Those new to yoga may feel intimidated and worried that they will not succeed because they “cannot wrap their leg around their neck.”  While it is true that there are some very interesting and challenging poses (asanas), there are many yoga classes available that are suitable for beginners.  In these types of classes, poses are gently introduced in their foundation and then any progression of the pose will gradually be taught.  Individuals are encouraged to honour their own bodies by tuning into the signals that arise during a practice.  Along with beginner classes, there are Hatha style classes at a variety of levels: Yin, Flow, Hot yoga, Kripalu and Ashtanga (also known as Power yoga).

Just like the fond memory of a favourite grade-school teacher, a great yoga teacher will not only provide you with a solid class, but will, more importantly, inspire you to achieve your personal dreams and goals.  Along with finding the appropriate class, you must find the right instructor. Try out a variety of teachers and classes until you find one that resonates with you. You may appreciate a gentle, soft-spoken voice, a high-energy, assertive style, or a combination of both.  Whatever you prefer, you will realise that you have found that special teacher and the right class by the feeling you are left with.

Why yoga? Consider the plethora of health benefits yoga may bring into your life, such as a decrease in stress, increase of energy, strength and flexibility, mental alertness and awareness; a connection to one’s self and to the world, and a flood of positive feelings such as joy, peace, harmony, gratitude and, above else, love.  In our busy and hurried world, a regular yoga practice can really help us to slow down, and help us remain focused on the present. It is in these moments that life unfolds its splendour and glory and yoga, at the very least, can help us learn to be right here.

Martha Eleftheriou is a registered yoga instructor at I Love Yoga Studio.

416.937.2565

From premium furniture, home accessories and occasional pieces, to lighting, children’s furniture, bedroom and dining sets, Decorium is more than just your average furniture store. With a showroom that soars at 60,000 sq.ft., unending styles are conveniently divided into five design categories. Noting the confusion that comes with packed big box furniture stores that don’t offer one-on-one design consultations and fashion advice, Forberg asks, “Why visit five stores when you can visit five stores in one?”

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If you’re searching for the blueprint to an effortlessly elegant home, the Classic or Full Traditional rooms at Decorium abound with timeless furniture pieces and exquisite additions that will transform your house into a well-dressed home. If you prefer an eclectic look, the Modern, Contemporary and Metropolitan rooms spill with deco glam pieces that will saturate your condominium or office space in style. “A lot of people come in and don’t know what they want, but we work with them to suggest certain styles. Once the design consultant has determined their style, a client is then guided to the lifestyle area of the showroom that suits their taste,” says Forberg. Thirsty for fresh pieces to brighten their lives, homeowners and design enthusiasts alike visit the emporium regularly to get a glimpse of up to 100 new pieces that are added to the showroom weekly. Involved with several charities, such as The Princess Margaret Welcome Home Sweepstakes, and having worked with most of the city’s developers – including the renowned Shane Baghai – the Decorium brand is ubiquitous.

While a trend of restored wood paired with linen dining chairs and sofas is hot right now, Forberg makes it clear that quality craftsmanship never goes out of style, and that every customer request is fulfilled. “If a customer likes a certain chair but the fabric of another, we’ll make them the chair they want. We’re big enough to move a lot of product, but we’re small enough to care.” Synonymous with prestige, Decorium’s products and bestsellers are always on-hand in its 40,000 sq.ft. warehouse.

Leading Decorium successfully through shaky economic times and burgeoning competition, Forberg continues to apply his family’s winning formula of high-level customer service and affordable prices to a furniture business that has stood the test of time for three generations.
www.decorium.com
416.736.6120

“We believe women should love what they wear and feel confident and empowered, as well as looking fashionable. We help our clients be stylish and classy with their look but we also want to help them be smart with their fashion choices and not get caught up in trends that won’t take them from season to season,” says Meikle.

Assessing a client’s look using their own personal style, body type, age and lifestyle while introducing current up-to-date fashion into their wardrobe in an intelligent way is La Closette’s calling. “By working with multi-functional pieces and accessories that help build a wardrobe, and not just a single item, our clients are given options that they may not have had before,” says Amlani. www.laclosette.com

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Three Things You Need For Fall
1. The Multi-Functional Blazer
2.  Great Accessories and Jewelry for layering
3. A Perfect Pair of Jeans

Q&A with Vivian Risi
Here’s what you need to know when purchasing your first home:

Q: What key factors should first-time newlyweds pay attention to when making a home purchase?
A: The key is to consider their lifestyle for the next three to five years.  If they decide to stay in the home longer, they need to pay attention to whether or not the home will suit their future lifestyle.  If they decide to have a family, for example, then they must take into consideration whether the area will be suitable for children. Are there schools or parks around?  Will the home provide accommodating space for children?

Q: What are some common mistakes new homeowners often make?
A: Quite often, new homeowners don’t thoroughly research the area. They do not take into account factors that may affect the value of the home they are purchasing. Hiring a realtor that is knowledgeable in his or her market is an essential step. Lack of thorough research and knowledge of the market could result in a financially stressful situation.

Q: What are the factors to consider before one buys?
A: Location. It doesn’t matter how you turn it: Whether it is your decision to be close to work, family or your children’s school, proximity with respect to your current lifestyle is key in our busy and demanding society.

Q: Is it better to buy a less expensive house in a more expensive neighbourhood, or the opposite?
A: Generally speaking, you will see greater return and a lower risk in buying a less desirable home in a desirable neighbourhood.

Q: How can a buyer secure a quality mortgage product? Is it important to look beyond the interest rate to the true cost of the loan, both now and in the future?
A: The best way a buyer can secure a quality mortgage product is to hire a qualified mortgage broker. They will search all the available mortgage products and match your needs to a suitable mortgage product. In addition, a buyer must ask questions in order to determine the true cost of the loan.  Rate is an important factor in selecting a mortgage product.  In addition, the pre-payment terms and conditions are equally important. It is important to be aware of locked mortgage loans and potential penalties if they decide to sell prior to the mortgage maturing. Being informed regarding this will save the buyer thousands of dollars.

Q: What are three reasons to purchase a home in 2011?
A: The cost of borrowing is at a historical low. The real estate market in general is strong – different areas will display this differently; and long-term real estate is a great equity builder. Canada, internationally, is a safe destination that is driving foreign investors. This attracts more buyers into our marketplace, therefore affecting our supply and demand, and ultimately, driving our prices up.

There once was a time when you strung some patio lanterns here, threw a spotlight there – no big deal. Today, the team at Prima Lighting understands that the art of illumination takes more than arbitrary lamp placement. “You have to be very careful with the number of lights and where they’re positioned,” says Luca Filice, co-owner of Prima Lighting. “Every light has it’s own job and it’s own unique style.”

Lighting should blend into the surrounding, feel organic and not obstruct movement. Whether employing landscape-irradiating spotlights, ground-lining well lights, walkway-illuminating path lights, or simple wall-mount fixtures, arrangement is key. “It’s important to use the right light for the right application, obviously not to over do it and do it in a subtle way,” adds Filice.

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“It has more to do with lifestyle; with how you’re going to use your backyard,” says Filice’s partner, Sam Folino. “Let’s organize the lighting around that, figure out how the lights will function and then work out the set-up.”

The right lighting can transform backyards into a romantic rendezvous or a mystical engagement, and with Prima Light’s award-winning showroom, in-house or on-site consultation, an incandescent and passionate staff will surely enlighten you.

Q&A with SAM FOLINO
Q: How would you achieve a modern look to your backyard with lighting?
A: “Well, first you’re going to have modern landscaping and modern décor, so I would highlight the focal points. You’re going to be layering the lights according to how the backyard is designed. The pathways would be lit up; if there is a pool that would be lit up as well. If a customer has a waterfall, there are LED lights that go on a waterfall that can change colours. If there’s a tree you’re going to up-light the trunk of the tree only, and that will go up. Sometimes you might silhouette the shadow of the tree on the house. There are so many possibilities.”

www.primalighting.ca
905.851.1188

After a long, indulgent season of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, we should venture into spring with lighter hearts and thinner waistlines. “Spring marks a new beginning,” says Barbara Parisotto, registered dietitian. “It’s a great time to cleanse our bodies of toxins and that starts with improving how we eat.”

Of course, with the tempting confections and deep-fried delights that call our name on the drive home, down the aisles of the grocery store, and even from our own pantry doors, this feat is not always easy. If you need that little push to get started, you might consider enlisting the help of a professional.

With years of experience and an approachable demeanor, Parisotto gives her clients the knowledge and skills to make healthy food choices. The nutrition expert begins her process with an assessment, where she inquires about your lifestyle, medical history, and eating habits, as well as your nutritional goals. Parisotto works one-on-one with you to create realistic objectives, meal plan, and provides strategies to help you manage your food choices.

Weekly or biweekly follow-up sessions prevent you from losing your way, as Parisotto is always available in person, by phone or e-mail, encouraging you to stay motivated and reach your goal.

www.barbaraparisotto.com 905.553.2766