Top industry experts and celebrities to participate in 2011 National Home Show

Visit the upcoming Home Show to restore, refresh and renew your home!

Get ready home owners - Canada’s largest home show, the 2011 National Home Show presented by RE/MAX is almost here! Receive advice from top celebrity and design experts, shop the latest products with over 700 retailers, and find out the latest in new home ideas and solutions.

The show will take place February 18 - 27, at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, in the heart of downtown Toronto.

This year’s show highlights include:

·Renowned decorating icon, award-winning author and international TV personality - Debbie Travis. Along with a book signing, Debbie will offer insider tips and how-to advice.

·A live appearance from multiple Olympic medalist, Clara Hughes.

·Toronto-based designer and frequent CityLine expert, Ramsin Khachi shed light on the latest trends and design innovations. (Please see how this is positioned in the latest release as there is sponsor information that must be mentioned in association with his appearance)

·Decorating expert and CTV’s Canada AM top design authority, Karl Lohnes presents his do-it-yourself, simple, stylish and no-nonsense decorating recommendations.

·Wednesday is Sears Day! Enjoy Sears speakers, as well as some sizzling culinary advice from Toronto’s very own Radisson Hotel gastronomic talent - Chef Romel and a live appearance by Emmanuel Belliveau, host of HGTVs "World's Greenest Homes."

·Celebrate Lowes Day at the Home Show as HGTV’s Disaster DIY host, Bryan Baeumler hits the stage to offer his how-to advice.

·Hosts of Colin & Justin’s Home Heist and international design superstars, Colin & Justin explore the world of home décor and more as part of Toronto Star Day.

·CityTV's weather and garden specialist, Frank Ferragine offers up his green-thumb help and all-year-round planting knowledge.

·Get 20-years of master contractor expertise as HGTV’s Real Reno host, Jim Caruk offers up design and structure know how.

·Family Day attendees will enjoy show perks today, such as: complimentary admission for children 17 and under are free courtesy of Rogers, daycare, a visit by Bob the Builder, as well as expert advice from Meghan Telpner, Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Lifestyle Consultant.

Bahamas: Get The Inside Dish - February Newsletter

Greetings –

February is the month of romance so find out how to spoil the one you love with romantic sunsets and sensational cuisine in The Island Of The Bahamas, all without breaking the bank. And if you’re running away from Cupid’s bow, consider The Bahamas Marathon – an alternative to pounding the slushy pavement.

Enjoy!

Jessica

Running is Better in The Bahamas!

I recently had the pleasure of taking a short flight to Nassau to participate in the 2011 Marathon Bahamas.

More than 100 runners took to the streets of Nassau for the full marathon including several Canadians. There’s nothing quite like running across the bridge to Paradise Island and watching the sun come up over the gin clear waters and white sand beaches that line the coast.

I met some amazing people and made friends along my 26.2-mile (42.2 kilometres) journey to the finish line at Arawak Cay. It was a hard road, but I ran a personal best of 4:30:44 – not quite Boston Marathon worthy, but I was happy just the same. German Simone Maissenbacher took home first place with an amazing time of 03:02:39.

I was also lucky enough to be able to participate in the Susan G. Komen For The Cure 5 -kilometre race the day before the full marathon, which happened to be my birthday. I can’t think of a better place to spend it in!

It was a very well organized event and it could not have been done without the help of local policemen and women, water station volunteers and those spirit-lifting cheering sections along the way.

It was an amazing weekend and I hope to be able to do it again next year!

By Katherine Griggs