SmartHomeOwners

Babies and toddlers are curious creatures. Something captures their attention, a stuffed animal, a shiny object or a noisy rattle, and they're going after it.

Just make sure they aren't chasing a teddy bear on top of a dresser, the blade of a knife or a pill bottle.

Babyproofing is key to keeping children safe at home.

``Parents should realize that injuries are the leading cause of death in children over one year of age,'' and many are preventable, says Dr. Garry Gardner, chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention. The most common injuries are burns, cuts, bruises, and head and other injuries from falls, he says.

For generations, new parents made homes baby-ready themselves. These days, you can do it yourself, hire a professional or both. It's part of a larger trend toward more watchful, safety-conscious parenting.

``Using professionals saves time and gives peace of mind, but diligent parents are capable of babyproofing their own homes,'' says Shannon Choe, who offers home safety assessments as founder of Premier Baby Concierge in Berwyn, Pa. She says her clients are about evenly split.

New parents have some time before they need to babyproof, since newborns aren't going anywhere just yet. But time passes quickly. Experts recommend staying ahead of a baby's development by a milestone; for instance, blocking the top and bottom of the stairs before a child's on the move.

Eventually you'll need to lock up cleaning products, medicine and plastic bags, clear the house of choking and strangulation hazards (including the cords of drapes and blinds) and block access to dangerous areas, among other things.

Furniture or TVs that could topple should be anchored to the walls. Toddlers might use dresser drawers ``like stepladders,'' and an accident can happen in an instant, says Colleen Driscoll, executive director of the International Association for Child Safety, a professional organization for baby- and child-proofers that was founded in 1997.

Proofers may be called for a top-to-bottom job or just to install a single gate, she says.

``Most of our clients aren't very comfortable drilling holes in their own home and they usually have us do that,'' says proofer Jack Smith, founder of Dallas-area InfantHouse. ``Some of the lighter installation they can elect to do themselves.''

The babyproofing industry began about 20 years ago. Driscoll's association has about 110 childproofers as members in the United States, she says. It is launching a certification program, with the first certifications expected in 2011.

Professionals are familiar with safety products and can determine which ones are right for a home, saving parents multiple trips to the store, Driscoll says. Pros also can teach parents about dangers they might not think of.

``Children grow and develop very quickly, and sometimes parents are caught off guard in what they're capable of doing,'' Driscoll says. ``We want them to understand and be ahead of their children before they find the trouble.''

The cost of professional babyproofing varies. Smith charges US$100 for a room-by-room consultation and product recommendation, which clients receive whether they hire the company to do the installation or not.

To babyproof an entire 371 square metre (4,000-square-foot) house, the average size of his clients' homes, he says, he charges US$3,000 to US$4,000, while a single-storey ranch smaller than 186 square metres (2,000 square feet) would cost around US$800. The prices include products and installation.

To take on the task yourself, experts recommend the age-old trick of dropping to all fours and looking for hazards from a child's vantage. To learn what you're looking for, check online sources such as the academy's healthychildren.org, babyproofing checklists and do-it-yourself books.

``People say it's very easy if you have the right tools,'' says Debra Holtzman, author of ``The Safe Baby'' (Sentient Publications, revised edition 2009). ``It is overwhelming if you have no guidance.''

Her book offers chapters on nursery, kitchen and bathroom safety, and preventing falls. No matter who does the safety improvements, she urges parents to pay attention.

``If someone else does it for you and you're not involved, you may not have skills to do it later on,'' she said.

Parents should research products, and choose those certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association, Holtzman says.

Avoiding products recalled by the government is also important. Check recalls.gov or sign up on the site to be notified when recalls are issued, Holtzman says. And send back product registration cards to be notified of company recalls.

Once the home is proofed, don't put your feet up for long. Safety experts suggest reassessing periodically because the hazards change as a child grows.

``It's wonderful to watch them grow and learn ... but their own natural curiosity can do them in if you're not setting some boundaries,'' says Choe.

And gates, latches and locks are no substitute for a parent's watchful eye. As Holtzman cautions: ``No child safety device is 100 per cent perfect.''

Maybe it's because of cost, space or just overall effort, but many people prefer hosting a smaller New Year's Eve get-together rather than a grand affair. Still, they want to send off the old year in memorable style.

E-vites are a free, convenient way to get the word out. Web invitation sites let you track RSVPs, and provide a map with directions for your guests.

A traditional paper invite, however, is a nice touch. Make sure you're clear about details, including what will be served _ is it dinner or just appetizers? Dress up or just show up?

Matching your invitation to your party's style scheme, elegant, freewheeling or nostalgic cosy _ will set the tone. The invitation's a talisman that helps guests prepare for the evening.

Style at Home magazine's editor Christine O'Hanlon suggests picking a colour scheme for the party and sticking to it. Ikea's blue and white star dish and paper goods collection would suit a dressy or casual affair. Ballard Designs has some fun safari-print serving ware. Pier 1's colourful, striped glassware and candlesticks have a festive vibe.

Canadian interior designer Candice Olson, who is working on a new HGTV behind-the-design series, ``Candice Tells All,'' shares some easy, creative party ideas:

Switch it up: Turn the Christmas tree into a ``New Year's Eve Tree'' by removing the Santa and reindeer ornaments and replacing them with party favours, hats, streamers and colourful beads.

Time to party: ``Utilize a countdown theme, and play with numbers as decorating ideas,'' says Olson. ``Apply stick-on numbers to glasses (it's a good way to know whose glass is whose), serve number-cut cookies, and put adhesive numbers on pillar candles. Use an inexpensive roll of white art paper, cut to fit the length of your table. Stencil or paint oversize numbers down the centre for an eye-catching table display.'' She suggests setting out a group of vintage alarm clocks on a small table, all set to ring at midnight.

Keep things rolling: Small gatherings are more susceptible to lulls, so have fun things to do. A great icebreaking idea, says Olson, is to create your own low-tech photo booth with a digital camera and nearby printer, or instant cam. Set out a selection of fun props and accessories. Snap two of everything, so guests have a souvenir and you can create a post-party album.

O'Hanlon suggests icebreakers like trivia, word and board games. Add a little social competitiveness by offering a small prize, perhaps a DVD, or a gourmet gift card.

Use a side table, console or desk as a bar cart, unless you already have one. Keep libations simple, with a signature cocktail and a couple of drink pitchers, including alcohol-free.

Set up food buffet-style, with appetizer-size nibblers. A round table or two offers a great spot for noshers to gather if you prefer sitting to standing around.

To finish the evening, set out bowls of colourful candies, mints, cookies and mini desserts, along with little take-out containers. Guests can bring home a bit more party flavour to enjoy before the resolutions kick in on Jan. 1.

Perhaps starting a business of your own has always been a dream of yours.  Maybe you're imagining all the perks of owning a business and the large amount of money you'll be making.  If this sounds like you...think twice.  Not to discourage you from starting a business, but it takes more than frilly dreams to get a business going and to become successful.  Here are some realistic considerations to help you pull your business dreams from the clouds and put them to practical use.

Investment First - Profit Later!

Before you start counting (and spending) all the profit you'll make with your new endeavor, it's wise to first focus on investment.  Every successful company starts with an investment of time, money and sweat.  You'll likely be investing your own money at the start, which can drain your personal finances in a hurry.  Create a business plan based on the start-up investment necessary and how long you project it will be before you can enjoy a return.  Have a back-up plan in case it takes a little longer than expected.  You will likely have to work another job while building your business unless your financial position enables you to concentrate wholly on the new business.  Either way, be prepared for a waiting period before your company turns a profit.

Marketing, a Priority

With any business, customers and profits will be non-existent without marketing.  Many business owners spend countless hours worrying about store layout or website design, inventory and hiring employees.  But many lack adequate marketing skills to get their business going full circle.  Marketing must be a priority, and it must be ongoing if you want your business to succeed.  If you're too busy for marketing, then hire a marketing expert to help you.  It will be well worth the money, and you'll be able to concentrate on other important aspects of the business.

Taxes

Don't be caught by surprise when tax season rolls around.  Paying taxes for a business is somewhat different than paying taxes when you work for someone else.  Depending on the country and area you live in, you may be required to pay self employment tax as well as greater percentages based on your business profits.  There are also business write-offs to help offset the tax burden.  Taxes are a necessity for everyone, but they can be tricky when you own a business.  Be smart, and hire an experienced accountant early on that can help you in this area.

Hiring Employees?

If your business requires the hiring of employees, then don't expect a bed of roses.  It might sound easy, but until you've actually managed employees of your own, you don't really know what all this task involves.  Are you prepared to reprimand someone if they do wrong?  Are you prepared to train employees thoroughly?  Could you fire someone if need be?  Are you prepared to enforce the rules even if it means losing a friend?  These are all part of the employment process for every company, no matter how big or small.

Other areas of consideration include saving money for times of slow business, handling customer complaints, acquiring appropriate licensing, and offering a guarantee on products/services.

These are just a few areas of starting a business that should cause you to think twice.  Weigh the pros and cons and do plenty of research on the type of business you plan to start.  Thinking it over carefully will either confirm that a business is right for you or keep you from diving in before you're ready.

Five years ago, the ideal master bathroom was supposed to be large and lavish, with a huge Jacuzzi tub and a long marble vanity.

Times have changed, of course, and so have budgets. ``Everyone's scaling down in every single room,'' says Sabrina Soto, a real estate agent and host of HGTV's ``Real Estate Intervention'' and ``Get It Sold.''

And yet, Soto says, people still want their bathroom to be something special. It's where their day begins and ends, ``so it's really a destination for them within their homes.''

How can you create a fabulous bathroom without overspending?

Soto, decordemon.com founder Brian Patrick Flynn and Los Angeles-based interior designer Betsy Burnham weigh in on the best ways to create an extraordinary, truly personalized bathroom:

CUSTOM CREATIONS

Burnham often makes medicine cabinets for clients. It's surprisingly simple: ``The contractor or builder creates a box for me, and I pick a wonderful frame at my framer and have a mirror made. We use a big hinge on the side that opens 180 degrees.''

``In a bathroom, you want to use every bit of space you have for storage,'' she says. ``So it's a great way to have an original piece over your sink'' and also create ample shelf space.

Rather than buying a complete sink and vanity, Flynn suggests choosing a cabinet or dresser at a flea market and then having a sink fitted into the top. Choose a cabinet with legs if you want the illusion of more floor space.

You'll just need a carpenter to cut holes in the top and back. Then a plumber can attach the sink and install the whole thing.

Vessel sinks, where the bowl rests above the vanity, can work well with this kind of design. They come in a huge array of colours and materials. But Burnham cautions that they are very trendy right now and might feel dated as time passes.

THE RIGHT MATERIALS

Consider the overall design of your home as you choose the permanent elements of the bathroom.

``A more classic bath in a classic, traditional house really does ask for ceramic tile'' in crisp white or a soft cream, Burnham says. ``If you've got a more modern house, and you're putting in metal windows, then I love stone'' for floors, countertops and even walls.

Other possibilities: ``People are now going into the eco-friendly options, like bamboos or recycled glass,'' says Soto. ``And recycled tires and paper are being used for countertops _ it's really durable.''

If the walls are a solid, neutral colour, Burnham likes to go ``a bit crazier on the floors, like a black and white pattern or a stone mosaic.''

A wooden bathroom floor is also a possibility. The wood can be treated to resist moisture and can be painted any colour.

What about wallpaper? It's hugely popular right now, though it's more common in small powder rooms than in master baths.

``Can you do wallpaper in a bath you use daily? Yes,'' says Burnham. ``My wallpaper guy told me abut this wonderful finish-coat that your painter can paint over the wallpaper'' to protect it from moisture over time.

If you don't want to commit to an entire room of wallpaper, Soto suggests papering one wall in a large, bold pattern.

CHOOSING HUES

Like Burnham, Flynn favours baths done in all white or black and white. These choices ``never get old,'' he says, ``and then any single colour you mix in will go great.''

Flynn also likes white in contrast with charcoal or black/brown (which he describes as ``basically a mix of super-dark brown and charcoal, richer than black and not as harsh'').

You can bring in a bold accent colour by painting one wall, or just through towels and accessories. In choosing accent colours, Soto says, pick something that works well with the decor of the master bedroom.

Also, Flynn says, consider how a given colour makes you look in the bathroom light. This is a place where ``you spend a lot of time looking at yourself,'' he says, and if the walls give off a greenish hue you may not feel very attractive first thing in the morning.

Another colour tip, this one from Soto: Use darker shades of grout, because they're easier to keep looking clean.

POPULAR SPLURGES

``Instead of a big Jacuzzi tub, people want a soaking tub. Or they're getting rid of the tub altogether,'' says Soto. ``People would rather have a huge shower that maybe has two showerheads, or do the steam-room shower.''

Rain and waterfall showerheads come in many styles, and some units have sprays that run head-to-toe.

If you want a tub, consider a freestanding model. They are modern versions of old clawfoot tubs, but with a base that goes all the way to the floor. They feel more like a distinctive piece of furniture than a built-in part of the bathroom.

Heated floors are a splurge that some people consider well worth it. Heated towel racks, which are less expensive, offer some of the same luxury. And some of Burnham's clients say they must have a TV in the bathrooom for watching news in the morning.

One last fabulous touch? Flynn loves using a chandelier in place of a basic ceiling light.

OTTAWA, October 8, 2010 — The seasonally adjusted annual rate¹ of housing starts was 186,400 units in September, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This is down from 189,300 units in August.

“Housing starts moved lower in September due to a decrease in urban single starts in Atlantic Canada and Ontario,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. “Multiple starts were unchanged.”

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased by 3.3 per cent to 163,200 units in September. Urban multiple starts were unchanged in September at 99,600 units, while single urban starts moved lower by 8.1 per cent to 63,600 units.

September’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased by 23.7 per cent in Atlantic Canada and by 10.9 per cent in Ontario. Urban starts increased by 6.4 per cent in British Columbia, by 3.9 per cent in Quebec and by 0.6 per cent in the Prairie Region.

Rural starts² were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 23,200 units in September.

As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making informed decisions.

For more information, call 1-800-668-2642.

¹ All starts figures in this release, other than actual starts, are seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) — that is, monthly figures adjusted to remove normal seasonal variation and multiplied by 12 to reflect annual levels. By removing seasonal ups and downs, seasonal adjustment makes it possible to highlight the fundamental trends of a series. Reporting monthly figures at annual rates indicates the annual level of starts that would be obtained if the monthly pace was maintained for 12 months. This facilitates comparison of the current pace of activity to annual forecasts as well as to historical annual levels.

² CMHC estimates the level of starts in centres with a population of less than 10,000 for each of the three months of the quarter, at the beginning of each quarter. During the last month of the quarter, CMHC conducts the survey in these centres and revises the estimate.