February 2012
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RENO & BUILD KITCHENS BATHROOMS INTERIOR DESIGN LANDSCAPED GARDENS HOME IMPROVEMENTS POOL, SPA & PATIO
FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED DIRECTLY TO HOUSEHOLDERS
Tatyana Shapovalova 3600 Langstaff Rd. Suite 14 Woodbridge, ON L4L 9E7
bus 416.798.7070 fax 905.851.8794 AVENUE RD / LAWRENCE
$1,399,000 SHEPPARD AVENUE / YONGE STREET
$1,650,000
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Sales Representative c 416.669.9990 e tshapovalova@trebnet.com www.intercityrealty.com
Charming and Elegant Georgian Style Residence in Desirable Avenue Rd and Lawrence Location. Cedar Roof, Breakfast with Walkout to Beautiful Yard with Inground Pool and Shower. Master Retreat With 7 Pc Ensuite, Oval Jacuzzi Tub with Separate Shower & Bidet Marble Throughout Vanity Counter. Immaculate Custom 6 Bedroom New Home in the Heart of North York at Yonge and Sheppard. Superior Design and Finishes. Gourmet Kitchen With Large Breakfast Area and Granite Counters. Stone + Brick Exteriors, Theatre Room, Pot Lights throughout this approx. 3500 Sq Ft Home. Bedroom In Lower Level Is Nanny Suite.
LUXURIOUS 2 BEDROOM CONDO AT BAYVIEW \ SHEPPARD
Luxurious Condo “The Bayview” by “Daniels”. Next to Bayview Village overlooking the Garden. “The Briarhill” Model, Corner unit light filled with beautiful finishes! Steps to Subway and easy access to 401/DVP
$824,900
e-mail: aahtoronto@gmail.com
Real Estate continues to be a solid investment. The demand for condos will continue to increase. If you are thinking of investing in the condo market, call me I have direct builder access to many great new projects. I will help you to make the right choice for you real estate investments.
(416) 477-6107
We′ve Got The Right Mortgage For You!
LOCATION AND PRICE – A WINNING COMBINATION! Thornhill: Detached home, approx. 3500 sq.ft, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms & sauna, library on main floor, hardwood floors throughout, double sided fireplace, skylight, 2 years new roof, furnace & CAC, large fully fenced lot, steps from Ventura French Immersion, shopping, places of worship.
Within a wide variety of mortgages in TD Canada Trust Bank, there is certainly one that is the best for you. I am a specialist providing you with the consultation in your home, helping you make the optimal choice. If you want to: ● refinance ● switch your mortgage ● buy a house ● obtain a credit line
Lina Itelman
Call me and receive a personal consultation!
Call for an appointment today Offered at $868,800 www.rpt.ca/ventura
Manager, Mobile Mortgage Specialist
Tel: 416-567-6791 Fax: 1888-516-8495 Email:
Lina.Itelman@td.com Website:
www.tdcanadatrust.com/ msf/linaitelman
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February 2012
2727 Steeles Ave. West, Unit 307, Toronto, ON, Canada, M3J 3G9 Tel: 416-477-6107, 416-877-0449, E-mail: aahtoronto@gmail.com
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February 2012
ALL ABOUT HOME
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A BEDROOM DILEMMA...
Accenting the unique elements of your space
How to bring out the unique elements of your Bedroom? A few weeks ago, I have received an inquiry from Mrs. T., with respect to her bedroom design. Her biggest dilemma was pertaining to her arched top window, which is recessed into the cathedral shaped ceiling at the window area. This seemingly odd element could easily be turned into a unique feature, setting the mood for the room. The key here is to properly frame it with floor to ceiling curtains, terminating with a curved rod at the top. Let the drapery panels hang straight, or swag them to the sides to let more light indoors. For the arched top, a stunning design solution would be to introduce colorful stained glass. If you do not wish to change the window, and are looking for a simpler alternative – investigate the option of decorative glass film. These films can make the window look like it made of stained glass, without the extra cost.
To add movement to the room, choose a matching or complimentary floor and table lamp to create an asymmetrical arrangement at the sides of the bed. This will also allow you to experiment with artwork placement at the headboard wall. Now you can create free-flowing arrangements of objects or picture frames of varying shapes and sizes. Purchase a Butler stand, instead of an ottoman or a bench, in order to avoid cluttering the room and retaining the main circulation paths. This stand can be used equally efficiently to hang clothing as well as a hanging space for the bed cover (if your bed doesn’t have a storage compartment underneath).
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Colours by ICI Paints are shown in proportion to suggested use in the room. 1. #A0823 “Costa Mesa” (45YY 67/259) 2. #A0651 “Dutch Gold” (10YY 27/600) 3. #AA0056 “Crisp Linen” (61YY 89/040) 4. #A1840 “Grey Squirrel” (30YY 14/070) 5. #A0846 “Mojave” (30YY 31/205)
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Position a wall mounted TV above the dresser if you are a proponent of in bed TV watching. Lighting in the room should be soft and enveloping. Opt for lamps with a soft fabric shade. Placing an area rug at the center of the bedroom as another warming accent. Stay away from dark shades and heavy textures, although ultimately luxurious, they need a lot of room to “breathe” and if we are dealing with a smaller space, we should limit to light tones and softer textures to make the space comfy but not overdone. Color-wise, if you prefer to use a darker furniture finish, stay away from harsh blacks and lean more towards muted darker grey. Keep to natural looking tones in the palette of mustards, gold, cream and butter for the perfect balance. This will lend the room character, yet will be soft, modern, luxurious, while instantaneously soothing. Need Expert Design advice for your space? Send us a plan of your space and photos, with a description of your challenge, and watch for the review and design suggestions in the next issue of All About Home.
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6. Source: www.designshuffle.com - by SuzAnn Kletzein Design 7. Source: www.style-files.com 8. Source: www.nikki-nikkidesigns.blogpost.com 9. Source: www.berlindesigns.blogpost.com 10. Source: www.cococozy.com 11. Source: antiqueamericanstainedglasswindows.com
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Need the help of a Professional Designer? Give us a call to book a one-hour free consultation! De Style Design Consultants - Kathryn Gaysinsky, H.B.A., BCIN Tel: (289) 553-3365 email: info@destyledesign.com www.destyledesign.com (416) 477-6107 e-mail: aahtoronto@gmail.com
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February 2012
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Hummingbirds IN YOUR GARDEN
The spring is fast approaching, and it is the right time to think about your garden. Flowers, butterflies, lady bugs will gladden your soul throughout the short Canadian summer. An excellent addition to this population could be a magical jewel of a hummingbird.
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Beautiful tiny hummingbirds are welcome visitors in any garden. They have slender beaks, extensible tongues, ten primary feathers, and tiny feet suitable for perching but not walking. Hummingbirds can fly straight up, straight down, backwards, left, right, and even upside down. Most hummingbirds flap their wings about fifty times a second and have a very fast heartbeat and high body temperature. This extensive effort leads to their need to feed every ten minutes or so and in a single day they consume two-thirds of their body weight. Their source of nutrition is primarily nectar from flowers, as well as sources of protein from insects and tiny spiders.
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Hummingbirds need an ample supply of insects and nectar for food. Trees are required for nesting, resting, and escape cover. Landscapes that provide a mixture of mature hardwood forests with meadows, gardens, wetlands, shrub patches, and riverbank areas provide ideal habitat. This mixture of habitat components describes many subdivisions and residential and rural areas throughout North America. Hummingbirds are guided by visual means and are particularly attracted to certain
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shades of red. By planting flowering shrubs and plants that are their favoured food source, we can easily attract them to our gardens. Among the plants that help attract these beautiful tiny creatures are butterfly bush, cypress vine, fuchsia, colombine, lobelia, cardinal flower, hollyhock, red morning glory, foxglove, hosta, impatients, lilac, and a few other kinds. Even though flowers are the natural means to attract hummingbirds, those with no green thumb may use manmade feeders filled with a mixture of water and sugar as an alternative. Sugar, whether from a flower or a feeder, is a necessary nutrient in a hummingbird's diet. The formula for the mixture used in hummingbird feeders is 4 parts water (not distilled) to 1 part table sugar. Boil the mixture for one to two minutes, then cool and store in refrigerator. The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Do not use red food coloring, honey, or artificial sweeteners in your mixture, as this could be harmful to the hummingbirds.
Igor Perett Mortgage Specialist
647-299-4088
Interestingly enough, plants are not the only attraction for hummingbirds. Feeders are extremely important in providing energy for hummingbirds that are preparing to reproduce. In addition, they can supplement natural sources of nectar throughout the summer and fall when plants in flower gardens are between flowering stages. In the fall, feeders are important in helping hummingbirds gain weight for the long migration to warmer climates. Prior to migration, hummingbirds will “balloon� to about twice their normal weight. This additional weight will sustain them for their non-stop migration of 18-22 hours.
igor.perett@scotiabank.com mdm.scotiabank.com/iperett
You're richer than you think.
When selecting a nectar feeder for your yard, look for feeders that are easy to disassemble and clean. Red feeders will more effectively attract hummingbirds, but are less attractive to insects. Why insects? Despite common belief, hummingbirds are not strictly nectar feeders. Insects and other invertebrates are the primary source of protein for adult hummingbirds and their young. An adult female can consume up to 2,000 insects per day. Small invertebrates including mosquitoes, gnats, small bees, fruit flies, spiders, caterpillars, aphids, and insect eggs make up a portion of the hummingbird’s diet. Some wildflower garden designs provide the required structure for ample insect populations, but if this is not the case of your backyard limit yourself with the nectar and let your beautiful visitors go elsewhere for their protein needs.
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February 2012
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A New Standard – Custom Closets for All… Closets... Love them... Hate them… Organize them… Ignore them. At the end of the day, they are an important part of your home and consequently, your life. A closet stores your work clothes, fun clothes, dress clothes, and hanging-out clothes. Nowadays, our closets hold all sorts of stuff that helps us live our lives as we want to live them. Throughout time people have tried to manage their closets, organize their closets, change their closets, or simply adjust their closets. I have been told that in the early ‘60s wire closets became all the rage. Many people I talk to think that a custom closet needs a ‘room’, that they are expensive and therefore not for the average person. Well, I have to admit that some custom closets that have been built and are still being built take a full room or even rooms. Some of them come with all the bells and whistles. They make people’s
lives easier and more functional, they help make better use of space – but they cost a great deal of money. But for people who are innovative, creative, smart and willing to experiment there are many solutions designed to make a regular closet with one shelf and one rod work better. There are tools to create a custom closet that will make you purr with delight. In my opinion, the greatest solution is the “Double Hang” section of a custom closet. True, some stores offer devices allegedly able to convert your existing closet to a “Double Hang”; unfortunately, the length created at the bottom part is too short for most of your clothes. The real “Double Hang” basically consists of an upper and a lower hanging section. It is an ideal solution for hanging shirts, blouses, skirts, pants (folded over the hanger), jackets, and most skirts. I do warn you though: if your clothes are labelled extra tall, be sure to inform your custom closet manufacturer since they will need to raise your closet sections by a few extra inches. There are people out there that like to hang their pants full-length. In the custom closet business, we might call that a pant hang, or a mid-hang. Ladies, this section works for your longer skirts. The pant hang allows you to have shelving above for storing sweaters that don’t hang very well, baskets containing loose items, or anything else that you do not wish to hang and that doesn’t need a drawer. Percentage-wise, the least used section of the custom closet it the “Tall Hang”. It is roughly the same height as the level of your existing rod but generally has a few extra shelves above. What would you hang in the “Tall Hang” section? Long dresses and trench coats - this is pretty much it. Most garment bags are also tall but in most cases clothes in the garment bag do not need its full length. There are other components to a custom closest, especially the higher end ones: motorized carousels for your clothes (like you see at the dry cleaners’), upright shoe racks, wall-mounted closets, lights, etc. At the end of the day, the hanging sections are the most important, then shelves, then drawers. My point is that anyone can have a custom closet, and I think we all should. Mind you, the custom closet I suggest to most people is just the “Standard”. The “Standard” provides for a more functioning storage space where you can find what you need and keep it organized easily and effortlessly. What a delightful way to add value to your home and joy to your day! Submitted by Gabriele Schart – Lead design Consultant, Owner/Operator – Canadian Closet
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(416) 477-6107
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February 2012
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WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR THE BEDROOM Sleep takes about one third of the average person’s life. This is why it is so important to make your bedroom both comfortable and pleasing to the eye. The bedroom is the place to relax in comfort as well as to get a good night’s sleep. And the way you dress your bedroom windows plays a very important role in the overall feeling of comfort and security.
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(416) 477-6107
No matter what style bedroom decor you have, choosing the best window treatments for the room should be based on function, appearance, and design. First of all, decide whether you want simple curtains or more dramatic window treatments to enhance the appearance of the room. It is very important to tie the curtains in with the rest of your decor. This does not mean that you have to play it safe and make the curtains match perfectly but they shouldn’t clash with the decor. Make sure that the materials reflect the materials in the room, the color works with your color palette, and the thickness of the material works with the feel of the decor. Yes, there are three most important points to consider when deciding on the window treatment for the bedroom – they are thickness, colour, and fabric.
Thickness: Consider a window facing east or south-east. Waking up to a glorious sunrise is very romantic – but not if you are too tired to appreciate it and just want to sleep in. So for a window that gets early morning light you may want to consider a heavier curtain to block the light. Rooms that have little natural light should be dressed with lighter fabric treatments to allow sunlight in. Functionality is the key word here. Blackout curtains are thicker than regular curtains, which not only helps reduce light that comes into the room but also helps with noise reduction. Blackout curtains are ideal for bedrooms that are near a street or get direct sunlight most of the day. Blackout curtains also come with a thermal liner, which make them energy-efficient to retain warm or cool air throughout the year, saving you money on heating and air conditioning.
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Colour: When it comes to the color, you can use the curtains to add depth to a space or you can use the curtains to provide a little pop of color or a statement piece to the room. Depending on your bedroom color and design, choose curtains or drapes that keep your bedroom relaxing and tranquil. Softer colors like blue, brown or burgundy give the room a splash of color without being too intense. If your room is painted in a neutral color - cream, white or any earth-tone - add a curtain with a pattern to keep the room elegant but not busy. Patterns for window treatments that do not add an excessive feel are stripes, Damask, swirls, or not-too-busy floral. If there already are busy patterns in the room, such as on a comforter or rug, stick to a simpler pattern or solid colour for the curtains.
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ural light. Sheer curtains are ideal to let in natural light and pair well with existing window treatments like blinds or roman shades. For a luxurious bedroom, get creative with window treatments: velvet curtains add texture to the room while providing the simple function of blocking out light. Although silks may seem luxurious for a bedroom, limit their use for the cushions and other accents since silk curtains will fade quickly and you will be left with dull and ugly curtains on your windows. There are many different materials and fibre combinations that you can use for a curtain but your should choose materials that are fade resistant, especially if the room gets a lot of light, which is common in south facing rooms.
Fabric: No matter what look you're hoping for, there are plenty of fabrics to choose from. If your room does not get natural light often, choose a curtain fabric that provides privacy without blocking nat-
Whatever style, colour, and fabric you choose for your window treatment, remember that the right combination will always add charm, cosiness, and the necessary finishing touch to your bedroom decor. Courtesy of Aspect Creative Agency
e-mail: aahtoronto@gmail.com
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February 2012
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Decorating with Bamboo You wish to give your home an elegant and slightly unusual look? Then try a green way of doing it. Bamboo is a green product that comes in various forms, is fairly inexpensive, and looks great in interior decor.
Bamboo is a real gift of nature. It is widely used in many industries – from pharmaceuticals to musical instruments, and from kitchenware to decorative items and furniture. Bamboo is multipurpose. It can be used as a construction material and for landscaping accents. For centuries, bamboo has been used for tribal art to decorate homes and offices. Bamboo is becoming more and more popular in the area of interior dÊcor. Despite the sturdy and thick appearance, bamboo is actually lignified grass. As unlikely as it may seem, bamboo is harder and more durable than oak. There are hundreds of species of bamboo. It grows as hollow tubes that vary in width and height. Bamboo is famous for its strength and varying colors that range from pale yellows to dark greens. It is considered the most ecologically pure from all the natural decorative materials. Bamboo comes from China where it has been associated with eternal youth, unlimited energy, and strength. There are various forms in which you can use bamboo for interior decorating purposes, including furniture, beaded curtains, wall coverings, window coverings, and many other decorative items made of it. Bamboo blinds add warmth and exotic flavour to a room. Blinds not only deflect the summer heat but also hold the winter warmth.
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They provide great insulation from the outside noise. Bamboo blinds are suitable for bedrooms and bathrooms. Bamboo shades come in two varieties, light filtering and privacy. You can also use bamboo room dividers that add elegance and an exotic touch to your room while serving its direct purpose of dividing the room into well-defined separate areas. Some of you may sceptically recall the bamboo interiors still seen in the reruns of the late 20th century TV shows. Don’t worry – today’s bamboo furniture and accessories have a completely different and much modern look. This is because up to the ‘60s bamboo was considered unyielding to processing, and was used for producing primarily simple items. Advanced technologies of today enable the use of bamboo for virtually any item that up until now had been made of wood only. Unique qualities of this miracle material make it great for producing all types of furniture, as well as mirror and picture frames, rugs, coffee tables, and even lamps. Bamboo lends itself to a variety of styles blending seamlessly into different interiors, from the classic to the contemporary. Because of
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its natural and light feel it fits organically into any space with beautiful results.
Wall coverings, mouldings, parquet and laminate, bamboo trunk, ropes, panels, and slabs for decorating walls, ceilings, floors, etc. – this unlimited variety helps those who are looking for something unique in their home decor realize their wildest dreams. And for those of you who are eco-conscious: bamboo is an organic, renewable resource not harmed by harvesting; it is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Use it with clear conscience and enjoy!
February 2012
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You and Your
Kitchen
Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house; make sure it is comfortable and convenient. Only you can decide what your kitchen should look like. Kitchen renovations inevitably lead to the necessity to make a choice regarding its colours, counters, and accessories. Like fashion, kitchens come in different types of styles. Remember that getting a new kitchen is a considerable outlay of finances that cannot be repeated too often. Therefore, choose a kitchen style carefully making sure you will be able to live with it happily over the years.
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First of all decide whether you prefer a more modern or more classic style. Making that decision will help you start to narrow down your choices on everything from wall colour to cabinet doors. You have the freedom to choose between hundreds of kitchen cabinets design, doors, countertops, range hoods, and other appliances in order to develop your own unique kitchen. Within each style, you have freedom to personalize their settings to suit your needs. By learning more about kitchen cabinet design, you will eventually discover the kitchen style that best suits your personality and lifestyle.
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Excellent Work Experience, Professionalism
Have You Decided To Buy A Property?
and Creativity To Achieve Your Goals And Dreams
• I’ll find you a home where you will feel warm and cozy; • Bonuses for Buyers; Flexible commissions for Sellers; • I’ll do everything possible for fast and successful closing; • I’ll offer you the best mortgage rates; • I’ll find a solution for any complication; • Free consultations and fast confirmation of mortgage approvals.
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DIRECT:
416-889-9955 Each office is independently owned and operated
email: fayservices@yahoo.com CONDO FOR RENT. RUTHERFORD & JANE
Amazing Bellaria Residence! High class finishes. Looks like 5* Hotel! Across from Vaughan Mills Plaza. Absolutely new, never lived-in 1-bdrm, 2-wshr unit with high ceilings and unobstructed view. Very spacious & bright with large windows. Updated kitchen w/granite countertop & S/S appliances. Master-bdrm with ensuite & large closet. Parking included. Gym, sauna, billiard lounge, library, guest suites & much more. Excellent building in excellent location!
YONGE & FINCH
PROMENADE (BATHURST & CENTRE)
Over 700 SqFt, 1-bdr + den, 1-wshr in prime location! Walking distance to Yonge/Finch subway. Bright unit with large balcony. Lots of storage space. Open kitchen. Den with French door, can be used as a 2nd bedroom. Area in demand!
Asking $295,000
Asking $1475/month DUFFERIN & CENTRE
Beautiful and recently renovated 3-bdrm, 3-wshr detached home in great location. New roof, furnace, windows, doors, AC. New kitchen with granite countertop & b/splash. New powder room. Excellent layout. Huge family room with fireplace. Close to excellent schools, Promenade Mall, Parks, Hwy 7 & 407, community center.
Absolutely gorgeous, spacious 4-bdrm, 3-wshr townhouse in desirable Thornhill Woods. Double door entrance. Bright foyer. Great dining room. Upgraded hardwood floors. Huge kitchen with tall cabinets, pantry, island & breakfast area. Private family room with walk-out to fully fenced backyard, facing ravine. Spacious master-bdrm with 6-pc. ensuite and W/I closet. Good size bdrms. Close to shops, schools, easy access to Hwy 7 & transit.
AURORA
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RAVINE LOT!!! Immaculate open concept layout. Very warm and inviting large house backing onto premium ravine lot with walk-out professionally finished basement. Double entrance doors. Excellent layout. Hardwood floors. Potlights. Open concept family room with gas fireplace. Family size kitchen with walk-out to deck. Huge master-bdrm with W/I closet. New roof. 2-car garage. Good schools district.
Asking $775,000
You will not be disappointed! Located in the desirable Aurora neighbourhood, beautiful 4+1-bdrm, 4-wshr. detached house, about 2400 SqFt. Lots of upgrades: renovated kitchen with granite counters, top of the line appliances, potlights everywhere, hardwood floors. Smooth ceilings. Separate family room with fireplace. New baths. New windows, doors, interlock. Main floor laundry. Direct entrance from the house to 2-car garage. Professionally finished basement. Do not miss.
BATHURST & WORTH
SHEPPARD & WILSON HEIGHTS
Completely renovated BUNGALOW, 3+1bdrm, 2-wshr on spacious lot in great area. New kitchen with new stainless steel Bosch appliances, granite counter, backsplash and new stone floors. Stucco exterior. All washrooms are new. New doors, roof, insulation, furnace, water tank, baseboards. Smooth ceilings, Venetian plaster. Wood floors. Renovated basement apartment with separate entrance, bedroom, bath, kitchen & living area. Close to subway, parks, schools, plazas, Hwy 401.
YONGE & GAMBLE (RICHMOND HILL)
Luxurious executive 4-bdrm, 4-wshr practically new home situated on a private street. Shows like a model home! Fantastic layout. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, S/S appliances, natural stone b/splash, upgraded tiles, stained upgraded hardwood floors, potlights, designer window covers & much more. Do not miss this gem!
Asking $939,900
Gorgeous, 2826 Sq.Ft. 4-bdr, 4-wshr, with 2-car garage in desirable area! Amazing layout. 9’ ceilings. All 4 bdrms are large. $$$ spent on upgrades. Hardwood floors, potlights, crown mouldings. Custom closet organizers in all bdrms. Gourmet kitchen with tall cabinets & valance lightings. S/S appliances. Custom fireplace mantle. Landscaped b/yard with 12’x9’ deck overlooking beautiful garden & patio. Access to basement from garage. You’ll like it!
Asking $739,000
Asking $698,000 VALLEYS OF THORNHILL
Exquisite, immaculately maintained, completely renovated house, about 2500 SqFt, 4+2-bdr, 5-wshr, 2-car garage, located in quiet crescent! Excellent layout. $$ spent on upgrades! Everywhere hardwood floors. Potlights. Family room with gas fireplace. Large kitchen with granite central island, new S/S appliances. New roof. Interlocked driveway. Gas BBQ. Completely finished basement (separate entrance) with two one-bdrm units (present income of $1400/month)
Asking $649,000
Asking $579,000
Asking $669,900
BATHURST & GAMBLE (RICHMOND HILL)
Practically new, 1+1-bdr, 1-wshr, about 760 SqFt unit with excellent layout, high ceilings with quality upgrades. Laminated floors, crown mouldings, potlights. Open kitchen with granite countertop and stainless steel appliances. Parking, locker. 5* building with indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna. 24 hrs security.
Asking $344,900
Asking $549,900 THORNHILL WOODS
HOMELIFE VICTORY REALTY INC. Brokerage 10720 Yonge St, #226, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3C9 BUS: 905-737-0033 FAX: 905-737-3132
BATHURST & CENTRE
February 2012
Amazing luxury home with 3 garages. 4+2-bdrms, 6-wshr. Totally renovated. Here is everything you need. Main floor office. Hardwood floors throughout, mouldings, potlights. Two fireplaces. Stunning kitchen with huge island. Lots of storages. Stunning master-bdrm with huge walk-in closet, coffered ceilings & fireplace. 2 fridges, 3 stoves (6 burners Wolf stove, Sub 0 Fridge). 2 new furnaces, new CAC, new owned hot water tank. Inground pool.
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Country Styles Country style is welcoming and warm, with bright colours and light, painted and glazed kitchen cabinets, floral patterns, decorative shelving and moulding. Among the country kitchen styles one can select English, French, Farmhouse, Cottage, etc. It may mean painted, glazed and distressed kitchen cabinets, handpainted tiles, butcher blocks and other typical elements. To create a great country style kitchen keep it simple with well-chosen accents like potted herbs in the window, throw rugs on the wood or natural tile floors, chintz and calico window treatments, and open doors to display colourful dishes to add to the dĂŠcor.
Kazio Marble & Granite Limited time offer $40 per sq. ft. from selected materials! FREE undermount sink! No substitute on a quality! FREE estimate! No hidden costs!
Cell: 416-568-5397
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info@kaziomarbleandgranite.ca
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Contemporary Styles Contemporary kitchens, also known as modern, have simple and clean lines and decorative elements and are almost devoid of personal touches. The materials associated with contemporary kitchen styles are mostly man-made – stainless steel, laminate, glass, concrete, chrome, lacquer, etc. Contemporary kitchen styles bear European influences. If a clearly modern kitchen leaves you wishing for a touch of cosiness while looking sleek and streamlined, you can mix subtle woods like birch, ash or maple with some sort of metal like copper, brass, pewter, chrome or stainless steel on your countertops, floors and cabinet doors.
Traditional Styles Traditional kitchen styles blend the formal and elegant look characteristic of American and European homes of the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the common elements of this style are crown and rope moulding, fluting, and other ornamentation and trim. The kitchen cabinets are generally made from cherry, walnut and mahogany wood and feature raised panel doors. It's also common to see them painted white. The fixtures and appliances are generally antique looking. If you are not planning your next renovation soon, a traditional kitchen may be just for you because it never goes out of style; however you may want to spice up your appliances or furnishings over time. As mentioned above, you can choose any trend within the three main styles but remember that the more expressive your kitchen’s look and the more avant-garde its design, the sooner it will become outdated and the sooner you may get tired of it.
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Mirror Furniture
Mirror furniture is the epitome of originality, luxury, and depth. Functional objects turn into works of art reflecting the rest of the interior. People do not buy mirror furniture just because they need furniture in general but rather when they experience a need for something special. Adepts of this fashionable trend admit that searching for mirror furniture becomes a veritable safari where the excitement of the hunt is equal to the rapture of having the trophy in your possession. This is why it is so easy to fall in love with mirror furniture. The range of these ‘trophies’ both in their function and their look is tremendous. Nevertheless they have a com-
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mon element: their exquisite shape and luxurious feel regardless of their style. Even though prices of mirror-finished pieces are considerably higher than those of similar non-mirror furniture they keep gaining popularity. There are many obvious reasons for it: • Their outlines seem to blend into their surrounding; thus they never look heavy regardless of their actual dimensions; • The space surrounding them, thanks to the manifold reflection of the light – be it daylight or artificial illumination – becomes visually unlimited; • Being a real mirror this furniture reflects colour accents of the room replicating them and making the interior even more harmonious; • Even one piece – a chest, bed, or coffee table – finished in mirrored glass
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raises the level of the interior decor adding an element of luxury. The history of mirror furniture apparently goes back to the Venetian masters who became pioneers in uncovering the secret of creating ideally reflecting surfaces. But the popularity of the furniture completely fin-
ished in mirror glass has started in earnest only with the beginning of the Art Deco era. Today, some of the pieces made during the first thirty years of the 20th century fetch enormous prices at auctions.
class homeowners. Some people buy it second-hand even though adepts of extrasensory theories contend that a mirror that used to belong to someone else may bring negative energy into your home. If you are one of such believers, buying new mirror furniture is no problem considering the range of styles and prices on the market.
Even newly manufactured mirror furniture, though not cheap, is affordable for middle-
Mortgage for everyone!
Professionals Inc. Independently Owned and Operated Brokerage Lic. 10408 765 Sheppard Ave.W Toronto, ON M3H 2S9
Vitaliy Bystrytskiy Mortgage Agent Licence# M11000630
Are you getting the best mortgage rate you deserve? Call me today to discuss your mortgage options!
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• refinancing • 2nd mortgages Mortgage advise you can trust. Tel 416.883.2492 ext.204 Cell 416.839.5495 vitaliy@mortgagebrokers.com
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Decorating
with House Plants Plants make beautiful additions to any room’s decor. They lift your spirits, clean the air, and have a beneficial effect on the whole aura of your home. Whether they are live plants or artificial plants, they add an unexpected dimension to any room. Live plants bring oxygen into the room. They are great for softening the hard edges. Choose plants for your home coordinated with the style of decor you are using. For instance, if you have a contemporary style, choose glossy plants that have clean lines and long, slender shapes. If your home is more traditional, the plants will have a frilly, more feminine look. When placing plants in a room, you should remember the importance of balance and scale. You will not want to overpower a wall, but neither do you want them to l o o k lost in the space. Choose plants’ heights and fullness based on the space and the height of other elements in the room, such as windows, doors, and furniture. Grouping plants is a great look and an easy way to fill up a corner. Make sure the plants in a group vary in height. The heights of the plants should graduate
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down in small increments (do not place a three-metre tree next to a very short plant. If one of the plants isn't tall enough, place it on a brick or a flat basket turned upside-down. In the case of live plants, choose plants that have similar lighting and watering requirements – this will make their care easier. Or you may wish to group a number of plants in a single container – this will add drama and an unexpected look. Try using plants from the same family. The rule of similar requirement applies in this case, too. Plants in the bathroom create a spa-like air. To make the plants more visible make the bottom of a deep container higher using folded fabric, rocks, bricks, etc. If you do not live in a glass cage there is a good chance that your live plants will not be getting enough light. Besides, by using artificial lights you'll be able to grow plants anywhere you want or need them and you don't have to place them near natural light. It's also good for the plants since they don't have to adjust to drastic climate changes or differences in light levels considering that in colder climates, the intensity of light drops in the winter. Plants reliant on natural light suffer during low light months. This makes them more susceptible to disease and insect problems. By providing additional indoor lighting you will really help your plants survive. There are a wide variety of light fixtures available: spotlights, standard lamps, cabinet lights, shop lights, custom plant fixtures. You can also use light units which you can purchase or construct yourself. If you travel a lot or otherwise unable to care for live plants, there are a lot of artifi-
cial ones on the market – some of excellent quality, others, not so much. How do you tell the quality artificial plant from a cheap imitation? There are a few factors that will help you in this task. First check how the plant is constructed. Check out the fine details. Tug on some of the leaves and see if they come off easily. The amount, size, color, quality and realism of the leaves, trunks or stalks also makes a difference. Quality plants will be true to nature's colors - not too bright and not too strong. The colour on the petals of the flowers will not be uniform throughout but rather graduate from one color into another. Turn the plant around and inspect it from all sides - cheaper varieties may look great from one angle but be very thin from another. All of these factors determine a plant’s value, quality and longevity. Don't base your selection on price alone, look for quality and spend a little more to get it. You'll be happier with it in the long run.
ORIT’S DRAPERIES & MORE Exclusive curtains and draperies Decorative covers and pillows Bed sheets and much more Old drapery renewal Large selection of draperies, fabrics and accessories from Europe Interior and fashion designer with 20 years of experience in Israel, Canada and America
416-400-2403 Svetlana
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23
Lutron RadioRA 2 Home Control System By Darryl Wilkinson • http://www.hometheater.com/content/lutron-radiora-2-home-control-system
Unless you’re one of the enlightened, you probably use the same simple lighting-control system that most everyone else in the electrified world uses—your finger. Sometimes it’s the side of your hand, or when your hands are full, a nudge with your elbow or shoulder. While the electrical hardware is reliable, this type of system is prone to user error (forgetfulness), doesn’t react quickly to changing circumstances (daytime/nighttime), and is often just damned inconvenient (you’re here, but the switch is over there). On top of all that, gangs of three, four, or more switches on the wall, no matter how fancy the wall plate, are unsightly and not especially intuitive to use when it comes to flipping the right switch to turn on the right light—especially in the dark.
A GOOD OOMPA-LOOMPA IS HARD TO FIND Over the years, I’ve tried to cobble together a nextgeneration, how-did-I-livewithout-it, lookma-no-hands, modern-day lighting-control system (LCS) to replace the old Wilkinson Finger-Flipping Lighting Control System (WFFLCS). At various times, it’s included a hodgepodge of motion-sensing light switches, motion-sensing light-socket inserts, screw-in daylight sensors, X10 light switches and motion sensors, plug-in slide-control lamp dimmers, Z-Wave-enabled dimmers, Sharper Image motion- and sound-sensing light switches, ZigBee-enabled dimmers and switches, in-wall dimmers with builtin IR receivers, and more. There were desperate days when I started to think that my next attempt might have to involve helper monkeys or Oompa-Loompas. (Both of which are problematic. The former are poo throwers; the latter sing too much.) It certainly looked like I would forever be giving the lights in my house the finger.
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The folks at Lutron boldly told me that the RadioRA 2 wireless lighting-control system was the very thing I’ve been looking for. So, over the last several months, my son and I have replaced every single light switch in my half-old/ half-new, electronic-gremlinhaunted, electrician’s nightmare of a house with Lutron RadioRA 2 wireless switchers, dimmers, and keypads. Well, they’re not totally wireless; most of them have to be connected to the AC wiring in the house in order to turn lights on and off. (Duh.) The components themselves, though, communicate wirelessly using a proprietary RF protocol called Clear Connect. This made the hardware installation a (relative) breeze since I didn’t have to run any new electrical wiring. But since my house has been a signal-sucking deathtrap for lots of wireless thingamabobs and gizmawidgets, only time would tell whether the RadioRA 2 system would live up to its billing. But first, an educational interlude...
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The basics of energy savings Light control Dimming a standard halogen or incandescent light bulb by 25% saves 20% lighting energy. Dim more and save even more. Sensors and a timeclock also help save energy by turning off lights when they are not needed. Potential energy savings: 20%
Shade control Controllable window shades can save you 10% on heating and cooling costs by blocking the sun’s rays in summer or letting them in to warm a room during colder months.1 Potential energy savings: 10%
Temperature control Temperature control is the perfect complement to light and shade control because it provides the ability to adjust heating and cooling systems any time of day—even while away from home, saving up to 16% or more of heating and cooling energy usage.2 Potential energy savings: 16%
Appliance control Many appliances—like computer monitors—consume energy 24 hours a day accounting for 10% of a typical home’s electricity use.3 Turning off this standby power as part of a total home control system saves energy. Potential energy savings: 10%
1 Lutron commissioned simulation by T.C. Chan Center for Building Simulation
The energy-saving solutions listed below use aStudies, combination of light, shade, temperature, and appliance and Energy University of Pennsylvania, September 2008. 2 www.energystar.gov control to capitalize on energy savings in your home, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. 3 www.standby.lbl.gov 02 | Lutron Dimming incandescent or halogen bulbs by 25% saves 20% electricity. Dimming more saves even more. Full On
Appliance On Appliance Off
Dim
CFLs and LEDs already use less energy than standard bulbs, so dimming these highly efficient bulbs saves additional energy. Full On
Appliance control turns off standby power to electronic appliances when you’re not using them.
The “All Off” button turns all lights off with a single touch. Scene 1 All Off
Lights On
Dim
Scene 1 All Off
All Lights Off
Occupancy sensing turns lights and standby power from electronic appliances off when a person leaves the space. Occupied: On
Vacant: Off
7am: Off
7pm: Dim
Demand response automatically reduces energy use from lights, shades, and heating/cooling systems during peak electricity usage times.
Controllable window shades reduce heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. Shade Open
Full On
Shade Closed
Temperature control automatically sets back the temperature when heating or cooling a room, so you use less electricity. Raise Temp
Lower Temp
Scheduling can dim or turn off lights and standby power from electronic appliances when they’re not needed, as well as set back the temperature when not as much heating or cooling is needed.
Dim
kWh
kWh
More Energy
Less Energy
The “Green” button reduces energy use from lights, shades, and heating/cooling systems with a single touch.
To find out more please call us
During your tour through a RadioRA® 2 home, the recommended energy-savings on 416-272-5178 or send email in each room will be indicated by the icons shown above. (416)solutions 477-6107 ALL ABOUT HOME 25 February 2012
to info@ipconnect.ca
Lutron | 03
FAUCETS –
WHAT ARE THEY?
When deciding on the style of the bathroom or kitchen, many homeowners pay attention to the wall and floor coverings, looks of the sinks and tubs, colour accents but rarely think of a very important detail – their faucets. Whether you are planning to remodel, replace a broken faucet or cosmetically change the look of your kitchen or bathroom, you should make a decision based on more than looks and price. Choosing the right faucet is one of the most important aspects. If you know how the different types of taps work, you can choose the one that best suits your sink. A leaky faucet is a nuisance in itself but it can do much more damage than just getting on your nerves with its constant dripping. It can bear a potential expense in a form of repairs if it stains your sink or tub and in the form of your water bill since it wastes a lot of water. By choosing a reliable faucet at the outset you are less likely to encounter such problems. The construction of a faucet determines its reliability. Mechanically, there are four types of faucets: compression, cartridge, ball, and disc. Each of them has different mechanisms for controlling water flow, and all are relatively easy to fix if a washer, seal, O-ring, or cartridge needs replacement and starts to leak or drip.
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Compression Faucet Compression faucets are the least expensive type. They are most often found in older homes. You can tell a compression faucet from separate knobs for hot and cold water that work when you twist them to either open or shut the water flow. Compression faucets will at some point start dripping. Their rubber seals or washers will eventually wear down and need to be replaced. The washers are located at the end of a compression stem that stops the water flow when the handles are tightened. When the washer stops doing their job properly, water gets past it and starts dripping. Thankfully, replacing a seal is an easy job - even a person lacking in mechanical knowledge can do it. The other three types of faucets are called washerless. They are a better value as they tend to leak much less than compression faucets.
Ball Faucet A ball faucet is commonly used in kitchen sinks. It has a single lever that controls a slotted ball that aligns with the cold and hot water. To control the water pressure you have to lift the lever, which, in turn, lifts the ball to let the water through. The temperature is controlled by moving the lever from side to side. This aligns chambers in the ball where hot and cold water mixed. A ball faucet is the leakiest of the ‘washerless’ faucets.
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Cartridge Faucet This type has a hollow metal cartridge that seals the faucet and controls water flow and temperature. It may have one or two handles. A single-handle one works by being pulled up or down to adjust water pressure and moved back and forth to adjust temperature. A double-handle cartridge faucet works not unlike a compression faucet, but is easier to use since you don't have to apply force to turn it off and on. contains All of the parts are locked in the cartridge – therefore should a leak or
drip occur you need to replace the whole cartridge.
Ceramic Disc Faucet This is the latest in faucet technology and the most reliable. This faucet controls water flow with two fire-hardened ceramic discs: one stationary and one that moves sideways or up and down. By sliding across each other the discs control both water flow and temperature. Disc faucets tend to have a wider body to house the discs, which are located inside a cartridge. They are considered the most reliable faucet types; the cartridge rarely needs replacement. They are the most expensive and often come with lifetime cartridge guarantees. The latest innovations on the market are much more sophisticated, equipped with a light-sensitive censor, a thermostat, or a pressure equalizer. But for now their price is too high to have universal appeal.
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DECORATING
with
Bricks
Brick is an ancient material that has been used in construction for centuries. Today’s market offers bricks of building grade as well as decorative bricks used for both outside and inside trimming and decoration. Today, bricks have become an interior decoration material of choice in connection with the latest trend to use ecologically clean, natural substances to create a certain style of decor. Another choice is wood but it is considerably more expensive than brick and thus not as widely affordable. Decorative bricks come in many shapes, patterns, and colours, making it easy to choose the type appropriate for the desired style of decor.
Bricks are resistant to moisture but not waterproof which means that sooner or later they will start deteriorating in constant moisture conditions. In order to extend their durability decorative bricks should be treated with a special solution that makes them waterproof. This treatment is especially recommended for the bricks used to decorate a bathroom. Some styles of decor can do with a faux brickwork “revealed” in places from under “chipped” plaster (French Provence), in others, the whole wall or part of it can be made of laid bricks (country styles). In the case of classic interiors bricks find their use in decorating of fireplaces and walls around them. Window and door openings look great encased in brick “frames” with rounded corners. Glossy bricks look better in modern interiors that call for smooth, shiny, light-catching materials. Classical style interiors will profit from matt brick surfaces or even antiqued brick that will impart an ancient look to a modern dwelling. Decorative brick is an inexpensive way to add uniqueness and charm to your home. Laying a whole brick wall is quite a risky proposition – but a small fragment of the wall, a corner, or a recess decorated with brick will draw attention and incite admiration.
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Appliance & Electronic Outlet Store
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AFFORDABLE
WINDOWS & DOORS If you want to have good windows or doors - CALL ME!
• Good prices • Free consultation at your home • Quick professional installation
416-471-0028 Gregory
Saunas
direct from Vladimir Perett’s factory Sale, installation & service Gas heating systems Gas fireplaces Central air conditioning Air filters and humidifiers Gas pipe line for BBQ and stoves Stove Dryer Duct Systems
Quality guaranteed The best prices
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Upholstery
Upholstery for home furniture, marines and automotive Alex’s Interior and Upholstery Custom made
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Free estimates
shingles flat roofs skylights aluminum & siding soffit eavestroughs Cell: (647) 892 7400 (416) 247 5695
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Furniture
905-553-5358
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WAYS TO FIGHT ODOURS IN YOUR FRIDGE Sources of odours in your fridge are many therefore symptomatic cures are not very efficient in the matter of preventing the recurrence of the same problem. Eliminating offensive bouquets in your refrigerator is not enough. Go directly to the source!
THE SMELL OF THE NEW A refrigerator like any other appliance has its own smell. To prevent this smell from blending with the food aroma wash your new fridge before filling it with food items. Use baking soda solved in water or any detergent. Do not forget to wash the outside of the appliance as well. Wipe dry and leave the fridge door open for a couple of hours in order to air out the chambers. Now you can fill your new refrigerator with food items.
THE SMELL OF THE OLD No matter how tight you close your food containers, with time your fridge will fill up with various far from pleasing aromas. This means it is time to wash the interior of your best friend in the kitchen or at least clean the drain in your fridge that tends to become clogged.
COMMERCIAL ODOUR-EATERS These, as well as ionizing deodorants, can be purchased in any supermarket. They absorb even the strongest smells – of fish, onions, or garlic – and ionize the refrigerator’s interior. It is simpler – but not necessarily less expensive and of course they are less fun than the above mentioned natural remedies.
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THERE ARE FOLK REMEDIES THAT HELP GET RID OF UNSAVOURY SMELLS IN THE REFRIGERATOR. • VINEGAR: wipe the interior walls of the refrigerator with a sponge dipped in a water-vinegar solution; • BAKING SODA: wash the interior walls of the refrigerator with a sponge dipped in a soda solution. Keep an open container of baking soda in the fridge and replace it every three months. Soda is a great smell absorbent; • AMMONIA: will help in the most complicated cases – when the odour lingers even after the washing. Rub the interior walls of the refrigerator with ammonia and leave the fridge door open for the whole day; • CHARCOAL OR ACTIVATED CARBON: crush a handful of coal, place in a saucer and leave in the fridge for the whole day; • LEMON JUICE: squeeze a few drops of lemon juice into water and wash the refrigerator interior or at least wipe the walls.
TO PREVENT THE ODOUR FROM REAPPEARING USE ABSORBENT FOODS. SELECT THE ONE YOU LIKE MOST FROM THE LIST BELOW AND ALWAYS KEEP IT IN THE FRIDGE. • RYE BREAD: cut to pieces and divide among a few small containers. Place one open container on every shelf in the fridge; • GRAINS OF RICE: place in an open container and leave on the middle shelf of the fridge; • AN ONION, APPLE OR POTATO CUT IN HALF: they absorb odours beautifully. Of course, these natural air purifiers need to be replaced every few days; • AROMATIC HERBS: basil, turmeric, allspice, tarragon, cinnamon, celery seed, thyme, and other spices kept in the refrigerator help prevent odours. • VANILLA EXTRACT: if necessary wipe the shelves with a cotton ball soaked in this aromatic liquid; • ORANGE OR LEMON: their peel or slices help refresh the air in the refrigerator. • SALT AND SUGAR: Leave an open box in the fridge – and the odour will disappear without a trace.
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A life of glamour. A life of style.
GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! ONCE IN A LIFETIME DREAM PURCHASE! PHASE 2 SOUTH TOWERS NOW OPEN
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New builder release South towers Visit our showroom at 9185 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill (SE corner of Yonge & 16th Ave.) Or call 905-88-CONDO
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Showroom hours: Mon – Thurs 12 noon – 7 pm Sat & Sun 12 noon – 5 pm
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www.moderninteriorscanada.com
Orthopedic folding sofas from Europe
MODERN SOPHISTICATED AND ELEGANT FURNITURE
FOR EVERY R O O M IN YO U R H O U S E 1300 Alness St., #2 (at Steeles), Concord, ON, Canada L4K 2W6 Tel: 905 761 6497