April 2011 Newsletter

Elli's Update

It feels like spring has finally sprung! With the warmer temperatures we find ourselves spring cleaning in our yards and homes and exchanging winter coats for spring jackets. Traditionally this time of year is known to be a busy one for Real Estate, and this year is no exception.

Post City Magazines has dedicated this month's issue to Real Estate and has included its bi-annual Real Estate Round Table. Once again I participated in this somewhat heated discussion with other top Toronto experts. Who knew this business could have so many debates, opinions and differing forecasts?!

Over the past few years I have noticed that the requirements of my older clientele have changed. “Move Seniors Lovingly” is a company whose focus is to facilitate Seniors who are downsizing from their family home to a smaller property or a Seniors' Residence. Move Seniors Lovingly is dedicated to assisting older people to make this transition with ease and cost efficiency. They have the experience and resources necessary to manage all aspects of the move, from selecting the right Seniors' Residence to preparing their home for sale.

Please visit www.moveseniorslovingly.com or call Margo or Brian at 416-408-0424 for more information.

In addition if you have contents to sell, please call Marc Davis & Associates at 416-781-8800, or contact

Finally, don't forget to enter the contest to win 2 tickets to the Cabaret at China House on April 11! A stellar cast gathered by Mark Selby is ready to entertain you!

Elli Davis
Celebrating 28 Years in Central Toronto Real Estate

April Newsletter 2011

• Hot Listings!
• Real Estate News: New Home Prices Hit Record High
• Market Watch Report: March 2011
• China House Cabaret Contest
• Toronto Events: What's Happening In April?
• April Bites: The Good, the Bad and the Dangerously Ugly!

Hot Listings!

Central Toronto - Lytton Park - $1,225,000
296 Glengrove Avenue West

John Ross Robertson/Glenview Sr. Public School/Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute area.Spacious corner lot with vinyl lined & gas heated 16' X 32' inground pool.

See more

Central Toronto - Yonge & St. Clair - $445,000
47 St. Clair Avenue West #1102

'The Westclair' luxury building! 2 Bedrooms, 2 full baths, ensuite laundry. Open balcony with sensational unobstructed views. Parking and locker included.

See more

Central Toronto - Yonge & St. Clair - $475,000
63 St. Clair Ave. West #904

Spacious 1 Bedroom plus den at vibrant Yonge & St. Clair with north-facing large open balcony overlooking treetops and private parkette. Quality building with superb amenities including concierge, indoor pool, sauna, exercise & sitting rooms, visitor parking & on-site property management

See more

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:

The Globe & Mail featured an article on current new home prices in Canada. Not surprisingly, they have gone up, but what do the experts have to say about future prices? How have the stricter mortgage rules impacted the market? To find out read more here:

New Home Prices Hit Record High

Market Watch Report: March 2011

Click here to read the latest Market Watch Report published by the Toronto Real Estate Board.
March 2011 Marketwatch Report

China House Cabaret Contest

Join stellar performers Kelly Holiff, Renee Strassberg and David Lopez with Mark Selby on piano, for an evening of pop, Broadway and film music! This event is a first time collaboration between local artists and China House, one of Toronto's most unique restaurants. China House was voted best Chinese Food in Toronto NOW Magazine, people's choice. Enjoy a fun filled evening with delicious food and sensational performers.

Toronto Events: What's Happening In April?

Sprockets International Film Festival

From April 5 to 17, the TIFF Bell Lightbox will be turned over to the next generation of cinema goers, filmmakers and their families as the Sprockets Toronto International Film Festival for Children and Youth takes over. Featured are more than eighty films from twenty-nine countries, along with an exciting slate of special guests, hands-on family activities and showcases for young filmmakers. Sprockets

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters will bring their amazing basketball skills and entertaining comedy to Toronto! For two days only, April 8 & 9, at the Rogers Centre. Globetrotters

April Bites From EmBODY Fitness:
The Good, the Bad and the Dangerously Ugly!

**Mention this newsletter to eMbody Fitness, 490 Eglinton Ave. West, and receive $100 off enrolment fee. Offer expires April 30th, 2011.**
Contact Johanna Brooks at 416-566-2092

The F. Word - The Good, the Bad and the Dangerously Ugly!
By Debra Basch, RHN
Director of Nutrition, eMbody Fitness Clubs
Certified Personal Trainer

Let’s talk about the F word. A word that the media, marketing and general misinformed have made taboo: FAT! The fat-free concept has contributed to obesity just as much (if not more) as spandex has. Both have given us a false sense of security, allowing us to over-stuff with abandon.

Based on a 2,000 calorie a day diet (this number will change according to your size, sex, body composition and goals) adults need roughly 65 grams of fat per day. Out of that 65 grams, only 20 grams should be coming from saturated fatty acids. When eating a healthy diet and living an active lifestyle, we want to limit or avoid saturated fat. Saturated fat is known to raise blood cholesterol levels and is found in fatty meats, poultry skin, pastries, cookies, fast food, fried food, and high fat dairy products. In a healthy diet, some fat is necessary. Fats are an effective source of energy for the body and are necessary for proper vitamin absorption of A, D, E and K. These vitamins will only dissolve in fat. The good fats are divided into two categories:

Polyunsaturated: found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines (Omega 3’s) and in oils like corn, safflower and soybean oil.

Monounsaturated: found in avocados, some nuts (peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans) and in canola and olive oil.

Research consistently proves that diets with healthy amounts of poly and monounsaturated fatty acids have health benefits (think Mediterrean Diet) such as:

• Decreased risk for breast cancer (Swedish Study)
• Reduced cholesterol levels
• Lower risk for heart disease and stroke
• Weightloss
• Reduced pain and stiffness for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Reduced belly fat

Nuts are an excellent addition to your diet. Studies show that people who include nuts in their diet lose weight, maintain healthy blood lipids and keep hunger in check. The dangerously ugly fat is trans fat (hydrogenated fat found in margarine, commercially made baked goods, fast food, fried foods, and highly refined oils). Scientific evidence has shown that consumption of trans fat contributes to heart disease. All natural nut butters are an excellent source of healthy fat and protein. Choose one that does not contain added sugar or salt and keep the serving to no more than two tablespoons.

Nuts are a main stay in a vegetarian or vegan diet because of their high protein content. The protein is incomplete but when paired with a whole grain and/or legume (in the same meal or throughout the day) will provide a full complement of amino acids. Because of their high energy value, most people will foolishly cut them from their diet when trying to shed fat. The raw truth is a ½ serving of nuts as a snack or with a meal will give you protein, healthy fat, fibre, and numerous vitamins and minerals. Can that small 100 calorie bag of processed food boast the same health benefits? Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of nut butter on ½ an apple or celery sticks and you also get a serving of fruit or vegetable in that ultra healthy and satisfying snack.

NUT-RITION per ¼ cup of raw nuts

Recipe: Quinoa, Lentil and Almond Salad

A perfect one-dish meal ideal for vegetarians, vegans and Passover; adapted from Clean Eating)

Quinoa (an edible seed native to South America) and nuts are great sources of potassium, iron and vitamin E. Rich in thiamine, niacin and riboflavin. Both quinoa and lentils are high in cholesterol-free protein. Avocados are also a nutritional powerhouse. Quinoa is considered kosher for Passover and will supply 5 grams of fibre per 185 g serving (1 cup).

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

1 cup quinoa, rinsed very well
1 tsp of sea salt
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 cup of French lentils
1 vegetable bouquet garni*
¼ cup Dijon vinaigrette
1 avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, split
½ cup cilantro finely chopped  well
6 large radishes, thinly sliced
1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1/2 yellow pepper, diced
Juice of ½ a lemon
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Additional sea salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup of almonds, toasted and sliced

DIJON VINAIGRETTE

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
3 cloves of garlic, minced
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

METHOD:

Place all ingredients in a jar, cover tightly & shake

METHOD:

1. Place rinsed quinoa in a pot with ½ tsp of salt and broth. Simmer, covered over low heat until broth absorbed – about 20 minutes. Quinoa should be fluffy and plump.
2. Place lentils, 3 cups of water and vegetable garni in a saucepan and bring to a simmer uncovered until lentils are tender and the water has been absorbed. Cool. * (Garni-1 carrot, celery and parsley wrapped in cheesecloth).
3. Place quinoa and lentils in a large bowl and dress with Dijon Vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place all raw vegetables and avocado in a bowl and toss with herbs, lemon juice, olive oil. Spoon vegetable mixture on top of quinoa and lentils. Sprinkle almonds on last. Serve immediately.