Toronto Real Estate | Sylvie Conde's Blog

August 21st to August 24th, 2008; BUSKERFEST!

It's for a good cause.  Don't miss it.
Admission is by donation only and it supports Epilepsy Toronto.
This is dedicated to promoting the independence and quality of life for people with epilepsy.

This is different - you don't want to miss the street performers and their stunning, incredible acts - from the magical art of transforming chunks of candy into dragons, to the high-flying antics of pogo acrobatics, to the bizarre culinary spectacle of a bologna sandwich being prepared... by foot!

4 days and 4 nights of non-stop fun.  Both the old and young children will love it. :)

You can get additional information here.

www.sylvieconde.com

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I became a Mom recently... I know it was recently ... it feels just like yesterday ....only he's almost 18 years old.

We have been going out for lunch or dinner, on Fridays, for as long as I can remember.
At a very early age, he didn't like fast food.  He wanted to sit down with the 'big people' and learn how to use the knife and fork properly (or the chop sticks, in this case).

I remember when he was 4 or 5 years old, and I'd take him for Sushi, how all the adults in the place would point and look at him eat the raw fish and just love it. (Champagne tastes, he always had, on my beer wages.)

Somewhere along the line my sister introduced him to dim sum, and now it's his favourite place to go, whenever Mom has time (but we still try to have our Mom and Son 'linner' -- late lunch, early dinner), at least once or twice a month.

We went to our favourite dim sum place again on August 12th (I will be busy on Friday) :)
 - Rol San Restaurant, in one of Toronto's Chinatowns (Spadina & Dundas).

After we had more than our share of har gow, siu mai, char siu, bean curd, egg plant in black bean sauce, curried squid, stir fried gai lan in garlic sauce (Chinese Broccoli);

....... we went off to take some photos of neighbourhoods for Localism.

If you're ever near Downtown Toronto and want to visit the two best (most affordable) places for Dim Sum, right across the street from each other, take a walk along Spadina and stop just south of Baldwin Street (at St. Andrew) - and take your pick - Rol San on the East Side (you order your favourites right off the menu) .... and Bright Pearl on the West Side (traditional dim sum carts come by and you take what you like).

I don't know how much longer he will want to go out for lunch with his Mom, but I enjoy it as much now, as I did when he was 5... maybe even a little more (only now he doesn't tell me as much... and I want to know everything). :)

I don't know anything about teenagers - I have nothing to compare this experience to - but it's not so bad - but if you want to know about some great places to eat in Toronto, just ask - I'll ask my son, and let you know. :)

There's only about 1 month left, before we start preparing for school again.
Summer is short ... enjoy it.
Here are some of the most popular local attractions

Air Canada Centre
Air Canada Centre is a state-of-the-art arena that is home to the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association and the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.

Rogers Centre (formerly Skydome)
Famous for its retractable roof, the Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Argonauts football team and the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, 1992 and 1993 World Series Champions.

CN Tower
Recently nominated one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the CN Tower features glass floor observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a Simulator Theatre. It is Toronto's most recognizable landmark and as such, it receives almost two million visitors annually.

Canadian National Exhibition
For the past 120 years, the 18-day Canadian National Exhibition, which runs from mid-August until Labour Day weekend, has traditionally signified the end of summer to two million visitors from across Canada and throughout the world. The "Ex", as it is better known, is the largest annual exhibition of its kind anywhere.

Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, the Ex is a 350-acre carnival of entertainment, rides, buildings, sports and agriculture. It is also the site of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair held each November.

Ontario Science Centre
The Ontario Science Centre offers interactive and multi-media exhibits with live demonstrations and exhibits on topics that include sports, space, the environment and the information highway. The Science Centre entertains and educates more than 800,000 visitors each year.

The Toronto Zoo
Divided into geographic regions, the zoo's 710 acres feature more than 5,000 animals in their natural environments. Its new Africa Savanna exhibit includes a 32-acre walking safari through the wild lands of East Africa.

Paramount Canada's Wonderland
Canada's largest theme park was built in 1980 on 300 acres of land just north of Toronto. It features more than 180 attractions and 50 thrilling rides, including Canada's only suspended roller coaster and the largest outdoor wave pool in the country.

Ontario Place
A 96-acre modernistic culture, leisure and entertainment parkland complex built on three human-made islands over the lake, Ontario Place features restaurants, a children's village, an outdoor amphitheatre, a water play area, mini-golf, the Rush River Raft Ride and many other attractions. The highlight of Ontario Place is the Cinesphere - a six-story curved screen capable of showing not only regular 35 and 70 millimetre films, but IMAX films as well.

Like most big cities with a water's edge, Toronto's downtown waterfront has gradually been transformed into a lakeside people place. The heart of this revitalization is the award-winning Harbourfront Centre - the site of art galleries, theatres, craft boutiques restaurants, offices, hotels and marinas fronted by a waterside promenade.

Harbourfront

Harbourfront Centre attracts approximately 3.5 million visitors every year.

Toronto islands
Only a 10-minute ferry ride from the foot of Yonge Street, the Toronto islands offer a panoramic view of the city skyline. Centre Island offers miles of parkland with beaches, barbecues and picnic tables, boat rentals, bicycle paths, a children's farm and even an amusement park.

Sylvie Conde, Broker
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 & Life Blog...
...              information on buying, selling, mortgages - and all things Toronto and GTA

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KidsPlay & YouthOutlook present Youth Day 2008

July 26 - 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.  - FREE

Celebrate over 40 non-stop music and dance performances on 2 outdoor stages at the FREE concert. Youth ranging from 14 to 24 years old, plus mentor bands and Canadian recordings artists will rock City Hall for a full 9 hours!

Enjoy the incredible talent at the "Youth Gallery", where artists and photographers will display their works around the fountain.

There will be delicious food booths, retail vendors and a Fan Station too.
With a capacity audience of 25,000, join us this year!
Come out and support our next generation!

For more information contact:
Phone: 416-813-0909

Toronto City Hall -
Nathan Phillips Square at Queen Street and Bay Street,
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario

Sylvie Conde, Broker
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 & Life Blog...
...              information on buying, selling, mortgages - and all things Toronto and GTA

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JULY 18th to the 27th, 2008 - The Beaches International Jazz Festival

THE BEACHES (or The Beach as they now call it), is just 15 minutes from downtown Toronto.
Antique shops, clapboard cottages and quirky stores and restaurants typify the Beach. The beachside boardwalk is crowded with joggers, dog-walkers and picnickers, and the beach itself is packed in the Summer.

This annual event is just around the corner again.

The Beaches International Jazz Festival showcases jazz, blues, big band, vocalists, African, Caribbean, reggae, hip-hop, South American, Latin, rhythm and blues and more.

The festival is spread out over three venues in the Beaches and features an eclectic lineup of musicians. The Woodbine Park venue boasts three stages with artists like Dr. Draw, Cimarron, Richard Underhill and the Toronto All-Star Big Band.  Street Fest takes over Queen Street East with performances by Tokyo Giants, Sultans of String, Rob Christian, Trouble and Strife and more. The festival ends with performances by Elizabeth Shepherd Trio, The Sicillian Jazz Project, Anne Lindsay, Tab Benoit and the Tad Robinson Band featuring Alex Schultz at Kew Gardens.

Over 100 bands will be participating - local and non-local, emerging and established; cross-cultural, energizing, live and improvised.

During Beaches Jazz Festival StreetFest, on the nights of Thursday July 24th, Friday July 25th, and Saturday July 26th, Queen Street E. will be closed from Woodbine Ave. to Beech Ave. from 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm nightly. The north / south streets of Waverley Ave., Wineva Ave., and Lee Ave. will remain open throughout the evening.

Sylvie Conde, Broker
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 & Life Blog...
...              information on buying, selling, mortgages - and all things Toronto and GTA

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A very good friend (and client), Rochelle Holt, owns the greatest (in my opinion) and only alternative book store in the downtown area of the City.

The store specializes in books about spirituality, creativity, holistic health, etc.  At WonderWorks, you can find ways to honour all of life's transitions (I stole this from her website) ... you can check it out for yourself, or just give her a call, if you're looking for something specific (books, journals, CDs, flower essences, calendars, jewellery, gifts, etc.).

WonderWorks   416-323-3131   rochelle@gowonderworks.com

The store is located at 79A Harbord Street, in Toronto, just West of Spadina.


If you're in the area, please visit the store.  I promise you will find something there just for you.
If Rochelle or one of her friendly staff can't help you, they will certainly point you in the right direction.

Rochelle has helped me (with referrals and friendship) and this is my way to try to help her - get the word out. Pay it forward!

Thanks, Rochelle. :)

FREE SPECIAL EVENTS AT WONDERWORKS

Maya Tawari, renowned Ayurvedic expert, healer and author comes to WonderWorks,
Friday July 18^th,  6 - 8pm

Mother Maya, as she is known, will be offering a free 45 minute talk followed by a book signing to celebrate her latest book, Women's Power to Heal .
All are welcome, please contact WonderWorks to reserve your space.

Organized by the Vidya Institute, her visit to Toronto will also include weekend events at Vidya:  http://www.vidyainstitute.com/tiwari.htm

Opening Reception - Senseless by Kirsten Rohloff,
Friday July 11^th, 7 - 9pm

The WonderWorks/ Fleishman Gallery is happy to present this intriguing video installation by recent OCAD graduate, Kirsten Rohloff. Please join us for a glass of wine and lovely catered treats.

N E W   W O R K S H O P S

SACRED SOUND JOURNEYING WITH DEBORAH BRODEY

Tuesday, July 15^th  & July 29^th   7:00 - 9:00pm

Tuesday, August 12^th  7:00 - 9:00

Sacred Sound has long been used in many traditions to heal, to connect with our innermost being and to connect with the Great Mystery. We will spend the evening exploring sacred sound through voice for the purpose of personal, group and healing for the earth.

For info and registration: 416 254 7054  deborahbrodey@hotmail.com  Cost $25

ECSTATIC TRANCE POSTURES WITH INGRID CRYNS

Wednesday, July 16^th & August 14^th 6:30 - 9:30pm

Experience the science of Shamanism & ecstatic body feeling. While sitting or standing in a very specific posture, listening to a rattle shake in a steady manner for only 15 minutes, participants enter into a trance state. The postures act as a biological door, like a gateway in our body to allow us to open up into the 'Alternate Reality'.

For info and registration: http://www.somaearth.com/sea-event-body-postures.html or 

416 656 4444 Cost: Free or by Donation +/- $25

LOVING & ACCEPTING YOURSELF UNCONDITIONALLY WITH JACQUES TRIPOGNEY

Tuesday July 22^nd  from  6:30 to 9:30pm

Healing the Wounds of the Heart and Opening Ourselves to Receiving Love:

This is an experiential workshop that explores our personal blocks and conditions that prevent us from fully accepting ourselves and creating fulfilling relationships. Our safe, non-judgmental and supportive environment allows insights and healing effects. 

For info and registration:  416 252 3230  jacques@tripogney.com Cost: $75.  
(25% or 50% discount if you bring one or two persons).

Whether you live in Toronto or are just visiting for the month of July, here is a short list of some of the festivals/live performances in our City. 

JAMES TAYLOR - July 8, 2008; 8 p.m.
James Taylor performs his unique brand of folk/rock at the Molson Ampitheatre.
This is a rain or shine event. Lawn seating is available.
Ticket prices: $49.00 - $145.00
Location:  909 Lakeshore Blvd., West (near The CNE)

REALTORS CARE FOUNDATION - DASH FOR CASH - July 9, 2008; 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Are you a Motorcycle Rider looking for adventure?
Longing to feel the wind in your face?
Then put on your helmet and join our "Dash for Cash", the REALTORS Care Foundation ride for charity!
From July 9th - 12th, 2008 we will ride from Toronto - Ottawa- North Bay-
Collingwood, final destination is London where we will be welcomed to a celebration dinner.
All funds raised by the REALTORS Care Foundation will support shelter-related organizations across Ontario.  Anyone is welcome to make a pledge for a rider on-line. If someone would like to ride but can only do a portion of the ride we are just as happy to have them!!

$20 Rider Registration Fee
For more information contact:
Phone: 416-445-9910
Ext: 377

EAST ASIAN DAY - July 10, 2008
Ontario Place hosts a fun-filled celebration of East Asian Day.
For more information contact 416-314-9900
Location: 955 Lakeshore Blvd. West (at Remembrance Drive)

SALSA AT ONTARIO PLACE - July 10, 2008; 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
The First Ever all-day SALSA AT ONTARIO PLACE on Thursday, July 10 kicks off the All New Salsa In Toronto Festival. Salsa at Ontario Place promises to be a fun-filled day for the entire family. Take in the sounds of some of Salsa's hottest entertainment while enjoying all of the park's rides and attractions, all with a Latino flair.

PLUS don't miss the 4th annual Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13(Just west of Bathurst St between Christie St and Winona Dr
For more information contact:416-744-8200
Location: 955 Lakeshore Boulevard West

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS - July 11, 2008; 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Downsview Park is pleased to present free movies under the stars Friday nights throughout July and August, sponsored by 97.3 EZ Rock and Toronto Community News. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs with your family, friends and neighbours and enjoy a free family-friendly movie under the stars as the sun sets at Downsview Park. Free popcorn and additional concessions available on site. For movie listings visit www.downsviewpark.ca.   Rain or shine (indoor rain location).
For more information contact: 416-952-2222
Location: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road, Sheppard & John Drury

GREAT BIG SEA with special guests JOEL PLASKETT EMERGENCY: July 12, 2008 - 7:30 p.m.
Great Big Sea is renowned for their spirited live performances in which their concerts are as much communal celebrations as they are musical events.
Joel Plaskett Emergency is now set to bring their fantastic live show to the stage when they open the show for Great Big Sea in Toronto. Joel Plaskett Emergency was recently nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 2008 Junos.
Ticket Prices: $39.50 - $59.50. Lawns $27.50
For more information contact: 416-870-8000

Have a Safe Summer!

Sylvie Conde, Broker
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage  416-966-0300
Independently Owned & Operated
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Toronto Real Estate & Life Blog...
...              information on buying, selling, mortgages - and all things Toronto and GTA

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Pride Week - June 20th to June 29th, 2008

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of Toronto's greatest parties; world class arts, cultural programming, community activities, etc.

It's probably the largest street festival in Toronto all year, and you'll love it.

For additional information, contact:

Pride Toronto

65 Wellesley Street East
Toronto, ON M4Y 1G7
(416) 927-7433

Pride Week 2007 featured over 600 artists over the 10 days.  We are expecting bigger and better things this year.  There is something for everyone - for him, for her, and for the Family.

It's a great time to visit our great City of Toronto.
Have fun. :)

Here's a little reminder from our Fire Guy/Fire Department, which I thought was worth passing on. 

 When planning a backyard fireworks display, follow these safety guidelines:

• While children are an ideal audience, never allow them to light any fireworks. Only responsible adults should handle all materials while all spectators watch from a safe distance.

• Only one person should be in charge of igniting fireworks. With the exception of sparklers, fireworks are not meant to be handheld.

• Carefully read the instructions and precautions that accompany the fireworks. Before they are used, store them in there original package to avoid sparks.

• Fireworks should be buried to at least half their length in a bucket of sand or earth before they are ignited. If portable firing bases are not available, plant them directly in the ground, making sure that each is firmly supported before igniting.

• Always have a garden hose ready to douse any fireworks that continue smouldering after discharging.

• Light fireworks at arm's length, standing back and keeping your face away. Don't relight fireworks that fail to ignite, wait for several minutes and then soak them with water.

• Sparklers should also be doused with water, or allowed to cool in a safe place away from children. The ends of sparklers continue to stay hot for some time, and will easily burn a child's skin, clothing, or any nearby combustible material. Only use sparklers outdoors.

• Always keep fireworks and sparklers out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard or drawer. Make sure that children are unable to access these materials to avoid a tragedy. For example. after the 1998 July 1st holiday, Toronto Firefighters responded to a blaze that was accidentally started by children playing with sparklers. Consequently, a four-year-old child died in the fire.

• Fireworks are only permitted on designated holidays. After the holiday, return all unused fireworks to where you bought them.

-In case of fire or an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Have a SAFE weekend, everyone,

Sylvie