Curb Appeal Etobicoke - ISSUE 02 • 2024

LAKE SHORE

Welcome to suite 1113 at The Waterford! This spacious and light filled 1+1 bdrm will feel like home sweet home. From the second you walk in with its open concept and functional layout. Custom built floor to ceiling closet in the den is perfect to store all of your belongings. Step out onto your balcony with beautiful southwest facing views of the lake and a gas hookup ready for your summertime bbq’s. The trendy neighbourhood features a great lifestyle, right at the footstep of lake shore, perfect for the outdoor enthusiast! The suite comes with 1 underground parking space and locker. Fabulous building with full amenities and easy access to schools, shopping, recreation, ttc and downtown via the gardiner expressway. Don’t walk, run and come see your new home!

& all essentials & minutes to downtown! Detached garage with private drive! Recent upgrades and improvements: newer roof, renovated kitchen & new appliances, updated windows, carport security lighting.

CREATIVE

ADVERTISING

Marianne

CREATIVE

WEB

ADMINISTRATION

Diana

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Mississauga,

FINGERLICKING GOOD Short Ribs

EATING HEALTHIER DOESN’T MEAN GIVING UP ON YOUR FAVOURITES — EVEN ONES YOU WOULD NEVER THINK COULD BE MADE INTO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOU.

Take this finger-licking-good recipe for Korean-style short ribs, which is low in sodium and could fit a kidney-friendly diet. It’s made by chef Kris Gaudet for the Kidney Community Kitchen, a Kidney Foundation website that offers tasty recipes, tips and expert advice on how to make cooking fun again, even if you have restrictions in your diet.

If you’re looking to cut back on beef, you can substitute pork tavern ribs, pork side ribs or pork back ribs. Whatever meat you choose, serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice and enjoy.

KOREAN-STYLE SHORT RIBS

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

• 2 tbsp white vinegar

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

• ½ yellow onion, finely chopped

• ½ bunch green onions, thinly sliced

• 4-6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 ½ lbs beef short ribs

• ½ cup water

DIRECTIONS

STEP ONE: In large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, vinegars, sugar, Sriracha and pepper. Add onion, green onion and garlic. Stir to combine.

STEP TWO: Add short ribs to a resealable plastic bag and coat with marinade. Remove as much air from bag as possible to get a tight seal. Let marinade for at least 12 hours; 24 hours would be preferable

STEP THREE: Line a large baking sheet with foil. Remove ribs from marinade and remove onions and garlic left on ribs.

STEP FOUR: Wrap ribs in tinfoil and bake at 250°F for three hours. Unwrap and serve ◆ newscanada.com

$4,250,000

This classic two and half story stone and tudor home, grandly set back from the street, is located in the most prestigious part of The Kingsway. The historical touch from its construction in 1934 by R Home Smith & Co combined with modern upgrades create a unique blend of charm and functionality.

The home features 4 + 1 bedrooms and 6 baths. A traditional centre hall plan, this home has been upgraded with modern conveniences. It’s fabulous wainscotting, wood trims, leaded glass, elegant formal rooms along with lovely hearthed living room give it so much warmth and comfort.

The large bright open concept renovated

kitchen/family room overlook south/west facing gardens. Spacious bedrooms, primary suite with walk-out, 2 ensuites and a bright skylit third floor makes for comfortable family living. The professionally finished lower level has a recreation room plus extra bedroom. The mechanics of this home have been completely redone including a dual heating/air conditioning system, electrical, waterproofing, plumbing.

A detached 1 and 1/2 car garage plus long driveway allows for parking for 7 cars. Steps to Bloor St, Subway, Humber River, this is truly a fantastic home for someone who values both historical character and modern amenities!

HEARTH & HOME

A GUIDE TO CHOOSING A FIREPLACE

By Designer, Jessica Cinnamon

The fireplace has always been an essential part of the home – historically out of necessity as a primary source of heat and light; today as a symbol of style and for the ambiance it brings to the home. While homes have evolved, one thing hasn’t changed – the fireplace continues to be the hub of the home, a natural gathering place and focal point.

Photo by Stephani Buchman

PROPANE AND NATURAL GAS FIREPLACES OFTEN USE GLASS AND STONES WITHIN THE FIRE BOX OR PIT, WHICH EVENLY DISTRIBUTES THE GAS AND CREATES A BARRIER BETWEEN THE BURNER AND FLAMES. Your fireplace media is also an opportunity to add some colour, sparkle and sophistication to the unit.

In addition to traditional placement in the living rooms of virtually every home on the block, fireplaces have become unique features raising the bar on bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, offices and outdoor entertainment areas. Each application has specific requirements, and a style that’s best-suited to its intended placement and purpose.

If you’re considering installing a fireplace, there are crucial steps to follow to ensure your project’s success.

Before you get too deep into the ashes, ensure the fireplace is permitted and possible. Regardless of the type of dwelling, obtaining a building permit is essential, and failure to do so may lead to costly delays, legal complications, or even the removal of completed work.

Regency Fireplaces

WHEN CHOOSING A GAS OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE, PAY ATTENTION TO EACH UNIT BTU OUTPUT.

The rule of thumb is approximately 40 BTUs per square foot of living space. So, a fireplace with 40,000 BTUs will be sufficient to heat a space measuring 1,000 sq. ft.

Once you know if you can do it, find out what exactly can be done. Is your space suited to the style of fireplace you’re dreaming of? Here’s my overview of three popular options:

A wood-burning fireplace is unlike anything else, with its crackling sound, smoky aroma, and warm, flickering glow. However, installing a woodburning fireplace can be a costly effort, requiring major structural work and a chimney built of masonry, which may not always be a viable option in some homes. Beyond that, owning a wood-burning fireplace requires effort, including building and maintaining fires, storing firewood and annual cleaning.

Gas fireplaces offer all the allure of a traditional fireplace at a fraction of the cost and effort and added safety,

making them a popular choice among many homeowners today. Modern advancements in technology have made gas fireplaces more stylish and efficient then ever, such as radiant gas fireplaces that circulate heat efficiently while keeping the surrounding area cooler – a great option for condo owners and families with small children and pets. A gas fireplace can be installed virtually anywhere, and a simple flick of the switch instantly wraps the room in a warm glow. Simply put, gas is easy and low-maintenance, with the ambient beauty of a traditional wood-burning unit.

Electric fireplaces are another great option when a real wood-burning or gas fireplace just isn’t an option. This “plug-and-play” option is great addition for condos or homes where a gas line is not possible, or where the

budget doesn’t quite match the vision. Electric fireplaces have certainly have come a long way, artfully emulating the appearance of real flames, and in some cases, the sound of crackling logs, with some units even equipped with a realistic “smoke” effect. Electric units are easy to use, just plug it in and enjoy the heat and the flickering “flame.”

Aside from the fireplace itself, comes everything that surrounds it. In my designs I like to bring in custom builtin shelving surrounding a fireplace as a way to frame this feature, or create a streamlined display with a simple but bold piece of framed artwork, suspended above or placed on the mantel.

Even if a fireplace is no longer functional, it can still be fabulous and serve as a lovely visual focal

point. Arrange firewood neatly inside the fireplace alcove and embellish the mantel space with seasonal decor or candles to achieve a finished appearance. This imaginative technique adds character and elevates a room’s overall atmosphere.

The concept of “home” usually encompasses an element of “warmth” in some capacity, often manifested through a comforting style, a cozy feel or an inviting atmosphere. And in my designer opinion, the most wonderful, welcoming home designs encompass all three. Not sure where to start? Look to your fireplace, or the empty spot where you plan to install one, for the easiest and most effective way to warm up your space, and take your place from “house” to “home.” ◆

JESSICA CINNAMON is the Principal Designer and founder of Toronto based Jessica Cinnamon Design Inc

204 High Park avenue - ‘The James T. Jackson House’ $3,999,000

Majestic Landmark Property Located at High Park Avenue & Humberside. Circa 1891 3 Storey Queen Anne Revival, Bespoke Victorian Design by Recognized Toronto Architect James Augustus Ellis. This Single Family Century Dwelling Offers 8 Bedrooms & 4 Bathrooms Set Within an Architectural Masterpiece. Approx 5,600Sq.ft on 4 Floors, Grand Principal Rooms, Massive 3 Storey Turret, Aesthetic Sandstone & Brick, Stunning Slate Roof, Impressive Oak Staircase with Intricately Carved Newels, 10.5” Ceilings on The Main with Plaster of Paris Arches, Rosettes & Crown, Original Oak Door Casings & Baseboard, Hardwood Floors, Stained Glass. Lovingly Cared for & Maintained by The Holy Cross Priory for the Last Several Decades, Mechanically Sound, Updated/Renovated Kitchen & Bathrooms, Perched on an Oversize 58’ x 125’ lot with Dual Driveways & Attached Garage, Landscaped Backyard. Truly One of a Kind!!!

EASY HACKS TO SAVE ENERGY AT HOME

SAVING ENERGY DOESN’T NEED TO BE COMPLICATED OR EXPENSIVE. WITH A FEW SIMPLE UPGRADES AND CHANGES IN DAILY HABITS, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT AND HELP LOWER UTILITY BILLS.

Embrace natural light

Take advantage of natural light during the day. Open curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in. You won’t need to turn on as many lights, plus it will make your home brighter and more inviting. Keep in mind, this can heat up your home on hot days, but the extra heat is a good thing as the weather cools down.

Light the way with LEDs

When you do need to turn on lights, choose energy-efficient LEDs. They use less energy and last significantly longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. By switching to LEDs, you can reduce both your energy use and the number of bulbs that end up in landfills.

Adjust your thermostat

Save energy without sacrificing comfort. During cooler months, lower your thermostat by a degree or two and put on an extra layer of clothing. In summer, raise the temperature a bit and use fans for added cooling. Also consider a smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.

Unplug and power down

Many electronics and appliances use standby power — also known as phantom power — even when they’re turned off. It’s a good idea to unplug them when not in use to reduce energy waste. Also think about using power bars with switches to easily turn off multiple devices at one time.

Seal energy leaks

Are your windows or doors drafty?

Use inexpensive weatherstripping and caulking to seal up gaps. This simple step can keep your home better insulated and temperatures more

stable. That way, your heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfy.

Tap into local programs

Check out programs that help homeowners reduce energy use, such as Home Efficiency Rebate Plus. A partnership between Enbridge Gas and the federal government, it offers rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades, such as insulation, windows, doors and more.

Find more information at enbridgegas. com/herplus. ◆ newscanada.com