January 2011 Newsletter
Elli's Update
Happy New Year!
January is a time when people make resolutions to "improve" and "change" themselves, but so often those resolutions are broken. Instead this year try to welcome a fresh start with a new outlook and appreciate each day as it comes. Know that there will probably be mistakes and downturns in the future, but that you will be ready with the knowledge you have gained in your lifetime thus far!
From the knowledge of my years working in Real Estate, I anticipate a very busy Spring Market in 2011! After the holiday season, where we enjoyed a little R & R, the Elli Davis team is back in full swing and ready to help you with your real estate needs.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Elli Davis
Celebrating 28 Years in Central Toronto Real Estate
January 2011 Newsletter
- Hot listings!
- Real Estate News: 2011 Forecast!
- Market Watch Report Dec. 2010!
- Toronto Events in January!
- January Bites from eMbody: Lose To Win!
- Potato and Zucchini Soup!
Hot Listings!
Central Toronto - Leaside - $1,890,000 - 11 Burkebrook Place #6
Last one available! Brand new "Kilgour Estates" bungalofts! Ravine community with access to Kilgour Club amenities. Easy access to Bayview Village, Sunnybrook Health Centre.
Central Toronto - Yonge & St. Clair - $1,499,000 - 58A Oriole Road
Stunning townhome in mint condition! Just 8 years new and situated in a prime location! Only home of this group with a private garden and double garage + 2 exterior parking spaces.
Central Toronto - South Hill - $187,000 - 315 Avenue Road #5
Bright, spacious professional office space. 3 Rooms with kitchenette, 2 piece washroom, storage area + closet. Triple glazed windows with vertical blinds, broadloom (2010), recently drywalled/insulated.
Thinking of buying? Thinking of selling?
Visit our website for the Buyer's Guide and Seller's Guide or feel free to
contact me at and I'll get right back to you.
Real Estate News: 2011 Forecast!
What does 2011 have in store for the real estate market? More months of sizzling sales, or will it fizzle? Will Rob Fordís campaign promise of eliminating the Toronto Land Transfer Tax be fulfilled? Are interest rates going to continue to hold at record low levels?
CTV interviewed Phil Soper, president of Royal LePage, and has this to report:
Market Watch Report Dec. 2010!
The numbers are in! The Toronto Real Estate Board reports the third best year for existing home sales was in 2010! For a complete analysis, and more information on December sales in your neighbourhood, view the report here:
Toronto Events in January!
Toronto International Boat Show
See what is new in water craft at the Toronto International Boat Show, home to the worldís largest indoor lake! January 8 -16 at the Direct Energy Centre, tickets are available onsite or, in advance, online.
For more information: Toronto International Boat Show
Toronto Interior Design Show
Whether you have just moved into a new home and want to decorate it in your own style or spruce up your home of many years, the Toronto Interior Design Show is a great place to start! Dozens of exhibitors and endless items of inspiration are at the Metro Convention Centre from January 27 ñ 30.
Find out more: Interior Design Show 2011
Family Literacy Day
This year Family Literacy Day is Thursday, January 27. Families are encouraged to spend time reading together. ABC Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy. They are the driving force behind Family Literacy Day, and have many events planned across the country.
The Toronto Public Library holds literacy events throughout the year, but there are extra events planned in January, leading up to Family Literacy Day, including story telling workshops, family fun nights and more. Visit the Toronto Public Library website to see what is happening at your local branch!
January Bites from eMbody
Lose to Win!
By Debra Basch, RHN
Director of Nutrition, eMbody Fitness Clubs
Certified Personal Trainer
Our favourite media health personality, Dr. Mehmet Oz, recommends dropping 100 calories a day from our diets. His suggestion is simple and straightforward. Cut out 100 calories a day, every day for a year and by 2012 you will be 10 lbs lighter. 100 calories is 10 jelly beans or 7 tsp of sugar or 4 oz of wine ... take your pick. According to all the research, the first ten pounds a person loses has a dramatic and positive effect on your health. The health benefits include, but not limited to:
- Reduced risk of heart attack
- Protection against Diabetes
- Reduced symptoms of Arthritis by 50%
- Lowered Blood Pressure
- Reduced risk of developing certain cancers
- Improved circulation
If the first ten pounds you lose help towards saving your life, think of those last 10 as the end of an unhealthy era. The key message one should take from this is ten pounds is a considerable amount of weight. Most people attempt this endeavour with steely resolve that they will not ìcheatî, they will cut out all of their favourite foods, exist only on lettuce. What a sure-fire way to fail. Take Dr. Ozís advice and add mine: cut out daily one-hundred empty calories (booze, sugar, pop, junk) and swap 50% of the processed foods (crackers, bread, cereal, cheese, deli meats, cookies, cake) you may be eating with fresh fruit and vegetables. Along with the calorie cutting, read your food labels more closely. Eliminate foods containing hydrogenated oils (a source of trans fat), but add fish oil to your food plan either in pill form, liquid or better yet ñ eat it! Words like bleached, refined or enriched should be tossed out along with words ending with ìoseî. Does your morning toast really need to have sugar in it? Try brands like Stone Mill, Sha Sha and/or Ezekiel for a hearty, healthy and full of fibre bread. Bonus: they are also low in sodium and sugar.
My last piece of advice: lose the couch potato attitude and win at moving!
Potato and Zucchini Soup!
(Adapted from Bite Me)
The taste and consistency has you thinking you are eating a decadent meal ñ but take heart, this is low in fat and gut-busting calories. Heart-healthy olive oil adds flavour to this recipe. With no cream, butter or even margarine, you have saved yourself from extra saturated fat. The pureed potatoes and vegetables give this soup body and a pleasant, pale green colour. Pair this soup with a big salad and a crusty whole grain bread and you have a meal.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 small or 2 large zucchini, diced
4 stalks of celery
6 large yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled and diced
8 cups of vegetable broth ñ organic optional
1 tsp kosher salt or coarse sea salt
ground black pepper to taste
fresh basil leaves
Serves 10 - 1.5 cup servings
- Heat olive oil over medium heat and sautÈ the diced onions for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, zucchini and celery and season with salt and pepper. Stir, cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the vegetable stock, cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until vegetables are very soft.
- Cool slightly in pot and puree with a hand-held blender.
- Top with fresh basil
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