Just when you thought it was safe to put away those winter boots... but seriously, it’s exciting to think that soon there will almost be probably no threat of snow. All right, when it comes to the weather at this time of year, I like to word things carefully – just in case we get a snowstorm in May. And to further avoid tempting fate, I sometimes don’t put winter coats away until Canada Day. Well, maybe Victoria Day. And then there are the wide-eyed optimists who are so done with winter that they’ve been wearing shorts and t-shirts since March. I may be skeptical but I swear my method makes the turn from winter to spring that much sweeter. For others, there are different rituals to follow, and this month Janet Atkinson has put together a to-do list to help all the gardeners jump-start the growing season.

Regeneration isn’t limited to the outdoors, as you’ll learn from personal style consultant Sue Jacobs (“Spring it on!”). Even though spring is an exciting season for fashion, now is the time to focus on what’s already in your closet, says Jacobs. Editing and organizing your wardrobe may just make deciding what to wear the most pleasurable part of your day instead of the most challenging.

There’s a lot to be said for listening to your gut instincts. But sometimes, your gut is telling you something is actually wrong with it. Since April is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) awareness month, Nanda MacNeil (“Did you know?”) thought it would be wise to highlight some tips on how to promote and maintain healthy digestion. Definitely food for thought.

There’s thinking and then there’s too much thinking. When negative thoughts prevail and invade our mind, they can soon become our reality. We’re all familiar with the power of positive thinking; however, it’s often easier said than done. So how can we focus on what we do want to happen instead of what isn’t happening? Perhaps the 10 steps outlined in Beth Sutherland’s article, “The power of positive being,” will help you to eliminate some of that negative chatter and establish a more productive mindset.

It’s hard to believe that such a disturbing crime as woman abuse exists in a society so humanely rich in other ways. This month’s feature article, “Love shouldn’t leave bruises,” is about one woman’s survival of shocking abuse. Reading about the endless physical and emotional torment that Kellie suffered made my heart ache but part of me couldn’t help wonder how she stayed in such a relationship for so long. But my questioning couldn’t be more off the mark. According to Megan Walker, executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, asking why women stay in abusive relationships actually re-victimizes them. Instead, we need to ask who the men are who abuse women and how they become abusive. Let’s hope for answers soon because within them lie solutions.

Shelley Vandermolen - Editor

Letter's from our Readers

Regardless of the merit of your magazine, the name Real Women both offends and perplexes me. It offends me because it implies that women who don't subscribe to the magazine's views and interests are not real women. This implication is problematic as it furthers society's tendency to place women and men into narrowly defined gender roles that can limit people's potential and outcast those who don't fit into such categories.
It perplexes me because it's very close in name to that of an ultra socially conservative lobby group, REAL (realistic, equal, active, for life) Women of Canada. Yet, you don't seem to share similar values. For example, I don't believe the discussion of embracing one's sexuality (Sexual Hang-ups: what's holding you back? by Kelly Garland, Jan/Feb issue) would be embraced at all by REAL Women of Canada.
Heather Wharram ~ St. Thomas, ON

EDITOR'S NOTE: The name of our magazine is intended to reflect the fact that the content is for and about women in our communities and we believe this name simply signifies the real-life issues, challenges and successes of these women. Our intent has never been to define women but rather to profile them and share their stories with others. And as such, it has never been our intent to reflect the goals or mission of the organization REAL Women of Canada.

I love your publication! However, I did notice an error in the chart on saving money over periods of time and rates of return (Money comfort zone, by Tammy Buss, March). Specifically, the amount at the five-year mark: saving $500 per month at a 10 per cent rate of return.
Aside from this, the charts totally demystify saving! I've been preaching to my sons (who are 22 and 17) for years about the importance of paying yourself first. I've encouraged my oldest son (who is out on his own) to budget to live off of four days' worth of income (Monday's pay belongs to him with part of it going to an RRSP and part into savings.) The charts in Buss' article show him what he can expect to have in 25 years.
I'd like to thank Buss for her articles, which are always interesting, informative and, more importantly, good conversation around our dinner table. My sons have said many times that high school doesn't teach this kind of math and money management and this really needs to be addressed. Keep up the great work!
June Coutu ~ London, ON

Tammy Buss replies: Thank you for pointing out my error. I wish I could say the mistake was to see if anyone was paying attention, but unfortunately it was an inadvertent error. The chart with the 10 per cent rate of return after five years, with a deposit of $500 per month, read $29,332 (which was after four years). The actual total should read $38,586. Thank you for reading and please let me know about any topics you'd like to see featured. Chances are that if you're interested, others are as well.