Health-Lifestyles News Advisory as of 1 p.m. ET Wednesday, Feb. 6

(Canadian Press DataFile Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013 1 p.m.

HEALTH-LIFESTYLES-TRAVEL NEWS ADVISORY Here are the Health-Lifestyles-Travel stories from The Canadian Press as of 1 p.m. ET. Coverage plans are included when available. Entries are subject to change as news develops. Questions can go to Andrea Baillie at 416-507-2162.

TOP STORIES: Beckham back in skimpy bodywear ads for H&M US-Fashion-David-Beckham NEW YORK _ David Beckham has a knack for keeping his name in the news, and his face _ and well-sculpted body _ in front of the cameras. The newest ad campaign for his bodywear collection for global retailer H&M is being released on the heels of the announcement that he's joining the French Paris-Saint Germain soccer club.The ad campaign, directed by Guy Ritchie, is more like a film short. Beckham stars as an action hero, saving the day in Los Angeles in his boxer briefs and bedroom slippers. (Beckham, who was born in London, left Europe to join the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.) PHOTO.

___ Not too late to make heartfelt Valentines gifts US-Crafts-Last-Minute-Valentines Don't worry if you've yet to find something special for loved ones this Valentine's Day. You can easily and inexpensively add extra heart to gifts by making them at home.Popular homemade gifts include aromatic candles and bath salts, personalized photo frames and customized scarves. Jo Pearson, an expert with the national arts and crafts supplier Michaels, says vintage lace and traditional red hearts are trends this year, and can easily be applied as stamps, stickers and appliques. PHOTO.

___ Some seeds need coaxing to sprout US-Gardening-Seed-Dormancy You wouldn't think that the dead of winter would be a good time to sow seeds. But it is, for plants whose seeds need some kind of long-term treatment before they will sprout.Such is the case for the tree peony seeds I recently planted. Well, "planted" may not be quite the right word. After soaking them in water for a few hours, I merely tossed them into a plastic sandwich bag with a handful of moist potting soil. The bag will sit on the kitchen counter for a couple of months, then go into the refrigerator for a couple more. PHOTO.

___ Ask a Designer: Let winter inspire your rooms US-Homes-Designer-Wintry-Decor It's cold out there. In much of the country, now's the time when home serves as a cozy refuge from the ice and snow. We light our fireplaces and wish for springtime.But what if we took the opposite approach, using the inspiration of frosty winter colours and shimmering, icy textures to create rooms that look gorgeous year-round A winter-inspired room can celebrate the beauty of this season, and also provide a cooling refuge perfect for the spring and summer ahead. PHOTO.

___ Anti-Valentine's Day bash features food, fun FOOD-Valentine TORONTO _ No sweetheart to celebrate with on Valentine's Day No problem, says Nadia Giosia. Throw an anti-Valentine's party for your single friends. The stiletto-strutting host and co-producer of "Nadia G's Bitchin' Kitchen" on Food Network Canada suggests keeping the atmosphere relaxed with a buffet, DIY vodka bar and anti-Valentine poem contest as part of the festivities. By Lois Abraham. With Recipes. PHOTOS.

___ EXPECTED LATER TODAY: e-Cigarettes tricky for regulators, public health HealthMatters-e-Cigarettes TORONTO _ The turning point for David Hammond came about six months ago, when he was standing in a checkout line at his local grocery store. Hammond, a tobacco control researcher, glanced at the products strategically displayed for last-minute impulse buys. He was startled to see among them electronic cigarettes, products that are posing significant challenges for tobacco control advocates, the public health community and government regulatory bodies. PHOTO. By Helen Branswell.

___ Canadians finally not last to get new tech: app developers look to Canada for test subjects Cyberfile-Canada-Tech-First TORONTO _ It was a couple of years ago that the head of Google Canada Chris O'Neill spoke about the potential of having our nation's plugged-in populace used as test subjects for the world's newest technologies, to take advantage of the world-leading numbers of Internet-engaged individuals here.Google still hasn't taken any steps toward fulfilling O'Neill's visions, but other tech giants including Facebook and Nintendo have. Facebook recently launched a new feature enabling free phone calls through smartphones here in Canada first. A few weeks earlier, Nintendo said it was launching a new low-cost version of its Wii console, the Wii Mini, exclusively in Canada.

___ EXPECTED THURSDAY: Target to name designer who will get chance to design for Quebec stores FASHION-Target-Quebec MONTREAL _ A winner will be crowned among a group of emerging designers vying for a chance to design a line for Target's Quebec stores. Five finalists are in the running for the Target Emerging Designer Award, set to be announced during the closing night show of Montreal Fashion Week. Anastasia Lomonova, Melissa Nepton, by THOMAS designer Natasha Thomas, Nargisse Ennasri Akyuz of Nisse and the label UNTTLD helmed by Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel St -Jacques are also competing for a $25,000 cash prize. EDs. Show begins at 9 p.m. ET.

(c) 2013 The Canadian Press

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