A DIY magazine for young, independant Winnipeggers

LAUNCH
Hey Big Thrifter!
how to look great on a budget

dealing with room mates

how to play nice with a slob

failure to launch

why young people cant leave home

Flea Market Finds

Jysk offers affordable and good looking home dcor. Starting off in a new home can be expensive and challenging. We can be your one stop shop for all your basic room essentials. From the kitchen to the bedroom we can fill your house with low priced, high quality products. So why dont you...

do the right thing.

Contents
Lifestyle/
Roomates from hell Failure to launch

Our editors..

6 8

Balancing your budget

Allison Marinelli

10

Fashion/
Thrift store treasures

12

Hayley Brigg

Home/
Flea market finds 16 Essentials for a new home

18

FOOD AND BEVERAGES/

20 Breakdown on the bottle 22
Quick and easy recipes When should you chuck it?

Jen McDonald

23

DIY/
Make it at home

27 27

Tips for winterising your car

Evan Paterson

From the Moms

Helpful living tips now that we dont live at home
When cleaning your s with windows, buff the glas ak free tissue paper for lint stre windows. - Angela Smikles

Dont come back. - Barb Harrison

Use a toothbrush to get the saran wrap off the roll. - Carolyn Blieske

Use it, put it back . Dirty it, clean it up. Empty it, fill it up!

Make sure all of your appliances are turned off before you leave the house. - Patti McCorrister
ple f ap gar ce o u pie wn s . ta o h Pu ur br it fres o elli in y o keep rin t Ma nda e - Br

- Patricia Wedlake

Do your la undry reg ularly, and dont join any g angs dont hang out with b . Like theyll me ad kids, ss up you r house an get you in d to trouble .
- Kelly Jan g

your r, open day to let inte In the w s during the aporate. s ev rtain oom cu on the window bedr tion ndensa en the co umsd L - Janis

FROM OUR READERS

Testimonials
What piece of advice do you wish your parents had given you before you moved out?
I wish my parents had told me that when you leave your apartment for winter vacation that you shouldnt turn your heat off. I thought I was saving money on a heating bill, but turns out the pipes froze and I came back to my bathroom ceiling caving in because the drywall was saturated. - Courtney Starsiak, 22, Toronto I wish my parents had told me it was a good idea before I even moved out to make a budget, for things like groceries and hydro bills. When I first moved out I thought it would be a good idea to eat fast food every day. It wasnt. - Michelle Choy, 24, Winnipeg I wish my parents had told me that its dangerous to place your couch against a base heater. I did that and one day I was sitting there and there was this burning smell - my couch had caught on fire. - Lawrence Smith, 24, Selkirk

I wish my parents had told that when youre buying a house, make sure you hire a certified home inspector to check it out first. The guy we hired turned out to be nothing more than a handyman, and it was totally pointless. He didnt know anything, and we had to spend more money to hire someone else. - Karla Hendrickson, 22, Winnipeg

I wish my parents had told me that if I move in with a roommate to make sure I split the bills evenly. I didnt do that and I was left paying for a whole lot more each month. - Victoria Sparks, 27, Winnipeg

I wish my parents had told me it was smarter to move into an apartment with laundry on site. Its a real drag having to lug your dirty clothes around all the time. Also, I wish they had explaiend to me never to put reds in with whites. - Olivia Lauren, 26, Selkirk

I wish my parents had explained to me that the drain in your sink is not a garbarator. I learned the hard way not to throw things like clumps of cheese, apples, bread, and meat down the sink. - Melissa Burt, 21, Toronto

Launch/April 2011

Roomate
from

HELL

How to deal with the conflicts and struggles that come with living with roommates
Written and photographed by Evan Paterson

Urine-covered toilet seats, screamers, and late night trips to McDonalds are all things that someone might run into if they decide to get a roommate. Not every roommate story is filled with disgusting sights and horrific fights, but often the stories dont end up having fairy tale endings. Dr. Cathy Moser, owner of Dr. Cathy Moser & Associates weighed in on the ups and the downs of living with roommates. Pick them carefully Dr. Moser said nodding her head signalling that she knew what she was talking about. Its important to acknowledge that people have different values and aspirations. She pointed out how people value things differently; one person might want complete solitude to study, and another might want to bump the bass

and party until the sun comes up. Dr. Moser laughingly added in Check out where they are living currently before you make your decisions. Do a little spot check. Picking roommates and dealing with roommates are two separate issues. Dealing with roommates takes a little more patience according to Dustin Fiola, 20, a man who knows a thing or two about living with roommates. Fiola went on to say Living with roommates has its ups and downs, but its still fun. However sometimes the fun runs out, and normal relationships turn into heated and tense relationships. Dr. Moser said communication is the key in successful relationships, Have

Launch/April 2011

Living with roomates takes patience, compromise, and respect

regular communications each week. She also said that compromise was key, But instead of compromise, we call it suck it up so if your roommates girlfriend is coming over, then bite your tongue and deal with the stories of her terrible day and according to Dr. Moser, If youve got screamers that can be annoying so make sure you have a good pair of headphones. Fiola has experienced the screamers, I lived with two guys who knew how to pick the loud ones, but most of the time I was cheering for them. One common issue that roommates bicker about is food. Who buys what? What if Dustin loves peanut butter but Deana hates them? Dr. Moser weighed in on the issue of who buys what. It depends on your roommate, their tastes, their responsibility, if theyll cook, share their stuff, and be mature about the whole thing. So really, it all comes down to whether your roommate(s) eat all your food, if they dont then you should be fine buying your own groceries. If there is respect between roommates then there shouldnt be any problems. Fiola has the luxury of having his parents house minutes away. My parents always had hot soup ready for me at lunch, trust me, you get tired of Kraft Diner, fast. Dividing food between roommates isnt the only thing that can leave someone bashing their head against the kitchen table. Dividing household tasks isnt third grade math. It can be hard. Fiola told all about the frightening sight that awaited him when he woke up at 7 in the morning for work. I walked into the bathroom and there was piss all over the seat, unfortunately for Fiola it was a reoccurring sight. When it comes to cleaning up pee, usually you want to find the specific roommate who made the mess to clean it up. About.com also reports that Fiola isnt alone when it comes to finding your roommates pee on the toilet seat, as there are several rants about roommates not lifting the seat. For the rest of the time there are measures you can take to make sure everything is fair for everyone. Dr. Moser let out a laugh again and said Definitely get them to do the toilet bowl cleaning., but on a more serious note she suggested that roommates divide tasks into tasks they enjoy or are good at. When it comes to: who did what? Dr. Moser said that Its important not to measure up against each other, tit for tat is not the way to go. Instead Dr. Moser suggested that when dealing with a roommate who isnt keeping up with daily tasks to have a meeting of some sort. If there is a constant mess

LIFESTYLE
and youre not about to give your roommate the boot Take their stuff and put it in their room, but dont be malicious. according to Dr. Moser. Once again, communication plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy relationship with your roommates. Roommates can certainly be a handful, but they can be helpful and supportive too. Roommates can also be the source of good networking ties, as youll always be introduced to new and interesting people. Despite having to wipe his roommates pee off of the toilet seat, Fiola doesnt regret his roommate experience, I would do it all again, one hundred and three percent. Dr. Moser agrees that roommates can be a very beneficial experience in someones life. Sure, sometimes they can get in your hair and be a little annoying, but you can say the same about family at times. One of Dr. Mosers best pieces of advice was to have five dollars handy so you can give it to your roommate to head to McDonalds for when your significant other comes over. Living with roommates takes patience, compromise, respect, and at times a $5 bill for McDonalds, so keep all of these things in mind (and your wallet) and you should make for the perfect roommate.

Tips for Living with Roommates

1: You dont want to be living in a negative environment: A negative environment is the last thing you want to surround yourself with. It will bring down your mood and make your life a living hell. 2: More roommates equals more headaches: The more people you live with, the more traffic comes in and out of your home. Also, more roommates means more noise, dishes, filled parking spaces, and missing socks. 3: Get people to do what their good at: If youre good at cooking do the cooking, if youre a dishwashing phenom do the dishwashing, and if youre the top at toilet bowl cleaning, then clean the toilets! 4: Everything isnt a competition: Its not about who did more dishes, or who mopped the floor, as long as everyone pitches in somewhat equally. Its also important not to hold grudges or start silly fights with your roommate.

Launch/April 2011

BalancingYour Budget
By Hayley Brigg
When you first move out on your own, its easy to get caught up in spending more than you need to furnish and decorate your new place or throwing those endless housewarming parties. While allocating a little extra cash to treat yourself to a new set of dishes, or a weekend out with your friends isnt the end of the world, it could start to add up quick if you dont get a handle on your finances. Learning how to budget your money to accommodate your new independent lifestyle can be difficult, especially if youre used to mom and dad footing the majority of the bills. When I lived at home, my parents paid for everything. The only bills I was responsible for were my own expenses like my cell phone bill, said Meghan Pay, a 22-year-old art history student at the University of Manitoba. Pay recently moved out of her parents home into her own apartment to be closer to school, and says the expenses you face when living on your own can be a big shock especially if you arent prepared. There are so many things you need to buy and pay for to operate a household that you dont even think about, said Pay. So how do you make sure that all the bills get paid without going broke? Here are five easy tricks you can use to help get you on the right path when it comes to money, and learn how to stay there. Work with cash Research shows that people who deal strictly with cash are far less likely to overspend. If you dont see the physical money, you spend more than you want to. If you can see that theres only $200 left in your wallet until next payday, youll think twice about purchases, said Barb Friesen, a financial services officer at Cambrian Credit Union. Write everything down Whether youre using cash, debit, or credit cards, Friesen recommends keeping a log of all your purchases. If you ask, most banks will be happy to give you a free transaction record a small booklet that you can use to write down every item that

8 Launch/April 2011

LIFESTYLE Never spend more than you have in your bank FUN FOR FREE account and make your VOLUNTEER payments on time. -- Barb Friesen
you buy or bill you pay. Theyre a good idea because you can look back at them and say hey, I spent $7 latts today, Id better not buy another one, said Friesen. Theyre a pain in the butt but they work. Find creative ways to spend less when going out The entertainment section of your budget can often be the highest, as weekends of dinners, movies, and going out with friends can add up fast. I dont go out nearly as much as I used to. It costs way too much, so I spend a lot more time at home, said Pay. Instead of sitting at home, student Leanne Cormier, also 22, recommends researching interesting things you and your friends can do for free, or for less. If you do a bit of digging its easy to find lots of free entertainment in your area, like free outdoor concerts or plays especially in the summer, said Cormier, adding checking out smaller pubs and bars in your city can be worthwhile too. Some of the smaller venues will have great drink specials and cheap happy hours, which you may not find at bigger bars and clubs. Avoid falling into the credit card trap One of the worst mistakes young people face when living on their own is mishandling their credit card, which can lead them into mountains of debt and hurt their financial future. Even missing, or being late on one payment will show up on your financial record and stay there for six years. So what can you do to stay out of the red? Never spend more than you have in your bank account and make your payments on time, said Friesen. At the very least make the minimum payment, so your records will show youre trying to keep up. Friesen explains people with poor financial track records will have a harder time securing loans and mortgages from the bank, and could face much higher interest rates when they borrow versus applicants who are more fiscally responsible. Set your priorities If you dont need it, and you dont have extra money in your budget to spend, dont buy it. If impulse shopping is your downfall, avoid going to the store unless youre going for something specific. I spend the most money if Im just wandering around the mall, said Pay. If I go there knowing Im looking to buy a particular item, I concentrate on getting it and then I get out. Making an effort to set aside the money you need to pay your bills immediately after you get your paycheck can also be helpful. This way, if you do decide to treat yourself to something outside of your budget, you wont be taking money away from where its needed.
Giving up your time to work for free might seem like a chore, but volunteering can have its perks. Not only does it look great on a resume, but depending on what youre volunteering for, it might get you free access to events and services.

While most people use this online community as a way to buy and sell products, its also a place to find really cool things for free.

FREECYCLE CRAIGSLIST

You dont have to shell out tons of cash to catch great live music. Just by browsing the internet or local concert listings, you can find tons of outdoor concerts and festivals that are free to the public.

OUTDOOR CONCERTS

Just by signing up for a library card can give you access to hundreds of books, magazines, and even DVDs. And the best part? Theres no cost!

THE LIBRARY

Launch/April 2011

Failure to Launch
Why young adults are choosing to live with their parents longer instead of moving out
Written and photographed by Jen McDonald
Twixters is a term that refers to young adults born since 1980, sometimes including the late 70s, who are having trouble growing up. people having so much trouble moving on? Also known as Echo Boomers or Millennials, these young people seem to be having more trouble moving into adulthood, and out of their parents homes, than previous generations. They appear stuck, or betwixt, between adolescence and adulthood. Many are quite comfortable living longer in their parents basements, and seem more resistant to the moving into the rites of passage of adulthood, such as careers, marriage, and families. Why is this new generation of young Jocelyn is 29 years old, and has recently made the dreaded walk of shame back to her parents house. But shes not sitting in the basement munching Doritos and playing video games. In fact, Jocelyn is more educated than both of her parents combined. After 7 years of toiling in the hallowed halls of post-secondary to get her coveted undergrad and masters of Architecture at the University of Manitoba - and after slaving away in the field for a couple of years - she has decided to go back to the drawing board, scrap the last ten years of training and experience, and to make a full-on career switch. She hopes this time will be different.

10

Launch/April 2011

I got praised a lot when I was younger. I thought Id get whatever job I wanted just by being the awesome guy I was.
The real world is quite different from school. At school I had 100 percent creative control, but in the working world, at the end of the day, what the boss says goes, she says, I know that eventually I could get to a position where I would make more creative decisions, but I wasnt passionate enough about it to jump through all the fiery hoops to get there. Neal is 28 and has only recently fled the nest after spending 8 years, on and off, completing his two undergraduate degrees - one in math and film studies and the other in architecture. He is currently living in his buddys basement and working in house construction a field that is loosely related to what he studied, but not what he had planned for himself when he started his education. I need to get my masters in order to work in Architecture and I dont know if I really want to be an architect. Plus, Im already paying off debt from my first two degrees. There would be no way of getting my masters without going to the bank of dad, he says. These young people arent underachievers. Jocelyn graduated top of her class in both high school and university, and Neal says he has always excelled at everything hes done. They just dont feel they jive with the working world. And they both say that its been a rude awakening. I got praised a lot when I was younger. I thought Id get whatever job I wanted just by being the awesome guy I was. According to Jean Twenge, author of Generation Me, much of the cause for Twixters behavior is that Baby Boomers have bred a generation of narcissists. Due to well-meaning parents focused on boosting their childrens self esteem through indiscriminate praise and a constant stream

of telling them how special they are, children have grown up with an inflated sense of specialness and entitlement. We are telling kids they are special and shouldnt care what people think, says Twenge, Everybody on the team gets a trophy, told they are special. Young people are told to follow their dreams and do what they love. They are not content to sit behind a desk, clocking in at nine and watching the clock tick till five. They want to do work they are passionate about. Jocelyn found sitting at a desk job, staring at a computer all day wore her down and Neal felt like it would turn him into a yes man and not allow him to grow or be creative. Neither of these young people are even considering settling down and starting families of their own. They both feel that they need this time to focus on them selves and feel that they are not in a position to take on that kind of responsibility. I like the idea of marriage and kids, says Jocelyn, but its much easier when all I have to worry about is numero uno. Neal is content with the philosophy that 30 is the new 20. Maybe when Im 40, I still want to have freedom to do what I want when I want. Both Jocelyn and Neal are uncertain where their futures will lead them. Jocelyn feels like shes back at square one. I have all this education and now Im like, now what? But shes happy to have her parents support while she makes this transition and to be away from a job that was making her depressed. It just wasnt satisfying, she says, plus, I had two degrees and could have been making more money in tips at a restaurant. Neal has recently acquired a serving job to help supplement the nominal income he receives from his construction job partly because he needs to buy a heater for his basement apartment. Its cold down there, he says with a laugh, and at least I dont have to move back into my parents house.

FASHION LIFESTYLE

1. Your parents think everything you do

Are you a Twixter?

is amazing and constantly tell you how special you are-even though your greatest accomplishment is beating Super Mario in under 45 minutes or never missing an episode of Sex In The City. T F

2. Your favorite place to shop is your

parents house. T F

3. You have at least one university degree

but still have no idea what your doing with your life? T F

4. Youre putting off dating until you hear

back from the back from the bachelor/ bachelorette. T F

5. The words career, marriage and kids

make you want to jump off a cliff ? T F

6. You are confused when you do

something well at work and nobody gives you a gold star. T F 7. Your name is Apple, Starlight, Treasure or any name related to the seasons or the weather. T F 8. Youve been LOLing so long you forgot what actual laughter sounds like. T F 9. You understand this: T F
OMG RUOK 2NITE? BTW UR MY BBFE CUZ UR TTLY GR8! ROTFLMAO GTG CYA:)

10. You think an RRSP is an invitation to a really cool party. T F

Launch/April 2011

11

e r to s s re ft u ri s h a T re

Winnipeg vintage shop Ruby Slipper offers unique styles for affordable prices By Allison Marinelli

FASHION

Photos by Allison Marinelli & Hayley Brigg

Cheap and stylish. Two magic words to young, trendy, and poor Winnipeggers. Since the thrifting trend has swept over the city, stores like Ruby Slipper are attracting more clientele and more inventory than ever before. Some cats get more stoked off of a good blouse found at Salvation Army for $8 than a pair of designer jeans that fit awkwardly and cost them their first year of tuition. We took to Ruby Slipper to play dress up and talk to storeowner, Tracy Martin.

Launch/April 2011

13

I get mostly females in here for sure. Probably about 95% of my clientele are women, Martin says as she hands us a bag that looks like a silver sequin monster barfed on it. Its beautiful. Located on Sargent Avenue just one block East of Wall Street, Ruby Slipper has a corner for men but is mostly picked over by female vultures looking for either a final touch to an outfit or an entirely new image for their next night out. The front corners of the store are lined with shoes, hats, gloves and purses while the perimeter and center is occupied by dresses, tops, pants, coats and everything else you would need to get that look Cheap and stylish. Two magic words to young, trendy, and poor Winnipeggers. Since the thrifting trend has swept over the city, stores like Ruby Slipper are attracting more clientele and more inventory than ever before. Some cats get more stoked off of a good blouse found at Salvation Army for $8 than a pair of designer jeans that fit awkwardly and cost them their first year of tuition. We took to Ruby Slipper to play dress up and talk to storeowner, Tracy Martin. I get mostly females in here for sure. Probably about 95% of my clientele are women, Martin says as she hands us a bag that looks like a silver sequin monster barfed on it. Its beautiful. Located on Sargent Avenue just one block East of Wall Street, Ruby Slipper has a corner for men but is mostly picked over by female vultures looking for either a final touch to an outfit or an entirely new image for their next night out. The front corners of the store are lined with shoes, hats, gloves and purses while the perimeter and center is occupied by dresses, tops, pants, coats and everything else you would need to get that look

lientele of my c men Most ung wo rne are yo n Osbo . at live i orydon th ge or C racey Martin Villa -T

14 Launch/April 2011

Flea Market Finds

Decorating Your Home On A Budget
Writing and Photos by Jen McDonald
Decorating your home on a budget doesnt have to mean sacrificing style. Some of the best bargains and unique finds can be found at flea markets. Here you can find original pieces and enjoy an exciting and unique experience. Flea Markets are a kind of bazaar where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or bartered. Originating in the Middle East, where they were called outdoor markets, they became known as flea markets in Paris in the 1860s. Today they can be found around the world and right in your very own neighbourhood. The Mulvey Flea Market is one of Winnipegs most successful and largest flea markets. With 1200 square feet and over 40 vendors, Mulvey is a treasure trove of knick-knackery and one-of-akind pieces that will give your space that eclectic tyle youre looking for. Dave Dixon, owner of the Mulvey Flea Market for the past 10 years, says that the flea market is a place where people can find more obscure stuff at generally lower prices. One of the most uniue things about the flea market is that the person youre buying from is the owner, so its a more personal experience, he says. You can find old radios and retro lamps, antique picture frames, antique furniture and kitsch ites like old fashioned salt and pepper shakers, vases and knickknacks. Theres also a wide selection of books and records, and even a section entirely devoted to all things Elvis Presley. Kerri Woelke, a first time home owner, has managed to give her tiny Wolesley home a warm, eclectic atomosphere with her flea market finds. I just love shopping at flea markets, she says, I find the most interesting things. Great lamps, old canesters....my home feels so much more homey and it was so cheap.

16 Launch/April 2011

HOME
One of the most uniue things about the flea market is that the person youre buying from is the owner, so its a more personal experience.

First Time Flea Marketer?

Here are a few simple tips that will help you make the most of your shopping experience.
1. Show Up Early Showing up early is a smart move to get best selection. The flea market opens at 10am and the earlier you get there the better chance you have of scoring those great finds before they are picked through. However, if you are looking to negotiate its better to go later. By the end of the day vendors are getting ready to pack up and looking to make some last minute sales. 2. Bring Cash The vendors do not take debit, so bring cash. Having cash on hand makes it easier to barter. But dont show your big billsartering works better with something smaller, like a five. A good way to keep to your budget is to decide how much you want to spend and only bring that amount with you. 3. Buy Things In Groups Askin for a price on a group of items is a great way to get a deal. Grab four or five items and see you if you can swing a deal if you buy them as a package.

Launch/April 2011

17

Essentials

ForYour New Home

Moving out for the first time can be challenging for anyone. So were going to try to make it easier on you. Like the age old saying, you never know what you have until its gone, the same goes for moving out; you never know what you need until you need it. We talked to Sara Chan, a 21 year old youth care worker for Child and Family Services, who just purchased a new home with her boyfriend. Here are a few tips weve come up with to help you form a fully equipped living space for you in your new home. List it Before you take off to the nearest WalMart, start with a list. Categorize it into two columns: things that you need and

things that you can take from home that no one will notice when theyre gone. Note what you already have so you dont get tangled up with two bottles of shampoo and zero conditioner. Go from room to room and map out what each space needs to adequately function. For example, when youre in the kitchen, think dish soap, cutlery, butter, bread, rice, plates, and write it down. If you know what you need before you set out to get it, your shopping trip will be noticeably less stressful.

One Mans Trash is Another Mans Couch? Never underestimate the definition of dumpster diving. Were not recommending The Bare Necessities you swan dive into you back lanes BFI Its not just a catchy song from a classic bin, but keep your options open. People love to get rid of stuff and they love it even Disney movie, but its also a great mantra

more if youre the one doing the heavy lifting. Hit up the hoarders and check Kijiji (www.kijiji.ca) on a daily basis. Take what you can get and dont be fussy. Chan recalls the feeling of you take what you can get when she first moved away from home. The basic essentials you purchase or inherit for your first place are not what you will have for the rest of your life. Deal with them until you can afford something nicer. Rock those floral Brady Bunch-esque sheets from your grandma and use those ugly Christmas towels in your kitchen. Its your first place, embrace second hand and enjoy your independence.

18 Launch/April 2011

HOME

to go by when stocking your new place. Keep it simple. Dont go overboard just because theyre having a sale at Future Shop, the 60 flat screen can wait. Stock your cupboards with things you know youll use everyday. Dont start accumulating things just because theyre free, youll end up with a bunch of other peoples unwanted junk. Just because its free, doesnt mean you need it this idea might come as a surprise to you, but its a good thing to remember especially when your mothers co-worker offers you her paisley green and orange couch thats been living in her garage for all the right reasons. This is where your list could come in handy. Heres one we threw together for you:

Thrifting For those of you that cringe at the sound of second hand, Value Village, or Giant Tiger its time to drop your insecurities. Stores of this nature can supply you with a wide variety of items. Sometimes they can even pass off as vintage so youll fit right in with the hipster crowd, and the stuff is cheap too. Although, what might seem like a goldmine, dont be fooled, discretion is advised. If buying furniture, make sure its in adequate condition or, easily repairable. Make sure the furniture is clean, bugs and stains are a deal breaker, it does not matter how cute that loveseat is. These stores are particularly useful for stocking your kitchen cupboards. Dishware is often sold in sets or you can select your own eclectic assortment. Dont be surprised if you run into your Grandmas chinaware, it happens more often than you think. Dollarama & Superstore self explanatory Some of the basics were acquired from assorted secondhand stores, my grandmothers basement and a few handme-downs, the rest were purchased at Superstore. Superstore has everything one could need, I swear, Chan told us. Start by wandering down each aisle. Take your time; youll besure to find at least one item in each row. We recommend starting at Dollarama first, buying a garbage can for one dollar just cant be beat.

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Quick and Easy Recipes

Quick and Easy Chili Recipes

This chili is easy to make and very tasty. In just 30 minutes you will have enough food to feed you for a week. Enjoy!

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can kidney beans, drained 1/2 teaspoon salt

Tasty Home Made Granola Bars

Store bought granola bars are expensive. So why not make your own at home! These granola bars are delicious, chewy and easy to make.

Preparation

Spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray and brown the ground beef with the onion. (Make sure its cooked well!) Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Your done!

Ingredients
3 cups quick-cooking oats 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 cup raisins 1 cup flaked coconut 1 cup sliced almonds 1 cup miniature chocolate chips

Preparation
ifficult. to be d ave l esnt h you wil king do ecipes r Coo r simple be you h a few way to Wit r fun on you ! Have be well et chef gourm youll be ry own gs, and ve thin family in y new ds and h it, tr ien wit your fr . ressing imp no time

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 x 13 inch pan. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients until well blended. (Dont forget to melt the butter!) Bake for 20-25 minutes depending on how crunchy you want them. If they lightly brown around the edges you will get moist, chewy bars. Let cool for 5 minutes and cut into squares.

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21

Breakdown on the Bottle

Launch examins some of todays most popular alcohol myths
By Evan Paterson
1 Myth: Alcohol keeps you warm.
Fact: If your master plan to beat the cold is to keep on drinking then youll either be frozen, suffering from hypothermia, or dead. Alcohol makes blood flow to the bodies extremities, so if you value your fingers and toes more than your life than replace your parka with a bottle of Mr. Jack Daniels.
Spectrum Disorders). A child with FASDs may have mild or severe effects on the brain, potentially causing behavioural, physical, and learning problems.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

5 Myth: Women and

2 Myth: Alcohol kills brain cells.

Fact: Alcohol does not kill brain cells. This is one myth that a large portion of the world believes. So drink till you drop because your army of brain cells has no one to fight against, the liver is a different story. Alcohol does damage dendrites (ends of neurons) which can hamper the way messages are delivered between cells. Actually, moderate alcohol consumption is linked with better thinking, so maybe one beer wouldnt hurt before that big testseven might hurt.

men are both affected equally by alcohol.

Fact: Not true. Women are lightweights Literately. Women tend to have less fluid in their body then men of the same body weight. The liquid in the body dilutes the alcohol making it less potent. Thus, alcohol affects women more than it affects men.

6 Myth: Drinking alcohol

through a straw gets you drunk faster.
Fact: If youre the cool cat at the bar sipping a beer through a straw, or a normal person sipping a mixed drink through one, it still wont get you drunk faster. The only thing it does is bypass some of your taste buds. So dont be a straw-sucking wussy and mask the taste, if you dont like the taste, dont drink it.

3 Myth: Alcohol affects everyones

mood equally.
Fact: There is a big difference between the drunk that thinks hes Hercules every time he drinks and the drunk that sobs and sobs after sipping a glass of Sherry. Factors like gender, state of mind, metabolism, and several others dictate what type of drunk someone will be.

4 Myth: Alcohol is fine for pregnant

women.
Fact: Alcohol is very, very bad for babies. There has been no research indicating a safe level of alcohol for a pregnant woman. The most common problem stemming from drinking while pregnant is FASDs (Fetal Alcohol

7 Myth: Coffee, a cold shower,

fresh air, or a slap in the face will sober someone up.

Fact: No amount of caffeine, oxygen, or pain will make someone more sober. The only thing that will stop the spins is time.

22 Launch/April 2011

...so

YOU dont have to.

YOU find that perfect place. A place YOU

friends really love

can call your own. And then...

MOVING DAY. A day unlike any other. When

YOU.

YOU find which of your

The packing, the lugging, the hauling...well, relax. Weve got it for YOU.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

When Should You Chuck It?

Weve all had those moments where we put something in the fridge, only to forget about it. Weeks later we revisit that item, and have no idea if that funky smell or odd coloration is the way its supposed to be, or if its a sign that its time to throw it out. So how do we know if its still good, or when to throw it in the trash? By Hayley Brigg
LUNCH MEAT FRUIT

The consensus is that deli meats are generally good to stay in the fridge for 3-5 days, but that shelf life can be prolonged further to 5 or 6 days if you keep it in an airtight container or plastic ziplock bag. Some fridges even have a special crisper for lunchmeats, which help keep it fresher longer.

Common fruit like apples and oranges will stay fresh only for 1-3 days if left out on the counter, but can last as long as three weeks s if stored in the fridge. Meanwhile, berries can be stored in the fridge for up to five days before spoiling.

CONDIMENTS

DAIRY PRODUCTS

Youll rarely find condiments on your shopping list, because they last a considerably long time. An opened jar of mayonaise will stay fresh for 3-4 months after opening, while the same bottle of ketchup or mustard is good for an entire year. You can also keep a jar of pickles for a year, while an opened jar of sauerkraut is still edible for up to six months.

While it may seem easy to follow the due date labels on items like milk, cheese, and yoghurt, sometimes these numbers may be deceiving. A lot of how long dairy products are safe in the fridge has a lot to do with how you store them. Brick processed cheese can be stored (in a plastic bag or container) for up to five weeks, while milk generally is safe seven days. Meanwhile, yoghurt has a considerably longer shelf life. Most brands, if they remain unopened, are good for nearly a month.

VEGETABLES

Usually vegetables stay fresh in your fridge for about a week, but if you put in a little extra work you can prolong their life a bit longer. Holding off on washing your vegetables until right before you use them is a good tip, and storing them in plastic bags in your crisper will also help keep them fresh. Lettuce will last up to ten days, tomatoes and cucumbers for up to five days, and root vegetables for up to two weeks.

WINE

If you cant finish an entire bottle of wine in one sitting - dont worry. An opened bottle of either red or white wine is drinkable for up to five days if its covered, either wth a cork, cap, or saran wrap. Oddly enough, wine is also freezable. You can keep bottles in the freezer for up to six months.

Launch/April 2011

25

Starbucks?
Boredom. A busy schedule. A bad day.
Theres nothing that cures them better than having a laugh with your friends, or a hot cup of your favorite coffee from Starbucks. So come inside, stay awhile, and take some time out for yourself with our world-famous coffee.

Why not make your day a little brighter with

Make it at Home
DIY environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies
Youve done it. You moved out on your own. The freedom, the excitement, the joy of having your own place its exhilarating. Until you realize that a magical fairy doesnt sweep in and clean the place while your sleeping. A new sense of appreciation suddenly washes over you when you realize how much your parents really did behind the scenes to make your home livable. This would be a good time to call them up and apologize for complaining when you were asked to do the simplest of household chores. Now its time to step into adulthood and learn how to clean. So roll up those sleeves, throw on some rubber gloves and with a few simple instructions your place will be sparkling in no time. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can be used to clean showers, sinks, toilets, and counters. Simply mix a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle and your ready to start cleaning. Dont worry about your place smelling like vinegar, the smell will disappear when it dries. Adding some lemon juice to your vinegar mixture will give it a fresher scent and also help with breaking down mold and water stains. Some Asian philosophies believe that cleaning with lemon keeps negative energy away as well, so your place will be clean, smell citrus fresh, and filled with positivity! Baking soda can be used like a commercial abrasive cleaner to scrub surfaces and is also a natural deodorizer. You can mix 1 cup vinegar, cup of baking soda together, and a splash of lemon juice to create a paste for hard to clean surfaces like sinks, bathtubs and toilets. You can also leave a box of baking soda open in your fridge to keep your fridge fresh and absorb odours.

DIY

Products like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda can be mixed and matched to create environmentally friendly and effective household cleaners. Just ask a professional. Joan Swift has been cleaning houses professionally for over 20 years and relies swears by cleaning with vinegar. Why spend so much money on expensive cleaners when vinegar does the best job, she says.

Tips for Winterizing Your Car

1
Check your oil. If you are overdue for an oil change then go get an oil change. The last thing you want is for your cars engine to blow out in the cold. Replace your windshield wipers. Replacing your wiper blades will allow you to feel comfortable while freezing ice is being blasted at your windshield. Having bad wipers in the winter can be extremely hazardous. Check your tire pressure and consider getting winter tires. Not everyone needs winter tires, if you drive slow enough then winter tires are just a waste of money, but if you want peace of mind, knowing that your car is going to stop before the one in front of you, then winter tires are the way to go.

2 3

4 5

Check your battery. Car batteries over 5 years old should be replaced. If the battery isnt over 5 years old it still doesnt hurt to check for corrosion on the terminals to make sure youre getting a good connection. Check the necessities. Look over your headlights, taillights, heater, and defrosters. You dont want to be out in the old without any of these.

Launch/April 2011

27

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