regard, from Brant Florist to Centro Garden to Blossoms of Burlington and Burlington Blooms.  Few downtown areas have so much expertise within just a few blocks.

Carrot Cupcakes from Sweetness Bakery

And if you don’t feel like making dessert, you can’t go wrong with some festive cupcakes from Sweetness Bakery at the south end of Brant Street.  Grab a carrot-topped delicacy for the little bunnies in your life, or an assortment of tantalizing flavours like Cotton Candy, Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Truffle or Creamsicle.  Perfectly portioned desserts for everyone!

No matter what your plans are for Easter, here’s wishing you a wonderful and festive weekend filled with friends, family, and countless blessings!

By now you’ve likely filed your taxes for the 2011 calendar year and are looking forward to a sizable return.  Perhaps you’re still knee-deep in receipts and T4′s, trying to avoid writing a cheque.  Either way, you’ll soon be glad to say farewell to another pile of paperwork and get back to enjoying the spring-like weather.

Before you throw all those papers in a drawer and hope to avoid thinking about them ever again (what are the odds of an audit, really?), let’s get some details from the government (via the Canada Revenue Agency) and talk to some local professionals about what is really important to keep, how long you need to keep it for, and tips for avoiding those dreaded audits.

The CRA website suggests you keep your tax documents and all supporting receipts and paperwork for 6 years (from the end of the last tax year to which they relate) in case you are selected for a “review”.  They advise that you keep all books and records that relate to your income, expenses, and charitable donations including source documents that support those areas.  Source documents include items like receipts, credit card slips, work orders, cheques, bank statements, tax returns, and related correspondence.

Easy rule-of-thumb: If it relates to your tax return in any way – keep it.

As for where to keep it, be advised that all your records must be kept at your residence in Canada and must, upon request, be made available to officers of the CRA for audit purposes at all reasonable times. Books and records kept outside Canada and accessed electronically from Canada are not considered to be in Canada, so if you have a secondary home in another country, be sure to keep that in mind. 

Are you responsible for keeping back-up records?  You bet.  Otherwise you’ll be spending a lot of time tracking down new copies of everything you lost.

Speaking with local experts in the fields of financial planning, accounting and tax law, there are many great tips to be gleaned.

Peter Andreana, CFP at Continuum II

Peter Andreana, Certified Financial Planner, of the Burlington financial planning firm Continuum II offers some sage advice when tax time rolls around.  For example, he notes that if you are expecting a large tax return, that situation often indicates there is a big opportunity for you to plan better throughout the year so that your money stays in your hands the entire time, rather than the Government’s.   As for avoiding potential problems with your return, he reminds people that “just because you claimed something in previous years, doesn’t mean it was right”, so a professional opinion is often very advantageous.  For those with their own business, Peter emphasizes that the little details are extremely important.  For example, mere credit card slips for meals you are writing off as business expenses are truly “not enough”, and more documentation is absolutely necessary to justify that type of item.  The CRA requires a receipt with information such as the number of diners, what was ordered, and the entire itemized bill.  Peter and his colleagues at Continuum II are always available to guide individuals and business owners with this type of expert advice as well as comprehensive, holistic financial plans.

Richard Krummenacher, CA, CPA, CFP of Deeth & Co.

If you’re wondering how Canada Revenue selects people for audits/reviews, or the less-scary but more common “request for additional information“, Richard Krummenacher of Deeth & Co. Chartered Accountants provides some valuable insights into commonly “flagged” occurrences that often result in such outcomes:

1) Huge overall changes from one year’s returns to the next showing big swings in consistency that are not clearly explained.

2) Significant differences in expenditures related to charitable contributions or medical expenses when compared to those you typically file.

3) Your household income being reported significantly lower than those of the neighbours on your street, prompting reasonable questions around how you can afford to live there given the usual similarities in property values on the same street.

While you are advised to keep 6 years worth of documentation, audits do not always relate to that entire time frame, and are usually focused on the years in question.  With that said, if long term patterns of error come up, the CRA may request documentation from even further back when appropriate if they need to.

Richard offers some solid advice when thinking about taxes:

Be Proactive: Voluntarily Comply.  Errors and omission on prior returns can be corrected up to 10 years back and they will charge a penalty of 50% on gross negligence.  Most penalties are 10%.  Do not forget they charge interest on all monies owing, just like the banks and credit card companies do.

Keep the Auto log.  No auto log = no deduction.  If you choose not to keep an Auto log the CRA can choose not to accept your auto expense.  Keep it simple and consider writing down in your day timer the number of KM you drove for business each day, then add them up once a year and you’re basically done!

Be Careful Claiming the Home Office.  You need to meet a few tests.  Is it your chief place of business?  Do you meet clients there?  Know that by the time you calculate the portion of space related to business this is not as big a deduction as most people think.

DON’T FILE LATE!  Even if you do not have the money, file on time to avoid the penalty for late filing. Yes you will pay interest on monies owing but you would anyways.  If you do incur penalties for late filing, put your hand up to your head in an “L” shape for “ Late” filer (or, if you like, you can call it something else).

Investors: Don’t Miss Carrying Charges.  Simple things like a safety deposit box, investment counsel fees and interest expense to earn investment income are all valid.

Claim the Disability Amount.  If you are not sure if you qualify, Google “ T2201”  for the disability tax credit and read it.  5 minutes of your time reading about this could be worth a $1,000+ per year if you qualify.

Missed Capital Losses.  Yes, you lost monies on the stock market, but keep track of them as you can either carry them back against prior year capital gains or carry them forward and apply to future gains when the markets return.

Richard also provides a helpful link to Deeth & Co.’s wealth of excellent financial tools to help you with topics like choosing between TFSA’s and RRSPs, buying vs. leasing your next car, renting vs. buying a home, and more.

Clearly, there is a wealth of helpful financial information in Downtown Burlington’s professional community of Accountants and Financial Planners.  Check out the full list of downtown businesses available to help you make the most of your every dollar, especially during tax time.

Home Staging is the art of preparing your home for sale in a way that shows it to prospective buyers in the best light possible.  If you want to sell at the highest price that the market will bear, you need to do more than just clean and tidy up your house.  You need to stage it.

Fairhome owner and designer, Janet Sachade

Designers like Janet Sachade, owner of one of Downtown Burlington’s favourite shops, Fairhome, are full of ideas to help you get started.  Whether it’s using a gorgeous tablecloth as a throw to spruce up a tired sofa, or adding affordable ready-made custom draperies to your windows, there is a lengthy list of things you can do to “wow” buyers.

Need proof? Local Real Estate experts, Linda Maguire of Royal LePage and Linda Davies of Davies Condos, are both adamant that staging consistently increases a home’s selling price and decreases the time a home is on the market.   Not only does that mean more money for the seller, it also means considerably less stress.   The quicker a home sells, the faster a seller can be done with open houses, agent showings, and worrying about closing dates.

Beautiful planters from Centro Garden

Both women insist that decluttering is the single most important thing you can do.  Take out all the knickknacks, remove extra or oversized furniture, and whittle those closets down to the bare minimum.  Closet and storage space are huge selling features in any home, so make sure yours don't look like they are bursting at the seams!   You want your home to seem as spacious as possible.  At the same time, add in elegant, fresh and neutral accessories like stylish plants or candles.

If you need an industry pro, the cost of a staging consultation is typically around $200, where a professional home stager can provide you with a customized list of great tips and suggestions to get your home in tip-top shape for selling.  Most suggestions are cosmetic, easy and affordable, so don't worry that an expensive kitchen renovation will show up on the list.  Even full staging services like bringing in rental furniture and accessories for the whole house - which can cost around $2,000 for a 2,000 sq. ft. home - can easily raise your selling price by tens of thousands of dollars and pay for itself many times over.

Artistic oversized wall clock in neutral shades from Ohh!! Beautiful Things

Linda Davies feels that a fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour is usually the most cost-effective and impactful change you can make.  You may love the bold red feature wall in your living room, but most buyers will not.  They need to be able to easily envision themselves living there, and if your personality is evident all over the house, in shocking paint colours or loud furniture, it will be very difficult for buyers to imagine living there.  She also mentions that while artwork (even in the form of oversized clocks) is always helpful to have on the walls, personal photos are not.  People need to feel they are buying their new home - not your old home.  Lighting is an essential element in staging your home effectively as well, so add brighter wattage and additional lamps whenever you can.  Davies works with a local stager she feels is the best in the business, so feel free to call her anytime and ask for details.  She advises doing the staging before you even list your property, so that every potential buyer gets to see your home in the best light, and every offer reflects the highest value possible.

Swatches for Custom Ready-Made Draperies available at Fairhome

Linda Maguire agrees on the fresh coat of neutral paint, and mentions a wealth of easy and affordable tips for staging the inside of your home effectively, all of which are ideal since you can take them with you when you go, therefore feeling like less of an expense.  Some of her top indoor staging tips include things like: Area Rugs, Mirrors (always helpful in making rooms appear larger), Accent Pillows and Throws (that's where colour comes into play), Draperies in neutral colours, and bathrooms that are brimming with fresh white towels, white shower curtains and white accessories - the more your bathroom looks like a spa, the better!

Stunning mirrors from In House, Burlington

Area Rug Swatches at Fairhome

Soft and luxurious towels found at The Feathered Bed

Outside, Linda recommends making sure your front door is as welcoming as possible, with a seasonally appropriate wreath, some planters or urns, and a great welcome mat.  Make sure your mailbox and house numbers are clean and rust-free, and your lawn has been tidied up too.

Modern mailboxes available at In House

As Linda Maguire says, staging is about creating a feeling of warmth.  She has her own go-to staging expert as well, so call her anytime for more info.

Now that you know what to do, the only thing left is to find the right places to get what you need.  Fortunately, Downtown Burlington has you covered when you need to stage your home both beautifully and cost-effectively.

In House and In House Etc..., both on John Street, are brimming with rugs, art, mirrors and accessories to suit any space.

Stylish Seasonal Easter Wreath from Ohh!! Beautiful Things

Ohh!! Beautiful Things on Brant Street always has beautiful home accessories for every room to make any space warm and inviting, not to mention accent furniture, chandeliers, and unique artwork for your walls or front door.

Gorgeous bed linens on display at The Feathered Bed

The Feathered Bed can help dress your bathrooms and bedrooms like a five star resort, making them look lush, serene and relaxing.  They also create custom draperies, and carry many beautiful lamps.

Fairhome, recently renovated and now with additional hours on Mondays, is a great option for items like ready-made draperies and gorgeous lamps, mirrors, artwork and area rugs.

For gorgeous planters and urns, you can't beat the artistic work of newly opened Centro Garden on Brant Street.

Visit the directory of countless other retailers with beautiful home decor items in Downtown Burlington as well.

And if you are ready to think about selling, keep in mind the many excellent Real Estate Agencies in Downtown Burlington:

Carriage Gate Homes

Chettle House Realty Inc.

Davies Condos

Hearth & Home Realty Inc. Brokerage

J.M. Edwards Associates Inc.

Prudential By the Lake Realty

Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd.

Downtown Burlington has all the Real Estate expertise you need to guide you in staging your home for resale, as well as all the products you need to turn those recommendations into reality.  If you're ready to sell, seriously consider staging to ensure you get the best price for your home.  Here's wishing you good luck on your next big move!