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Take advantage of the holiday season, and slow down and enjoy some time with your loved ones.
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year.
I hope you enjoy some of the photos that follow - they were taken in Bowmanville on December 18th... it was almost midnight, and the flash didn't always work ... and having just treated my son to an amazing birthday dinner, this seemed to be the icing on the cake for the evening....
This is just a small sample of some of the beautiful displays of Christmas lights in the area.
Happy Holidays, everyone.
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
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Anyone who can't comment on the blog, or wishes not to, but needs additional information,
is welcome to send me an email at sconde@sutton.com
TARTE AU SUCRE
this weekend at A Taste of Quebec
This weekend we are offering freshly made Tarte au Sucre from the Sucrerie de la Montagne located in Rigaud, Québec. This is a sumptuous treat for the whole family, friends or guests. Whether it be for dessert, served at tea-time or a a late-night snack, these traditional Québecois sugar pies will hit the spot.
This weekend only, we are selling our Tarte au Sucre for $10.25 each, and,
if you buy one,
you get the second sugar pie for half-price!
Enjoy other tasty treats from Sucrerie de la Montagne
If you have never tasted Tarte au Sucre, come on down to A Taste of Québec and you can sample a little bit of sweet heaven.
But be forewarned, they are habit forming!
To place a hold on a Tarte au Sucre (or two), please call us at the store 416-364-5020.
For more information about our products, visit our website at www.atasteofquebec.com
A Taste of Quebec
55 Mill Street
The Distillery District
The Cooperage Building 32 (off Distillery Lane)
Toronto, Ontario, M5A 3C4
Tel: 416.364.5020
Fax: 416.364.6878
Email: info@atasteofquebec.com
Store hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm
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(photos used with permission)
I wasn't going to add anything to the above, but I'll tell you ... the tarte is definitely addictive, and so are a number of other things, like some of the cheeses and terrines.
If you can't go to them, they can come to you. They offer catering services as well.
I know you know where the Distillery District is .... pass by A Taste of Quebec ... you won't regret it.
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Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anyone who can't comment on the blog, or wishes not to, but needs additional information,
is welcome to send me an email at sconde@sutton.com
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE WINTER SEASON
You can feel it in the air. Winter is around the corner.
You're now cleaning the leaves and bringing out the shovels and collecting salt (I am...) ...
You've already disconnected the garden hose and put it away for the Winter.
Did you remember to turn the water off to the exterior?
I forgot a couple of years ago, and had a pipe freeze/explode inside the wall ... so now I have one of those faucets that even if I forget, will not freeze (drains itself).
If you don't have one of those, however, you MUST drain that tap and turn off the water for the Season.
Here is a short list of some things you should look after every Winter:
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors (if they run on batteries)
- Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season
- Clean humidifier two or three times during the Winter Season
- Vacuum bathroom fan grille
- Vacuum smoke detectors
- Check all your fire extinguishers and replace if necessary
- Check fire escape routes and ensure family has good security habits (everyone should be aware of outside lighting, escape route, and where to meet in case of emergency)
- Check basement floor drain to ensure trap contains water (refill if necessary)
- Check your home for excessive moisture (condensation can cause damage over time and affect your health)
- Check all faucets. Fix drips... replace washers if necessary
- Run some water in laundry tub, if never used, to ensure water is kept in the trap
- Clean drains (dishwasher, washer, sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls, etc.)
- Check windows and doors for ice and cold air leaks. Clean and repair if necessary; or make note to fix in the Spring
- Check roof for ice or icicles. Hire someone to clean it up/fix, if necessary
- Keep snow off gas meters, vents and exhaust vents and basement windows
- If putting up Christmas lights, or any other outdoor lights, ensure they are safe. If anything is worn, replace it. If it feels warm to the touch, don't use it. Replace it.
Avoid costly fixes, by staying on top of this. Make up a checklist for every season.
Pick one or two items to check/do every week.
Hire a qualified handyman for those tasks that are beyond your ability, or those that aren't safe.
Protect your investment.
Look after your home, and it will keep you safe and warm for many years to come.
If you need additional information, or a complete, comprehensive list, contact your local REALTOR; or you can email me directly, and I'll send you a copy.
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
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Anyone who is not a member and has a question or wishes to comment,
please email your questions or comments to me at: sconde@sutton.com
Liz says it very well. It's not a long list, but it's an important one, if you're starting to think about buying a home.
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Via Liz Moras ~Chilliwack Realtor, Chilliwack,Hope,Langley,Abbotsford (Harrison Hot Springs, Cultus Lake):
So You Think You Want to Buy A Home? Here Are Some Helpful tips
Although not a comprehensive list here are some tips.
1. Get preapproved for a mortgage. I know we like to leave this for later in the game. But do yourself a favor and do it first! Rather than guessing or estimating how much you can afford to spend, ask a lender or mortgage broker to pre-qualify you - and while you're at it - get him to give it to you in writing.(please note the pre-qualification guarantee will be good for 30-90 days and if you have not bought in that time frame you will need to get an extension or update on the guaranteed rate.
How is he going to come up with that dollar figure? Well it'll be a combination of your household income, how good your credit is, interest rates, the type of loan you select and how much cash you have ready for the down payment and closing costs. You might be surprised that the amount may be much more or much less than you think.
2. Home Surf -Aren't we lucky that these days we have access to so much information online? This is a great place to start. We find our buyers to be extremely savvy as to sale prices, trends and homes on the market. The more educated you are about what's happening the more empowered you'll feel!
3. Find 'Your Realtor'! - this is probably a good time to think about choosing a Realtor. See How Do I Find a Good Realtor?
4. To have or not to have - that is the question!
We always talk about lists -and for a reason! I always advise my clients to make up a list of Must Haves and Non-Negotiable. If there are two of you deciding, check and compare lists! You might be surprised that your top 3's are different! You can be a bit more objective if you decide this in advance - otherwise you just might find yourself making your decision based on emotion alone. It's too easy to fall in love with a home that doesn't meet your needs! Two years later you'll be shopping again - Good For Me - but not so good for You!
Here are a few things to consider.
Location Location Location. We've all heard that but what exactly does it mean and why is it so important?
- Your Commute - how long is your drive to work;
- How good and close are the schools;
- If you're a Senior is public transport important, how about hospitals?;
- How about shopping? - do you have to drive 30 min. drive to the nearest mall?
- What or who are your neighbours;
- What is the zoning in the surrounding area?
- Think Resale - you haven't bought yet - yet you're supposed to think resale? Yes - because you'll probably be doing that one day so it doesn't hurt to think ahead!
- Size - Square Footage - what is the range/size of home you're looking for?' There are skinny houses
 
and there are fat houses! :0
- How many Bedrooms - Bathrooms? Do you need an office, guest room, gym?
- Style of Home - Basement Entry - 2 level - Rancher - do you want the bedrooms all upstairs, do you prefer a one level with no stairs.....and do you need a basement? Maybe you'd rather have a townhome or condo?
- Age - do you prefer new, or do you like it to be 'broken in'.......do you like a fixer-upper - or do you want it to be in 'move-in' condition?
- Lot size - with our busy lifestyles these days not everyone wants a big yard anymore.
5. Use a checklist.You have no idea how easy it is to get confused - no matter how good your memory is!Make up a checklist a head of time - or ask your Realtor if they have one - you can find great ones online as well! I often advise my clients to take photos - (with the permission of the owner of course). Now you don't want to do that with each home -but do it with the contenders!
6. How Many Homes should we look at at one time? Probably no more then 5-6 at a time - even that might be pushing it in terms of remembering what you've seen and where! :-)
7. What to wear? Lace Ups? Not such a good idea. Give the heels a miss too. Be comfortable and maybe layer your clothing!
8. Can I bring my kids? What about my Dog? - Probably not a good idea - It's important to be able to concentrate on what you're viewing - plus - kids can find it confusing, disruptive and scary thinking about moving - and looking at house after house - not knowing where home may be.
9. Breathe...No point in getting so stressed that all the fun out of buying a home is gone! Try to keep some perspective on the whole thing.
10. Have Fun! If you're blessed to be in a position to own a home - enjoy the process - with a thankful heart! :-)
If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.
Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos taken by Liz Moras and copywritten. Please do not use without permission. Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.
    
   
BREAST FEST!!
November 20 to November 22, 2009
Royal Ontario Museum
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Now that I have your attention,
this is the world's first Film Festival dedicated to BREAST CANCER awareness!
(courtesy of Breast Fest 2009)
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-- short films -- documentaries -- animations -- dramatic features --
Through the use of film and media,
Breast Fest will showcase the many issues surrounding breast cancer.
Cost $10 - $19
Royal Ontario Museum
Bloor & Avenue Road/Queen's Park
For additional information, call 416-920-0980
RETHINK BREAST CANCER!
Click here to make a donation now!
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
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EH! U! EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL
November 19 to December 3, 2009 - TORONTO
FREE ADMISSION TO ALL SCREENINGS!
First come, first served basis.
Donations welcome!!
All Films subtitled in English.
MUST BE 18 AND OVER!
This is the 5th anniversary of the European Union Film Festival.
23 countries will be participating.
The films will be shown at the following cinemas:
Bloor Cinema, near Bathurst/Bloor subway
506 Bloor St. W - Nov 19th
The Royal - 608 College St. - Little Italy
Nov 20th - Dec 2nd
Cineplex Odeon Varsity, in the Manulife Centre (Bloor & Bay)
55 Bloor St. W - Dec 3rd
For a list of Films and schedules, please check the Festival's website.
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
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A TASTE OF QUEBEC - TORONTO'S GOURMET FOOD & WINE EXPO 2009
METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE - SOUTH BUILDING
Friday, November 20, 2009 2pm-10pm
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 12pm-10pm
Sunday, November 22, 2009, 12pm-6pm
CHEESE SAMPLING AND GOURMET CREPES, PREPARED BY CHEF JEREMY MORRISON.
General Admission: $15, Friday through Sunday
Must be 19+ to attend, no infants or children are permitted
A Taste of Quebec
The Distillery District
55 Mill Street, Building 32 (off Distillery Lane)
Toronto, Ontario M5A 3C4
416-364-5020
In partnership with A Taste of Quebec,
Vineyards Estate Wines presents
Bleu, Bleu, L'Amour est Bleu
Fall even more in love with blue cheese by knowing how to pair it with wine!
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26 / $20 per person
VINEYARDS ESTATE WINES
228 Queens Quay West
(at Lower Simcoe, directly across from the Harbourfront Centre)
416.598.8880
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
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CANADIANA?
Photos copyright Sylvie Conde 2009. Santa Claus Parade, November 15, 2009.
For those of you wondering where the igloos are ... sorry ...
they must have melted before I got there. :P
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
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The longest running children's parade in the World made its way through our City streets this afternoon. The streets were very crowded as usual, with little kids ranging in age from 6 months to 85 years young. Everyone was thrilled to see Santa and his reindeer, and all the other 'animals' running loose on our streets.
Here are a few 'moments' from today's parade....
Photos copyright Sylvie Conde 2009 - Santa Claus Parade - Toronto - November 15, 2009
Toronto's Santa Claus Parade started in 1913, when Santa was actually pulled by live reindeer, which had been brought in from Labrador, specifically for the parade.
By 1950, the Parade was the largest in North America and was first televised in 1952. Today, it is televised all over North America, and as far as New Zealand.
To learn more about the parade and its history, check out the official website.
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
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TORONTO'S REEL ASIAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
- NOVEMBER 11 - 15, 2009
(courtesy of reelasian.com)
This is the 13th anniversary of the Reel Asian International Film Festival.
This is Canada's premier Pan-Asian Film Festival.
It brings together the film makers and the film lovers from all over the world.
Five special days of films, parties, seminars, exhibitions, and special events.
The films shown will be from the East and South-East Asia, with a focus on Asian Canadian work.
All films that are not in English are sub-titled.
Ticket prices range between $5 and $10.
The Opening and Closing Galas will be held at the Bloor Cinema, at 506 Bloor Street West (around the corner from the Bathurst subway station, at Bloor & Bathurst).
The Festival screenings will be held at the Innis Town Hall (at St. George).
You can go to the St. George subway station, and walk south for a few minutes.
Youth Screenings will be held at the NFB Cinema, at 150 John Street, at Richmond.
You can take the #501 Queen Streetcar to John Street.
For additional information, please call 416-703-9333.
You can find the complete FESTIVAL SCHEDULE here.
Photos courtesy of Reel Asian International Film Festival.
For more information, or to buy a membership or make a donation to support the growth of Asian Cinema in Canada, go to www.reelasian.com and click on Membership & Donations.
Sylvie Conde, Broker - Your Toronto Realtor!
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc, Brokerage 416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com
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Toronto Real Estate and Life Blog ....
.... information on buying - selling - mortgages ... and all things Toronto and the GTA
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Sylvie Conde, Broker | Toronto Real Estate
Toronto,
ON
More about me…
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage
Address: www.sylvieconde.com, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated, Toronto, ON, M5R 1K6
Office Phone: (416) 966-0300
Cell Phone: (416) 564-7431
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