Do you have a Creative Cutie?

We have a new article in Main Street Magazine for all those artistic little people who need a place to show off their artwork and creations.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 13, grab your camera and snap those works of art and the little artists behind them.

Send them into MSM care of editor@mainstreetmagazine.net we will share your Creative Cuties with the rest of the world.

Be sure to include their name and age!

As well as your name and email address

9 Energy Saving Tips for Spring

Originally Posted in The Simple Life

Folk in Eastern Canada are probably having trouble believing it, but Spring is just a couple of weeks away. Spring can be a transition season: a good time to clear out the effects of winter and look at what needs to be made ready for summer.

Spring-cleaning

Spring-cleaning involves making sure all the fans in your home are working properly and are dust-free. Regularly wash or replace filters.
Change the airflow on your ceiling fan

Make sure you change the direction of airflow on your ceiling fan. In the winter, let the fan push warm air toward the floor and in summer, switch the direction and draw air upward, cooling the room and ensuring constant airflow.

Insulated, thermal-backed drapes

In preparing for the summer, consider investing in some insulated, thermal-backed drapes for your windows.
Air conditioning system

Before buying an air conditioning unit or system, find out its energy efficiency ratio (EER). Calculate the EER by dividing the unit’s cooling capacity (BTU’s/hour) by its energy requirement (watts). An EER of 10 or more is very good, and 6 or 7 is fair. Remember to buy the smallest capacity unit or system that will meet your needs.

Attic ventilators

Have you ever thought about installing an attic ventilator? An attic ventilating system draws cool air up through the house and can provide the same level of comfort as an air conditioner at a much lower cost. Pump in cool air during summer evenings then seal your home during the day. Attic ventilation can help lower winter heating bills too.

Check for air leaks

Have a look at your foundation walls. If you have an unfinished basement or crawlspace, check for air leaks by looking for spider webs. If there’s a web, there’s a draft. A large amount of heat is also lost from an un-insulated basement.

Inspect sliding doors

Does your home have a sliding glass door? Make sure to keep its track clean. A dirty track can ruin the door’s seal and create gaps where heat or cold air can escape.

Lawn mowers

If you have the choice, consider choosing an electric-powered lawn mower. Gas-powered lawn mowers emit greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change whereas electric-powered lawn mowers don’t emit such gases.

Refrigerator condenser coils

When dust and pet hair build up on your refrigerator’s condenser coils, the motor works harder and uses more electricity. As part of your spring-cleaning routine, make sure the coils are cleaned and air can circulate freely.

Refrigerator seals

Don’t forget to check the seals on your refrigerator door to make sure they are clean and tight. Your refrigerator accounts for up to 11 percent of your household’s total energy use, which can have a major impact on your energy bill.

ENERGY STAR® appliances

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new appliance, always look for the ENERGY STAR® label on new appliances. These products are more energy efficient and can help reduce your energy costs.

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to www.mainstreetmagazine.net

Just a moment

~claps hands like an excited child~

One year!

Welcome to our one year anniversary issue of MSM. The time has flown so quickly, we have had so much fun, that it is hard to believe that a year has passed.

This month we welcome to our team Rosemary Peters, who is taking over the Karma-Vore column each month, and Chris Reynolds our new editor. I know you will love the tongue-in-cheek humour that Rosemary brings as well as the delicious recipes. Chris’ first assignment as editor this month was interviewing a hard-nose executive type-, okay so not so hard nosed, and not very corporate at all- but challenging all the same- she interviewed me- Founder of MSM.

We welcome Author Jennifer Rardin, creator of the Jaz Park Series, and explore Goddess Athena in Ancient Mystic. Peter Davis finishes off his three part column in Healthy Relationships and the Chef of Merit column welcomes The Beacher Café’s Jason Stoner.

Of course all of your favourites are here, Main Street Music Scene, That’s The Spirit, Fashion Sense, Quick Tips and of course Judi’s worldly insights in Thoughts From an Empty Mind and so many more!

In closing, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to some pretty special people. 1. You- the reader. Without you we are just another magazine in a sea of paper rags, but you have made us special, your support and loyalty are appreciated. ~A thousand thank yous! ~

2. The MSM team. Your insight, creative expressions and wonderful gift of words adds so much to MSM each month, I appreciate your dedication, your support and putting up with me ~giggles~

As always…kick back…relax…and enjoy

With love ~Tilly Rivers~

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to www.mainstreetmagazine.net

That’s The Spirit

It is our first year anniversary so let’s break out the fine glassware and raise a toast to our founder and editor in chief. Here are the drinks that our staff (who shall remain nameless) have chosen to celebrate with;

Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 – a favourite of our boss, this wine delivers the right cross of an angel. A full bodied big red with great complexity this beauty is dense, warm and soft and has great length. Drink it now or let it cellar for as long as 20 years. I’ll drink one now and put the rest away for another special occasion.

Strawberry Daiquiri – our creative genius loves her sweet umbrella drink! A simple recipe keeps her happy and her glass full. All you need is some strawberry schnapps, light rum, lime juice, powdered sugar and of course fresh strawberries. Grab your blender and get to it…and of course the fresh berries are for garnishing. Don’t forget to use a Daiquiri glass and umbrella.

Mudslide – one of our wordsmiths loves this blender beauty. Kahlua, Vodka, Bailey’s, cream, milk and bananas. Throw the ingredients into a blender with some ice cubes, blend until smooth and top with some grated dark chocolate; a very decadent drink. Watch the kids as they will want to give this one a try!

Dirty Vodka Martini – well many of our contributors will be having this twist on a classic shaken vodka martini. Vodka (we prefer Belvedere), Dry Vermouth and Olive Brine. Combine with cracked ice in a shaker. Groove it and strain into a classic martini glass. Garnish according to taste and enjoy!

Scotch – My drink of choice. In a tribute to my father I will be having a 25 year old Cutty Sark from the homeland. As I was taught drink it neat at room temperature in a “proper” glass. Like the gentleman my father was I will be sipping this. I am typically a single malt drinker but this age old blend hits a soft spot for me. A big whiskey that is still graceful and light on its feet.

Here is to our founder; to her vision, unbelievable patience, perseverance and love of great people, prose and the open word. Cheers!

As always enjoy, share and drink responsibly.

Clare Jackson

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmagazine.net/

Main Street Magazine is ‘growing’ again—we have four new articles starting in May.

Footsteps Across the Globe - Each month we feature a country, and some hidden gems that the ‘travel agency’ might not have told you about. You will find a nice little hidden but secret place in Scotland in the May issue.

Pet Place - Cute pet pictures sent into us from our subscribers. Photo submissions for “Pet Place” is for those who have subscribed to the electronic version of the magazine to be sent to them via email only. Not on the subscribers list? 25,000 + of your friends are, email editor {@} mainstreetmagazine.net today, put ‘free subscription’ in the subject line and begin enjoying MSM right away without killing a single tree!

The “GO to Spot” - Here you will find great places to visit, the hottest clubs to the greatest beaches. May brings us great summer festivals to visit this summer.

Dating Again - With the divorce rate at an high of 50%- more and more of us are finding ourselves back in the dating world. Dating-Again is a no-nonsense tips and advice article about modern day dating and how to start meeting people again.

Be sure to send an email to subscribe to MSM today…and start enjoying the magazine that was voted hottest new magazine---or as Shelly Winters said: MSM is my new friend, a tangible and enduring companion and an integral part of my personal and professional life. From fashion to food, self development to humour MSM features focus on the reader’s interests and communicates in a way that is both informative and entertaining!

DIY- on a budget

(DO IT YOURSELF!)

Project: Build a Patio Box

This project has been brought to you by: Goellner, member of eHow.com

Things You'll Need:

1. scrap wood

2. scrap screws

3. some left over paints from friends

4. some free soil

5. saw to cut the wood

What To Do:

The first thing to do is to gather the supplies. I got my free scrap wood from a construction site down the street from me. I simply asked to dig around in the scrap pile and take a few pieces. I found two pieces 24 in. long and two more 10 in. long. (I took my measuring tape with me, by finding the sizing I needed no sawing was needed!) Then I found one long piece for the bottom.

Next I asked the same construction workers if they had about 20 screws to spare and they gladly handed me about 30. I asked to use their power screw driver, and quickly build the box right in from of them. All for free with no tools of my own. They thought this was a fun thing to see.

I took it home with me and found some left over paints that I had used with the kids. They helped paint the garden box and used their finger prints to create the watermelon look. Still all for free.

Then I went out to a nice spot in forest with lots of free compost under some trees, I filled up a trash bag with some of this compost and mixed it with some soil from my yard. Free organic gardening soil. I planted a few seeds and I had a beautiful garden in about a week, eating the veggies in about 60 days.

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to www.mainstreetmagazine.net

Interview with Founder and CEO, Tilly Rivers

April is an exciting month; there is Easter to look forward to, early flowers peeking their green little heads out from the last remains of the snow, sunny days, and the 1^st year anniversary of Main Street Magazine!

To mark this momentous occasion MSM interviewed its CEO and Founder, Award winning author Tilly Rivers. On top of some interesting comments about MSM we also get a sample of the inner Tilly herself, and what makes her who she is:

MSM:

What was you proudest accomplishment so far with MSM?

Tilly:

There have been many in the past year, I have been humbled with the growth of the readers so quickly, daily hits of a million readers on the blogs, over 25 k, world wide asking for copies to be sent via email, amazing reviews, voted hottest new magazine. Sometimes I sit back and think, is this for real? With all of the success of the magazine, it is the comments from people like Andy Scott, a poet that we featured in the December 2009 issue, that was so excited and thrilled to be on the magazine cover, or one of our writers Judi Rosen- who wrote such a wonderful thank you note to me, that brought tears to my eyes, and all because someone gave them a chance to show the world how talented they were. I am so proud of everything about this mag!

MSM:

What are your future plans for changes or additions to MSM in the coming year?

Tilly:

It is almost as if the magazine has its own pulse, a live entity, it changes and shapes itself with little planning, I just ‘feel’ it. I listen to the feedback of the readers, we try something new, add or take away, with out worry of making a mistake, I suppose that is the beauty of it, no fear, just a magazine with a purpose to give back, to be able to add some love and fun, in a world that sometimes seems to be to hectic, to out of control, to over whelming with stress and mess. My future plans? To keep doing what we are doing.

MSM:

Have you considered having articles specific for mothers with regard to parenting and parenting issues as the majority of your readers are women?

Tilly:

I haven’t, and there are a few reasons why. One there are many great magazines out there that are parent geared, experts in their field so-to-speak, and the other is, I believe that while being a Mom is wonderful ( I am one)- in my opinion, motherhood should not be ‘who’ you are. Women are sexy; vibrate intelligent creatures, as well as mothers and I hope MSM reminds us of that!

MSM:

It is no secret that you have dealt with and continue to deal with health problems, how does that affect your abilities in running and writing for MSM?

Tilly:

I get frustrated with me at times, because as of yet my energy level is not where I would like it, however, I think it actually gives me more of a push, or an edge, I see things differently, and I hope that in my own personal articles the readers will be able to see that. I am truly blessed with an amazing career, I was born to write, be it as a best selling author, a simple journal entry or MSM, not many can say they love what they do, and I am among those select few. My health issues will be another story- and one with a happy ending!

MSM:

Anyone who knows you personally or has read any of your articles knows that you are a positive and up-beat person, do you find it difficult or easy to find the same “spirits” to work with in the making of MSM?

Tilly:

I get many requests from people in whom want to write for MSM, I laugh when they introduce themselves, and some have not even taken the time to read an issue, or even an article, it is just common sense to do some due diligence. I have however found that kindred spirits are easier found than one might think; it is all about what you are looking for, what you ‘attract’ in your life. Love, laughter, positive energy comes easily if you just let it flow; I think of my life as a kitchen colander, drain the crap- keep the good. ~smiles~

MSM:

Where would you like to see yourself as an author and publisher in 5 years time?

Tilly:

I do not think past the moment. If you take care of today, tomorrow is easy. All I know for sure is that in some way, shape or form I will be writing!

MSM:

How do you deal with the negative feed back you have received from your books, and how does that negative feedback affect current and future endeavours?

Tilly:

Each person has to be true to themselves, and I will continue to be ‘me’- and that includes writing explicit erotica. The stalkers where not so cool, that was a scary place, but as for the ‘hate’ mail, I shrug it off- after all their hangs ups do not belong to me! Thankfully there are many more men and women that love me ~smiles~ thus making me an international best seller and I are very thankful for that.

MSM:

Are there going to be any ‘spin offs’ or ‘branches’ to MSM that we the readers can look forward to?

Tilly:

I hope so! I would love to do an erotica mag- what do you think- wicked ways? - ~giggles~ or maybe a version for the guys. But I think I will stay focused on MSM for the moment.

MSM:

What do you find to be the most difficult challenge to MSM?

Tilly:

Deadlines, one or more of the writers is always late with their article, and I am the worst!

MSM:

Who would you say is your role model and how have they influenced your career?

Tilly:

I know it is cliché, but my parents. I was the youngest child, and if you ask my siblings—spoiled rotten. ~smiles~ admittedly so, but not once did my parents ever tell me what I should ‘be’ when I grew up, that I needed to be a nurse, or a teacher. I had a huge imagination as child, still do, and when I would play warrior princess and slay a dragon, my father never said, men have to be warriors, and my mother never said I needed to cook the dragon for the King, or worse, to stop playing such nonsense. When I wrote my first erotica book, they never said, ‘oh my’- they where proud as could be. They are both gone now, and it is my goal to make sure they are elbowing the ‘spirit’ beside them saying-see her- that’s my baby girl playing warrior princess!”

MSM:

What was is the most inspiring feed back you have received from a reader?

Tilly:

The most inspiring feedback from a reader was from a young woman who told me that she felt powerless and forgotten in life. That in all the hustle and bustle of trying to get ahead, that she had forgotten about the simple pleasures until she read MSM- and that she laughed-out-loud for the first time in a long time, she discovered that what was most important are her dreams and not the rat-race. Why—she said---am I killing myself in misery to make another rich at the cost of laughter and the things that make me happy? She thanked us, for reminding her of her dreams, and to laugh. And I cried, because that is really what MSM is all about- it is a dream catcher!

That is our goal, to give you an inside view of our world-show you beauty through our eyes-divulge secrets-express radical thought and present a different view., and above all to laugh- love and be true to you!

So, fellow MSM readers and fans, we wish all contributors, writers, and most of all readers a Happy 1^st Birthday with well wishes and high hopes for the future!!

See you next month.

Chris Reynolds

As seen in the April Issue of MSM

Canadian ISSN: 1920-4299

If you would like to find out how to receive your FREE copy of MSM go to www.mainstreetmagazine.net

"You start in April and cross to the time of May
One has you as it leaves, one as it comes
Since the edges of these months are yours and defer
To you, either of them suits your praises.
The Circus continues and the theatre's lauded palm,
Let this song, too, join the Circus spectacle."
- Ovid, Fasti (V.185-190, CE)

For your FREE copy of MSM go to http://www.mainstreetmaazine.net/