Driving with dogs: Tips to keep everyone in the car safe

Distracted driving is a growing concern and a loose pet in the car certainly numbers among the potential hazards that can take your eyes - and mind - off the road and lead to accidents. While older drivers might not be as likely to be distracted by texting or smartphone surfing, even those who have spent many years navigating the roads need to honestly assess how having a pet in the car can divert their attention away from the road.



To stay safe on the road when Fido is with you, remember these tips:



* Don't allow pets in the front seats. Having a pet sit on your lap is obviously distracting, but if he's in the front passenger seat, the problem can be just as bad. In the front seats, your pet is more likely to be within your line of sight and obstruct your view of the road. An unrestrained dog in the front seats could also be easily injured if you have to slam on the brakes or swerve, or are hit from behind. The force with which airbags deploy also poses a safety hazard for dogs in the front seat - if you're in an accident and they inflate and hit your dog, he could easily sustain an injury.



* Create separation. There are a variety of pet barriers on the market that can keep your pet from moving between the front and back seats of your car. Installing a barrier will help keep your pet out of your way and diminish concerns about him being propelled forward in case you have to make a sudden stop.



* Restrain your pet. There are a number of options for pet restraints in your vehicle. Pet seatbelts and car seats will help keep a dog safely in place. Keeping a crate in the car is also a good option. Make sure it's secured and large enough so that he can stand up, turn around and comfortably sit or lay down. Add a soft pad in the bottom of the crate and it might just become your pet's favorite new way to travel.



* Brush up on your driving skills. Today's driving environment is probably very different than it was when you first got your license. A refresher course, like those offered by AARP Driver Safety, is an ideal way to ensure that your skills are up to date. Brushing up on defensive driving techniques and the essential rules of the road will help keep everyone in your car safe - and you may even qualify for a multi-year automobile insurance discount from your insurance company (check with your agent for details). AARP Driver Safety courses are available in a classroom or online setting, in both English and Spanish.



Pets are important members of the family, so it's only right that drivers consider their safety, just as they would for any other passenger. For more safe driving tips and information about AARP Driver Safety, visit www.aarp.org/drive.

Trulia, AddressReport spotlighting local amenities with Yelp integration

Free API is yet another tool portals and brokerages can use to enhance their websites

Trulia and AddressReport are taking Yelp up on its offer of a free application programming interface (API) that serves up data on restaurants, bars, grocery stores, boutiques, massage therapists and other businesses in Yelp’s database.

Integration with Yelp provides house hunters using Trulia and AddressReport with neighborhood insights, allowing them to access ratings, reviews, and information on nearby businesses and services.

Yelp’s API adds to the growing number of neighborhood information tools that portals and brokerages can use to enhance their search platforms.

Startups like StreetAdvisor, NeighborhoodScout and Walk Score supply neighborhood info ranging from neighborhood reviews to demographic stats and commute information.

Trulia integrates Yelp data in both its website and mobile app. In the desktop version of its site, for example, Trulia highlights the location of businesses with Yelp profiles when users select a business category under the “amenities” tab from in the site’s map view.

Trulia integrates Yelp data into the map view of its real estate search results page.

Trulia users can filter the Yelp profiles in eight categories including restaurants, grocery stores, nightlife, cafes, shopping, and arts and entertainment.

On AddressReport, which serves up information on specific addresses, users see Yelp information displayed under the “Life” tab. The site presents photos and reviews of businesses and services near the address in seven categories.

Yelp says that over 100,000 developers have registered to use its free API.

Tricks to take care of clogged drains

(BPT) - "The bathroom sink drain is clogged!"



Those words strike fear and loathing into a homeowner's heart. Nothing can ruin a pleasant day faster than the thought of shutting down a crucial room in your home until the plumber arrives. But it's a fact of home-owning life: At some point, the drains in your home will become clogged. The question is, will you be caught by surprise, or be prepared and possibly avoid the problem altogether?



A little preventive maintenance now can go a long way when it comes to drain-related problems. Plan ahead, and you'll avoid the all-too-common clogged drain frustrations: an out-of-order bathroom, waiting for the plumber, a bathroom floor covered in water, etc. Believe it or not, all these nightmares can be prevented with a little planning.



What's the key to preventing a clogged drain? Choosing the best preventative products that allow you to live your life while minimizing those pesky drain issues for you. Choose wisely, and these products will save you from frustration, save you money and save you valuable time. Choose wisely, create a bathroom with a difference, and enjoy a carefree, clog-free life.



Here are few easy ways to avoid clogged drains:



For the kitchen disposal, you can run hot or cold water through the drain. Cold water run liberally through the sink will loosen stuck items, while hot water will help get rid of food residue. Instead of pouring hot grease down the kitchen drain, pour it into another container and then throw it away. Don't forget to clean the drain pieces regularly to keep them in good working order. If long hair or pet hair is a problem, consider strainers over every drain in the house.



While many companies offer drain-clearing products, we recently came across one with a completely different approach to addressing the issue. PF Waterworks focuses on eliminating the problem with a line of clog-prevention products that reduce the build-up of clogs and the need for drain cleaning products, thereby reducing frustration and saving time and money for the homeowners. For more information, visit www.pfwaterworks.com.



PF Waterworks will be introducing a new product: the FlushSAVER Dual Flush Converter reduces water usage by 30 percent or more, even in already low-flow toilets. A unique patented design converts single-flush toilets to dual-flush with easy installation, no tank removal and no tools required. The FlushSAVER could save up to 15,000 gallons of water per year for a family of four.



You can free yourself from the frustration of clogged drain hassles, expensive plumber visits and schedule-shattering plumbing issues by choosing and installing safe, effective products designed to keep money in your pocket, minimize household downtime and make your life much, much easier.

10 questions for the builder of your energy efficient home

(NC)-Do you want to know if your new home is energy-efficient? Here are some questions to ask your builder:

1. How do I know your homes are truly energy efficient?

2. Since all builders must meet the requirements of the building code, what makes your homes different from other builders' homes?

3. How do your building techniques reflect the latest developments in housing technology?

4. What steps do you take to improve the energy efficiency of the homes you build?

5. Can you predict what my energy costs will be?

6. What makes your homes more environmentally friendly than others?

7. Do you participate in the Government's energy efficiency initiatives for new homes?

8. Do you affix a government-backed energy label to your home?

9. Do independent, licensed professionals inspect the energy efficiency of your homes?

10. Do you build homes that receive an EnerGuide rating of 83 or higher or its equivalent?

If you aren't getting the answers you want, then you better think twice about your builder.



iChooseJared.com

Easy tips for healthy eating

(NC)-Losing or maintaining weight can be a challenge and often confusing, especially when it comes to determining what exactly we should eat as part of a proper diet. To make things easier, registered dietitian Stefanie Senior has teamed-up with glacéau vitaminwater zero to share her tips on eating healthy.

Hydration: do we need eight cups, two liters or three gallons of fluid per day? While proper fluid intake is based on personal health and activity, Senior does suggest that we drink fluids throughout the day to replenish liquids lost. All fluids, except for alcohol count, however, when on a diet, it is best to reach for low / no calorie options where available. Senior suggests alternating plain water with sparkling water, no calorie beverages like glacéau vitaminwater zero and herbal teas.

Fibre: found in bran products, fruits and vegetables, fibre is a key component of a healthy diet. To avoid overwhelming your system, men should aim for 38 grams / per day while women should aim for 25 grams. Fibre should be consumed at equal intervals throughout the day and be sure to drink fluids to help pass through the digestive system. Senior regularly recommends a high fibre diet to her clients as it can help control weight, as well as manage cholesterol and blood pressure.

Carbohydrates: Registered dietitian Stefanie Senior says that 45 - 65% of one's diet should come from carbohydrates. Those trying to lose weight should stay in the lower range while very active people or athletes should aim for the higher end. Look for low glycemic index carbohydrates including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Don't eliminate carbohydrates as they are the body and brain's preferred source of energy and without them, the body will break down protein, slowing your metabolism.

Visit vitaminwatercanada.ca for additional healthy eating tips from registered dietitian Stefanie Senior.

Paint trends: Paint and primer in one makes life easier for DIYs

The latest innovations in paint products are transforming the do-it-yourself painting experience for countless homeowners across the country. For many, priming surfaces before their chosen paint color application is now a thing of the past.

Manufacturers are always looking for solutions to help consumers complete their paint projects quickly and easily with long-lasting results. The latest innovation that is a big hit with homeowners is Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior, a high-performance product that allows consumers to paint, prime and protect all in one with a new advanced stain-blocking formula. It's the ideal product for everyday use or even for tough, challenging conditions.

"The new formula is an example of our commitment to deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, giving do-it-yourselfers the power to achieve their vision in every room," said Aimee Desrosiers, Director of Marketing at Behr Paints.

Formulated for the homeowner looking to paint and protect with the added benefit of keeping stains from bleeding through, it is targeted for high-traffic spaces such as family rooms, kids' rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways. Other added benefits include a shorter dry time and increased film hardness offering even better durability and a long-lasting appearance.

In addition, the paint is a low VOC, 100 percent acrylic formula with a mildew resistant finish for increased ease-of-mind when painting. "It offers excellent adhesion and ensures outstanding stain, scuff and mar resistance for long-lasting colors and easy-to-clean surfaces," explained Desrosiers.



For more information on the latest paint trends and a robust how-to section visit www.behr.com.

Making a difference with socially responsible investing

If you regularly watch the evening news, you likely have seen stories about social activism and massive protests in support of issues like the environment. Not only are they trying to communicate directly with the public, they are also asking some corporations to change. These are noble causes that sometimes involve a level of personal risk. Another way of exacting change is by working with companies from the inside. In other words: investing in them.

According to Rosalie Vendette, senior advisor in socially responsible investment (SRI) with Desjardins Group, SRI is an emerging field that is still defining itself. "It's really about engagement, not activism," says Vendette. "An engaged investor seeks to persuade management to adopt more responsible environmental, social and governance practices. A common way to sway management is to draw attention to these concerns through direct dialogue. While consumers have the power to decide whether or not to buy a product, investors wield their power in a much more strategic manner. For example, companies that fail to address the environmental impact of their operations can do serious damage to both their public image and their pocketbook. Conversely, companies that reduce their environmental footprint see their stock rise in more ways than one."

Interestingly, there remains a perception that SRIs yield lower returns because performance may be sacrificed in favour of principles. "In the medium to long term, SRI criteria have little impact on fund performance," says Denis Dion, product manager with Desjardins Investment Fund Development Department. "A study of American funds published in the Journal of Investing found that over an 18 year-period, an index of 400 U.S. companies that met SRI criteria performed comparably to the S&P 500, which indexes 500 major U.S. corporations."

"The point is that SRI is a paradigm shift and we're eagerly working to spread the news," says Vendette. "We know that this new approach will continue to transform how we have traditionally invested in companies. And ultimately, we hope that this will contribute to more sustainable corporate practices."

To find out more about Socially Responsible Investing, speak to your financial advisor.