Leaves are falling and guests are on the way. Is your house ready? We’ll help you prepare your home for the holiday and cooler weather with easy-to-do tips.

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Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for kids. These safety tips for parents, children and homeowners will help keep everyone safe and happy this Halloween.

For parents:

• Do not use masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction), non-toxic make-up kit instead.
• Make or buy costumes in light-coloured material.
• Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can better see your child.
• Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes.
• Dress your child for the weather. Add layers if needed.
• Put your child’s name, address and phone number on his costume.
• Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends. 
• Keep in mind that gum and hard candy can pose a choking risk for young children.
• Remove make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

Click here to read tips for children going without an adult, for children and youth, and for home owners.

As seen on globalnews.ca

The biggest money mistakes Canadians make

When it comes to debt and spending, there are mistakes and then there are Mistakes. Small luxury purchases won’t necessarily derail your long-term financial goals, but consistently living beyond your means, amassing consumer and credit card debt, and not saving for retirement could cripple someone for years to come.

This year, the debt-to-income ratio in Canada clocked in at 1.63. Meaning for every $1 earned, Canadians owed banks, credit-card companies, auto dealerships and other lenders $1.63 in debt.

In some ways, the recession was almost too short, said Scott Hannah, CEO of the Credit Counselling Society (CCS), “because it didn’t really change our behaviours.”

To read more, click here.

As seen on globalnews.ca

As seen in www.simcoe.com

New fall menu at Michael and Marion’s in Barrie

Kent Smith’s business philosophy is simple. “I always say yes,” confesses the proprietor of Michael and Marion’s and the Side Door in downtown Barrie.

The positive motto has served the 53-year-old restaurateur well.

A fixture on the local culinary scene for 29 years, Smith is known for extending warm hospitality to every diner that walks through the door of his casual and warm eatery.

“I love owning a restaurant and interacting with my customers,” he admits.

His success stems from his hands-on ownership style. “I’m pretty much here every day, whether it’s for three hours or 18 hours," he said. “I’m the banker, human resources manager, public relations and marketing team, and culinary consultant.”

To read the full article, please click here.

As seen in www.simcoe.com

To make reservations at Michael and Marion's, please click here.

September is the month for organization and order. With school in session and fall just around the corner, get the most out of this month with our helpful tips for your home and garden.

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Between preparing for school and enjoying the last days of summer, use these smart tips to prepare your house and garden for the end of summery days and the beginning of a crisp fall.

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Between marathon TV viewing, long showers, and what seems like daily laundry loads, homes can suck energy, adding dollars to your monthly bill. Learn tips for battling electricity guzzlers.

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Maintain your home-sweet-home with our simple daily tips to make it shine, indoors and out.

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