Wanda Holmes

If you're warming up to the idea of a new look in your home, but aren't sure how to use color to create a good mood, consider using a fall or pre-holiday redecoration to get ready for next year. Erika Woelfel, director of color at Behr Paints shares the Color Trends:

Seaside harmony - What says "summer" better than a trip to the beach? While winter's lower temperatures mean you probably won't want to get sand between your toes or dip them into the ocean, you can still enjoy the warmth and relaxation of the seashore. Simply choose colors that echo the natural hues of sun, surf and sand. Cool blue-greens soothe the senses, while gentle peach and soft white evoke the warmth of the sand and revive the spirit. Create the effect with an inspiring wall color such as Behr's Ocean Liner T14-1, South Peach T14-2, Miami Weiss T14-3 (a creamy shell-like hue), Edgewater T14-4 or Sky Blue T14-5. Then, extend the theme throughout your decor with accessories and lighting that celebrate the look of a chic modern resort.

Urban alternative - If modern decor appeals to you but you think it might underscore the chill of winter, try an urban alternative look. The style celebrates the warmer aspects of modern decor, emphasizing wood, metal and stone tones. This natural evolution of industrial modern decor creates an effect that feels more modest, relaxed and attainable. A palette of rich browns and soft grays creates this look with Behr wall paints Boho T14-6 (a rich olive tone), grays like Offbeat T14-7 and Film Fest T14-8, the reddish brown of Hipsterfication T14-9 and the espresso-like warmth of Coffee Bar T14-10.

Grand reign - From the mansions of the "Great Gatsby" to the magnificent homes of Newport, R.I., Americans continue to be fascinated with grand residences. These opulent homes carry us to another place and time, when the Vanderbilts, Carnegies and Rockefellers set the standard for luxury and elegance with their fantastic homes. You can recreate some of this effect with opulent detail, color and ornamentation. This style works for either richly masculine rooms with Cloisonne Blue T14-14, the deep eggplant purple of Imperial Jewel T14-11 or the more neutral Coronation T14-12 from Behr, or delicately feminine ones with the neutral Grand Soiree T14-13 and dreamy Minuet Rose T14-15. Whatever style you choose, these colors will create a sense of romance and mystery.

Natural avocation - One way to while away the cold hours of winter is with a hobby, and what better hobby for winter than a little nature-watching? Explore the natural disciplines of botany, geology and astronomy with color by choosing tones that call to mind flora, fauna and celestial bodies. Behr's deeply green Arboretum T14-16, vibrant New Shoot T14-18 and rich red Amaryllis T14-20 wall colors bring the vibrancy of the natural world into your home. And for hues that are the perfect backdrop for winter hobbying, choose the restfully golden Sunday Afternoon T14-19 or the neutral Archivist T14-17.

Color's effect on emotion and energy has been well-documented, and what better time to give your mood a boost than in the fall and winter months? When natural changes in the environment weigh down your mood, you can bolster your mental state - and create a more pleasing, warmer and welcoming environment - by strategic use of color.

Visit-Behr.com for inspiration and how-to information and Behr's blog colorfullybehr.com to learn more about color trends.

It's easier than you think.

Celebrating that special event doesn't have to break the bank or leave you the not-so-proud owner of items you'll have no use for once the party is over. There is another solution: rent what you need. You'll wow your guests and save money in the process.

Not sure what can be rented? Here are some ideas to create a party beyond your guests' wildest expectations.

Create the perfect environment

Many party planners feel constrained by the materials they already own when hosting a party, but the truth is renting opportunities allow you to create an atmosphere limited only by your imagination. If you're looking to hold your party outside, rent a tent. Your area rental business will have tents available in all shapes, sizes and styles, allowing you to pick the perfect one for your event. Heating and cooling units are also available so your guests will always be comfortable, regardless of weather conditions.

You'll also be able to rent tables and chairs, saving you from having to try and borrow these items or, worse yet, buying more for this one occasion. It creates a more relaxing atmosphere for your guests and they'll be able to sit and rest rather than having to stand up throughout the event.

For a more formal affair, your local rental store can also provide linens, table service and stemware to complete your look. This will keep you from having to use disposables or from washing dishes when the event is finished, allowing you to relax and enjoy your company.

Wow them with food

If you're in charge of planning the party, you've probably been nervously pondering what you will do about the food. No other party aspect requires so much work, and often you still find yourself eating leftovers for weeks. But rental stores offer several options that will help you wow your guests and indulge them at the same time.

Keeping foods the perfect temperature is always a challenge when hosting an event, but there are some great options available for rent. An ice table is a great way to keep things chilled in the summer heat, preventing undesirable illness. For hot foods, chafers will keep main dishes hot for hours so guests can eat at their leisure.

When it comes to that main course, grilling allows you to feed a lot of people with minimal prep work. But what if you don't have a grill? You can always rent one. Many rental facilities offer grills of varying sizes, allowing you the chance to pick the right grill for your event.

Consider renting a popcorn machine for your party. People get hungry at different times and a popcorn machine allows your guests to serve themselves and munch on this delicious snack while they wait for the main course.

Activities for kids of any age

Whether it's a birthday party, a family reunion or some other gathering, odds are children will be at your party. If your venue lacks the appropriate activities to entertain kids for the long haul, consult your area rental facility for options.

An inflatable bounce house will keep your youngest guests entertained for hours while obstacle courses or laser tag are great options for your teenage guests. And the biggest kids at your event will enjoy a casino night with the games you rented.

If you're expecting a large number of children at that family reunion, you may also consider renting a helium tank and providing balloons for your younger guests. The kids will be entertained, and you'll save yourself from being out of breath all afternoon.

Chances are you know what that next once-in-a-lifetime event in your family is. The only question is, how will you celebrate it? Consult your local rental facility or visit RentalHQ.com for more ideas. You'll quickly learn that the only limit to planning your next party is your imagination.

For the last 30 years, R-2000 has been recognized as the best in class energy efficient label and one of the most comprehensive environmental standards for new housing construction. Today, as energy requirements are being directly incorporated into provincial and national building codes, the standard has been updated.
 

With the publication of the R-2000 Standard, Canada is reaching the next level for leading-edge, energy-efficient new home construction. The new Standard increases energy efficiency by 50% over the one set in 2005.
 

The renewal of the R-2000 Standard was led by Natural Resources Canada in conjunction with a multi-stakeholder committee that helped develop a comprehensive set of recommendations that will be implemented in two phases.
 

Phase I has already begun with the new Standard becoming mandatory on July 1, 2012. In addition to the more stringent energy efficiency requirements, an R-2000 house will include greater water conservation measures, as well as several other updates that will ensure the home remains at the leading edge of new home construction.
 

Phase II will see the publication of the fully revised R-2000 Standard in 2014 which will serve as transition for the next generation EnerGuide rating system, which is also in its development stage.

R-2000 is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada.

More information is available online at www.r2000.nrcan.gc.ca.

(NC) Ask any Canadian homeowner to name their biggest investment - their real pride and joy - and most likely they'll say it's their home. It's their sanctuary with the pristine lawn, beautiful garden, finished basement, and renovated kitchen. When such a paradise exists, why would anyone want to risk losing it? But what if disaster struck and your place was severely damaged by fire or some other catastrophe. Are you certain that your insurance policy would cover the rebuilding of your house and the replacement of all the contents? Unfortunately, this answer often comes too late that the homeowner isn't adequately covered. The property insurance experts from Desjardins Insurance have some answers and suggestions to help you.

• First, be prepared. The first three days after an emergency are the most critical. So consider creating a 72-hour emergency kit. Typically it will include 3 days' worth of water for each person in your family, imperishable food stuffs, candles, flashlight and batteries, and a first-aid kit. Next, take an inventory of your belongings. Be thorough because it's easy to underestimate the total value of your possessions. Include furniture, jewellery, electronics such as computer equipment, game systems and television, along with clothes, shoes, boots, pots, pans, other personal and household items. Take particular note of expensive items such as antique furniture or other valuables.
• Read your policy carefully. It's important to remember that your home insurance will not cover every type of major loss. The typical home insurance policy will cover a fire loss, as well as damage caused by lightning, windstorms, hailstorms and even tornadoes. Standard homeowners' policies in Canada exclude flood damage. However, policies generally cover other kinds of water damage, for example from a sewer backup or a burst pipe in your house. Desjardins Insurance is one of the few companies that also cover damage caused by water seepage through basement walls or floors.

Your policy may be worth more than your home. Many people believe that if their home is burnt to the ground, they would automatically receive full market value for their house. This isn't true. The value of a home insurance policy is based on the cost to rebuild the house, not to sell it on the market. The actual replacement cost could end up being either greater or less than the market value. Replacement costs will include the material (lumber, roofing shingles, siding material, carpet, drywall, etc.), and the labor and architectural services. There are also additional costs associated with the demolition and clean-up of the site before construction, which can be expensive in a crowded city neighbourhood. The location of your home could be a factor too. For example if you're located in a remote or rural area, travelling expenses and supply transportation need to be taken into consideration.

For more information about your insurance policy and the replacement value of your home, speak to your insurance provider. Or for immediate answers, call or visit Desjardins Insurance at www.desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com.