Monthly Archives: September 2011

Photo credit: New Brunswick Tourism

Autumn. The season when the nights grow shorter, sweaters come out and our thoughts turn to hockey and hot chocolate. It is also the season where Mother Nature provides our of her most glorious gifts—fall foliage.

Those of us living in New Brunswick are blessed to have a front row to one of the most spectacular colour shows in North America. Over 80% of our province is forested, which means you’re never far from a brilliant display of colourful leaves. Indeed, our plentiful deciduous forests are so full of these changing colours that the visual spectacle draws tourists from around the world to witness them. While our tree types and colours are similar to those found in New England, the crowds are mush smaller (and costs a bit lower) compared to the more popular areas of New England.

Tourism New Brunswick has created a useful online tool to help you and your guests track the most dramatic fall foliage highlights in their province. The website includes an interactive map which allows you to click on an area and get relevant details on the region.

With the prime viewing time right around the corner—autumn colours are at their best over Canada’s Thanksgiving Weekend—we thought we’d share our favourite locations from the site to witness New Brunswick’s fall foliage:

Fundy Foliage

Not only ins the Bay of Fundy one of the Marine Wonders of the World; it is also one of the best places to see vibrant fall colours. If you thought it was beautiful in the summer, just wait until you see it dressed in brilliant colour!

Acadian Colours

The Acadian Coast is resplendent with bright fall colours to admire and discover. Here, as everywhere in the province, the autumn scenery is simply breathtaking. Be sure to stop at Chaleur Bay—one of the most beautiful bays in the world—in part because of the fall foliage.

The Leaves of Miramichi

The Miramichi River provides a front row view of the spectacular fall foliage. whether you decide to walk along the hiking trails at French Fort Cove Nature Park, or view the colours from a boat on the river, you’ll be sure to catch some spectacular views

These are our favourite spots;  but we know we missed several more great locations. Please let us know in the comments what your favourite spot to view New Brunswick’s fall fall foliage is.

Post By: Natalie Davison

Who in your life has been affected?

I started doing the CIBC Run For The Cure in 2009 shortly after one of my dearest friends, began her fight with breast cancer.  If you haven’t watched someone you love battle this disease, you are very fortunate.  Sharing her experience was nothing short of life changing for me.  Battling radiation and chemotherapy for months upon months, my friend set a goal- to complete the Run For The Cure for the first time.

That year, I pushed my one year old twins in a stroller while my friend was pushed alongside them in a wheelchair- riding out the effects of a particularly difficult round of chemotherapy.  I’m moved to tears just remembering that day.  She was pushed across the finish line just before her 84 year old grandmother walked across.  She was surrounded by an army of supporters, family, friends and total strangers who understood her battle.  Imagine the love that she felt that day! THAT is what this run is all about.

Recently, I’ve been touched indirectly by this disease again.  When I had my twins, I became part of an extremely supportive online forum of mothers of multiples.  These ladies have coached each other through childbirth, nursing, managing the day to day and even devastating loss.  My heart broke when I recently learned that one of these amazing young mommies is facing this fight.  She is the new face of this disease- young, beautiful, vibrant, mom of 3 young kids.

You should read her story here: http://cancerfnsucks.blogspot.com/.

We do this Run because we want to help.  We want fighters and survivors to be surrounded by an army of friends, family and fans.  We need them to know that they’re not alone- that they’ll never walk alone.

Join us on October 2!  Or if you can’t, consider supporting us with a sponsorship or by attending our Wine & Cheese For The Cure.

Join or Sponsor Us: http://www.runforthecure.com/site/TR/RunfortheCure2012/Atlantic?team_id=20133&pg=team&fr_id=1256

Wine & Cheese For The Cure: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=269807263036995

Think about your friends… who can you run for?

So you’ve bought your dream house and have settled in, but can’t decide what colours to paint your walls, or find a coffee table to match your sectional? Have you turned to magazines for home decorating tips only to discover that the US publications do not cater to Canadians? Fear not, there is a great selection of home decorating magazines published in Canada. We’ve included a selection of five of the best below.

If you are looking to cut down on clutter, or would rather spend money on bed sheets than subscriptions, we’ve listed the details for the online content for each publication too.

Get Started

Have no idea where to get started decorating your new house? Style at Home is the magazine for you. The magazine bills themselves as “Canada’s top resource for fabulous decorating, design and entertaining ideas.” They provide a friendly voice and helpful takeaways to help even the most stylistically-challenged homeowner. Each month they feature articles about interior design, home decorating projects, outdoor living and entertaining.

Online: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Get Ideas

Canadian House and Home is all about design and decorating. Each month the magazine takes you inside the most beautiful and unique homes across Canada, providing inspiration and advice to help you create the home of your dreams. Each issue features dramatic makeovers, the latest furniture and accessories, renovation tips, and ideas for organizing and entertaining.

Online: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Video

Get Going

Want to take a more DIY approach to your decorating? Canadian Home Workshop is the magazine for you. It has been Canada’s go to publication on home improvement and woodworking for over three decades. The magazine features articles on project ideas, design techniques, practical renovation information and home maintenance advice.

Online: Blog | Twitter | YouTube

Get the Details

Once you have ideas on your overall style and design, you may want some inspiration for you day to day life. This is where Canadian Living comes in. The magazine proves a variety of daily living tips and ideas, including recipes and articles on fashion, crafts, health and family advice.

Online: Blogs | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Get Outside

Home decorating doesn’t stop at the walls of your house. If you are looking for inspiration for the outside, look no further than Canadian Gardening. Find information on gardening techniques, recipes, projects and design ideas. The magazine also features essential regional information to make the most of your home’s curb appeal.

Online: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year: MHB Customer Appreciation Day!  When we get to kick back and have some fun our favourite people- our customers!

This year’s event was held at Mapleton Lodge.  The weather was perfect, the food was great & the entertainment was top notch.  We enjoyed music by The Jared Lutes Band, bouncy castles, face painting and even a magician! Oh, and prizes galore including our grand prize: A Getaway Vacation to a location of the winner’s choice- donated by Church Flooring.

If we haven’t given you reason enough to build a Martell Home, an invite to the best party in town might just be the ticket!

Click here for the video of:  MHB Customer Appreciation Day 2011

Traveling with children can be a big undertaking for parents. Often, one of the biggest decisions is finding a suitable hotel. Not every hotel meets the needs of a traveling family. But in Moncton, several family-friendly hotels have anticipated many of these needs, and begun catering to them. As a result, they provide a vacation that the whole family can enjoy.

The hotels listed below all cater to families with children. They each provide a variety of amenities catered towards children.

Hampton Inn Suites by Hilton Moncton

A great hotel for families who are going to Magic Mountain. Magnetic Hill is also close by. Kids will love the pool and water slide. For breakfast, the make-your-own-waffle station is a big hit!

Delta Beausejour

The hotel is centrally located and walking distance from just about everything you’ll want to see in Moncton. Their indoor pool now features water slides that older kids will love. The in-room movie and popcorn, as well as iPod dock with speakers make your stay that much more comfortable.

Marriott Residence Inn Moncton

The hotel boast suites with full kitchen and separate bedrooms and bathrooms, which is a big plus when traveling with kids. Complimenting the full service suites is the guest laundry room. Food wise if you are not up to cooking in-suite, the hotel provides a hot complimentary breakfast (complete with waffle bar) and there is a Keg restaurant onsite. The hotel pool completes the family friendly ambiance.

Chateau Moncton

This hotel comes highly recommended if you are traveling with kids. It is located on Main Street and is very close to Champlain Place and Crystal Palace. They offer a nice free breakfast. Hotel staff are very accommodating, friendly and helpful.

Ramada Plaza Crystal Palace Hotel

What could be better for children than a hotel connected to an indoor amusement park? But this hotel does;t stop there. It provides a great pool that is open late, so parent can enjoy it as well.The hotels beds and pillows come highly rated, perfect to refreshing after a busy day. Topping of the family friendly atmosphere are staff that treat you like you are home away from home.

What are some of your favourite kid friendly places to say?