The Bottomless Cookie Jar

A credit card is like a bottomless cookie jar. With easy access to credit, there’s no reason to wonder when the treats will run out, and you are never disappointed. Want a new outfit? Just stick it on a credit card. Want to have dinner with a bunch of friends? Desperately in need of a sunny vacation to beat the winter blues? There’s room on the card and that’s just what it’s for, right?

When credit became a commodity, lenders started hiking limits and offering incentives to take on more cards. People started behaving like greedy children, gobbling cookies without a thought to the tummy ache that would eventually follow. Now Canadians are spending almost 1.5 times what they make every year. Talk about lack of self-control.
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Master the Cards

According to recent data released by Moneris Solutions, Canada’s largest debit and credit card processor, spending through its debit and credit card machines in last year’s fourth quarter rose 5.8 per cent compared to 2010’s. It seems Canadians loosened up a bit for the holidays. It’s ok to splurge from time to time, but with the uncertain economic times, living within your means is not only wise, but essential. That means finding the right credit card for your lifestyle. Depending on your qualifications, you may have a beefy buffet of plastic to pick through, or, your selection may be as lean as a vegan menu. So how do you decide? We’ve asked three credit card connoisseurs to track down the perfect pieces of plastic to help you live within your means.
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A Thousand Little Things

I travel to London, England several times a year for business and typically stay in the same hotel. The reason is less about the rooms (a good room is a non-starter) and more about the service and the amenities, specifically the bar; I love a great hotel bar, one that is well-designed with a good vibe and fantastic music, and is just as busy with locals as it is with hotel guests. I have been staying at The Connaught and usually take the day flight over. By the time I am checked into my room, it is typically around 10 p.m., and while it is getting late in London, it is 5 p.m. in Toronto, which means it’s time for a cocktail. I know several of the bartenders and some of the local patrons, and when I enter, I feel totally comfortable. They know me and they know my cocktail, and it is as if it is a local joint in my hometown. But therein lies the beauty; it is not.

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Between a Rock and a High Place

It’s Wednesday afternoon and Sonnie Trotter has made his way to an Internet café in El Paso, Texas. Not that he was dodging the interview, but it took some effort to get the Canadian alpinist on the phone. Trotter is a professional adventure rock climber, and when your job is hunting down the world’s most challenging lines, it means immersing yourself in some fairly remote locations.

“It’s like a killer instinct. It’s a really raw, beautiful thing that comes out of you,” says Trotter, one of the most prolific climbers of the past decade, as he describes his body’s response to an especially challenging route. “I feel like I’m lighter, I’m strong, I’m sharper – all those kinds of things occur. It’s a very fleeting moment, but it’s a very addicting feeling. It’s almost drug-like.”
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Life on the Rise

From the heart of the city to the soul of Vaughan, these luxurious developments are sure to make your pulse beat faster.

1. Parkside at Atria
Tridel and Dorsay Development Corporation introduces its newest masterpiece to the condominium market: Parkside at Atria. Adjacent from the prestigious Alto at Atria, Parkside at Atria is a combination of modern architecture and unique beauty, sharing a private courtyard while remaining steps away from the community.
www.tridel.com

2. Expo City
All roads lead to Vaughan’s Metropolitan Centre, where an iconic 37-story development deemed Expo City lies in the heart of a community. In an area surrounded by luxury stores, Read more

Raise the $teaks of Personal Finance

Years ago, the late Paul Newman, he of the stunning blue eyes and insouciant stare, was asked if he’d ever been tempted to stray from his wife, actress Joanne Woodward. Newman simply smiled and said, “Why would I go out for hamburger when I have steak at home?” With apologies to Newman, I’m borrowing his comment and applying it to the investment universe: If you can have investment steak at home, why would you bother going out for ground beef?

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are prime meat for your portfolio, while actively managed mutual funds are, for the most part, ground beef. ETFs give you a lot less fat for the money. Not only are they cheaper – the management fees (MERs) start as low as 0.07 per cent and most are under 0.5 per cent compared to the MERs of Canadian mutual funds which average 2.5 per cent annually – but they also produce a better result. Read more

Cheers to Kahlúa

The difference between delicious and delicioso was revealed during a fun-filled Kahlúa event held at Toronto’s lifestyle establishment 99 Sudbury. A Mexican street party reception with a live donkey greeted guests as they savoured tacos from La Carnita and sipped on refreshing cocktails of orange zest and Kahlúa. The popular coffee liquor was then infused in a signature drink by Kevin Brauch, followed by the brand’s latest worldwide commercial. A mariachi band came to life as a three-course Mexican dinner was served, with dishes prepared by chefs and restaurateurs Luis Valenzuela of Torito, Chris McDonald of Cava and Xococava, and Jose Hadad of Frida.
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Martinis With Men

Girls’ night out just got more exciting. Martinis with Men is a monthly affair featuring complimentary martinis, beauty stations and best of all, a celebrity guest. The November event featured an interview with Jarvis Church of The Philosopher Kings, with host Gary Wilson asking him to share his relationship advice after experiencing a divorce. The martini shakers will come out again on Feb. 29, with Iron Chef America’s Kevin Brauch dishing out his perspectives on dating and love. Read more

Cookies for Kids

Thornhill’s Panera Bread opened its doors and heart in December for a free cookie-decorating event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada. The two-week event was held at all Panera bakery-cafés in the GTA, attracting cookie enthusiasts and decorators for a good cause.
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Idee17 Introduces Gazzotti

Idee17, Toronto’s go-to showroom for design and architecture, recently celebrated its latest addition and Canadian debut of Gazzotti, a company renowned for its fresh designs and innovations in hardwood flooring. Close to 200 guests mingled with wine and authentic food as they gathered for a sneak peek of the Gazzotti collection, exclusively available at Idee17. Read more

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