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Here is an article with some HST, Harmonized Sales Tax, info as it related to Real Estate in BC.  http://michaelhughesc21.blogspot.com/

So, many of you may not know, but i love to invent new cheeseballs for the parties i throw.  This past summer we had a Hawaiian theme party, i made a cheeseball and i had a lot of requests for the recipe. That said, I decided to share that recipe here so it can be enjoyed by anyone who has the desire to try it out!  If you have any feedback, which i would love to hear, or questions email me with them and i will do my best to help out. I hope you all enjoy it!

Hawaiian Cheeseball - by Michael Hughes

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of Cream Cheese
  • 1 cup grated Extra Aged White Cheddar Cheese
  • 3 Tablespoons Crushed Pineapple
  • 1 Teaspoon Lavender
  • Shaved Coconut

In a bowl combine the cream cheese, grated cheddar, crushed pineapple, and lavender (I like to use a mortar & pestle to grind the lavender down first) and mix until evenly blended together.  I use a wooden spoon but you can use whatever you want... even a mixer or food processor.  Once everything is completely blended together, take the mixture in your hands (I love this part, reminds me of when i was a kid playing in goo) and form it into a ball.  Once you have that ball, roll it in your shaved coconut so it forms a coating.  It should look like a big snowball when you are done!  Once it is coated in the shaved coconut, wrap it up firmly in some plastic wrap and place it in a small bowl (to help it keep it's shape) in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours so it will firm up and set.  Serve it on a platter with a variety of crackers around it and a couple small serving knives.  My favorite crackers are Graham Crackers, "Triscuit" and "Rice Thins" but feel free to use you imagination and ENJOY!

Brown
The colour of Mother Earth, brown brings a sense of stability which can alleviate insecurity. Light brown implies genuineness. However, it can also relate to bottling up of emotions, a retreat from or a fear of the outside world, and also narrow-mindedness. Brown can also be sad and wistful which often results from a lack of self-worth.



Gold
Very much like yellow, gold is associated with the sun and is therefore related to abundance and power, higher ideals, wisdom, and understanding. It is said to be mentally revitalizing, energizing, and inspiring, and helpful for fear, uncertainty, and lack of interest. Pale gold is an excellent colour for combating depression and sharpens the mind.


                            Go with the Gold!

Colour and how it can affect us.

I have been asked many times, as many of us are, about colours for a home.  I decided that I would start to write about different colours and some of their effects as they can help or hinder peoples feelings about a home they live in or may want to purchase. This was meant to be the first post.. but Brell had a friend ask about the colour blue.. and she swooped in and posted out of turn.. She is like that- see a need - fill it - we both are actually- it is just what we do.

 We have all known that colour can affect our moods in various ways. We find some colours can uplift and inspire us, and others make us feel a bit depressed. We sometimes use terms such as "feeling blue," yellow-bellied," "green with envy," and "seeing red" without thinking of the meaning behind these words.  I decided to do some research and find out more. 

All of our feelings and emotions are directly affected by the balance or imbalance of hormones in the body.  Since this balance can be affected by colours, colours will also have a distinct influence towards our mood and feelings. Certain colours can soothe our minds, while others may stimulate it.  Restoring a balance of colour energy that flows to the pituitary can also restore a metabolic and emotional equilibrium. This can help to alleviate stress, anxiety, tension, and depression. Using colour to alter emotional energy can also result in changed perceptions of the world, and also our experience of it.  Here is the information about the first colour and i will add more new colour information in future blogs.

Red
Red is a powerful colour that has always been associated with vitality and ambition. It can help overcome negative thoughts. However, it is also associated with anger; if we have too much red in our system, or around us, we may feel irritable, impatient, and uncomfortable. The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. Red can also stimulate appetite.

Brell is cheering for the Cardinals in today's Superbowl.. because they have a great Spicy RED in thier uniforms - and their quarterbacks wife is named Brenda. She is a fan of Red - primarily as an accent colour - and not in primary shade - think chillies.. especially dried to conjure up images of her best red shades...

Green
Green has a strong connection with nature, helping us connect with understanding the feelings of others and the natural world. The colour green is known to aid in concentration. Instinctively people seek it out when under stress or if they are experiencing emotional trauma. Green creates a feeling of comfort, laziness and relaxation, calmness and space, lessening stress which helps in balancing and soothing the emotions. It is the easiest color on the eye and has been known to improve vision. It's a calming and quite refreshing color. Dark green is helpful for emotional uncertainty with a masculine, conservative feel, and gives the implication of wealth. But when green becomes muddy, dull, or olive, it conveys decay. Just like fallen leaves when they return to the Earth, muddy green can give the representation of the onset of death, is nondescript and unassertive, and even a negation of life and joy. Lime and olive-green have been known to have a detrimental effect on both physical and emotional health since sickly yellows and greens are associated with the strong emotions of envy, resentment, and possessiveness.

Turquoise
People associate blue-greens with the refreshing and cool ocean. It is therefore seen as invigorating, cooling, and calming. Much like green, turquoise is good for mental strain and tiredness or feeling burnt-out. It is an elevating colour that encourages us to create a sparkling fresh start. Turquoise can also be helpful for dealing with feelings of loneliness, since it heightens communication, sensitivity, and creativity.



Blue
Blue is known to be a cool, calming colour and is associated with a higher part of the mind than yellow. It is a representation of the night, therefore it makes us feel calm and relaxed as if we are being soothed by the deep blue of the night sky. Light and soft blues, give us feelings of quiet and protection from all the bustle and activity of the day, and can alleviate insomnia and prevent nightmares. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, which is why it is often used in bedrooms. Blue also inspires mental control, clarity, and creativity. People are proven to be more productive in blue rooms as it helps to promote intellectual thought. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms. Midnight blue has a strong sedative effect on the mind, allowing us an avenue to connect to our intuitive and feminine side. Too much dark blue can be depressing, however. Blue is also believed to help in weight loss by keeping hunger at bay.