Weekend Road Closures

Not so fast: a jam-packed weekend means road closures in the city, and July 31 and August 1 will be busier than most.

This weekend, it’s Caribana. The largest event of its kind in North America brings more than one million people – and millions of dollars – to Toronto.

The 43rd annual event began on July 15, but the big parade is on Saturday.

Motorists also need to watch out for road work that’s already underway.

Click here for an overview of the road closures due to Caribana...

For a full list of all road closures, click here to check out the City of Toronto website...

Want a great spa experience...Try GLOW Spa in the Leaside - Davisville area!

It’s been a crazy busy summer in real estate so I needed a break and decided to visit GLOW Spa in the Leaside/Davisville Village area for a body treatment and to relax. Let me tell you about my experience.

GLOW Spa has seen the light at 1675 Bayview Avenue in 2002. For 8 years now, Jennifer and Marci (co-owners) have been dedicated to helping you and I “glow” inside and out!

Their web site www.glowspa.com introduces GLOW SPA as a cozy neighbourhood retreat that offers a restorative escape from the stresses and demands of everyday life. A place to take time for yourself – to soothe your skin, pamper your body and rejuvenate your spirit. I couldn’t have said it better myself.

The professionals at GLOW Spa specialize in Body and Skin Care Treatments, they are also well known for Hair Removal, Massage Therapies and one of their signature treatments is their 90 minute “Burnout Reviver”. I have to try that one for sure.

Personally I went in for the Aromatherapy Salt Glow Treatment and you wouldn’t believe how amazing it was. The grains of salt used were just right, gritty enough to get rid of the dead skin accumulating on the surface of my skin and soft enough to gently massage my entire body. A thoroughly enjoyable experience with Denise who was a real pro and a delight.

And I have to mention that they carry the full line of Dermalogica skin care products which is a no-nonsense line of quality products, no fuss, no muss, you buy what you need and you need what you buy!

By the way: When I walked out and onto Bayview, I got to the corner of the street and a man in his mid 40s smiled at me, I smiled back (hey, he was handsome) and he casually told me as he walked by me that I “looked wonderful today”! I swear I’m telling you the truth. Now I don’t think he saw me coming out of the spa, but if he had told me that I “glowed”, I would have asked how much he was paid to stand on the street corner and say that to all the women who came out of GLOW Spa! He made my day and as God is my witness, I think I did glow at that moment!!!!

For more info on this fantastic find, visit www.glowspa.ca

Customers fume over 'outrageous' gas bills

If your natural gas bill is out of whack this month, join the club.

Enbridge Gas has 800,000 households in its budget billing plan (BBP), which lets them pay the same monthly amount during the year, no matter how much gas they use.

The instalments are set in August, based on gas consumption in the previous year, and the final reconciliation is done in July.

Source:www.yourhome.ca
Ellen Roseman
Personal Finance Columnist

Click here to read the entire article....

The downsizer’s dilemma ....

Space and privacy can be an issue, so before you make the move, draw up a ‘lifestyle checklist’ to zero in on what’s important to you

Source: Friday's Globe and Mail by: Gary May
Published on Thursday, Jul. 22, 2010 3:01PM EDT
Last updated on Thursday, Jul. 22, 2010 6:14PM EDT

Click here to read the entire Globe and Mail article...

Variable rate may no longer win!

Not that there are a lot of people buying houses these days, but the answer to the age-old question of whether to go long or short on your mortgage is unclear yet again.

The Bank of Canada’s second quarter-of-a-point rate increase in the past two months is likely not going to do much to boost a real estate market that saw sales drop almost 20% across the country in June from a year ago.

The popular variable-rate product tied to prime that helped people buy a lot more house with more debt is going up too. The prime rate at the major banks, which tracks the Bank of Canada’s rate, is now at 2.75%.

But a funny thing happened as the Bank of Canada was raising rates. With much of the credit crisis seemingly behind us, the discounts on short-term borrowing are increasing as the cost of funds for banks also fall. Instead of borrowing at 100 basis points above prime, it’s now 70 basis points off prime.

Source: Financial Post
By: Garry Marr
Tuesday, Jul. 27, 2010

Click here for the complete Financial Post article....

City of Toronto...Sunday Serenades

Until August 22...Sunday Serenades in Mel Lastman Square... What fun!

Sunday Serenades features the very best in swing, big band and jazz acts to compliment Toronto’s warm summer evenings.

Come early for “Dancing with John” to learn the fox trot and jive beginning at 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm followed by the Sunday Serenades concert series.

Free Admission...can't beat that!

Click here to see the concert lineup...

New Open House this wkend 329 Davisville in Davisville Village...

You MUST drop by and visit this lovely Davisville Village semi-detached this Saturday July 24 from 1 to 5 and Sunday July 25 from 2 to 4.

This exceptional home is nestled on a deep 140FT south facing lot! This renovated 3-bedroom home includes 2-car parking (which is rare), complete with a gourmet kitchen, open-concept centre island and loads of upgrades, and an "Above Average" rating on the Home Inspection Report (its too good to be true...but it is true for some lucky buyer)! This home sparkles and shines...too many features to list here..see the Feature Sheet for the many upgrades. Steps to Davisville subway and Mt Pleasant shops, cafes & services... And you can't go wrong with the Maurice Cody School District. Don't pass up this rare opportunity!!

Click here to see the video of this home....

Scotiabank Caribana Gala After Party Friday July 23rd...

Welcome to the 1st Annual Scotiabank Caribana Gala After Party – An evening full of the splendor and glamour of Carnival – right here in downtown Toronto.

On Friday, July 23rd, the Liberty Grand Complex will be transformed into an island of sensational colour, rhythmic vibrations and exotic extravagance. Let the experience begin from the moment you enter the Artifacts ballroom as you’re captivated by the melodious sounds of Carnival through music, costumes, and live performances.

Be one of the 1,000 guests from around the world who will dance the night away while soaking up the pulsating beat of calypso, soca and steel pan rhythms along with a medley of "signature" beverages.

Net Proceeds to Haitian Educational Relief Fund

Dress Code - Formal

Early bird tickets $35 available between June 7th – 18th
More @ Door 19+

Please click here to view details on the Scotiabank Caribana Gala

Road closures to note for Honda Indy, Canadian Open

There are several road closures in effect this weekend for the Honda Indy and other events around the city.

Also, a portion of Islington Avenue is closed for the Canadian Open, which starts on Monday.

Click here to find out more from 680News.com...

New Open House 286 Broadway.. Splendid Tuscan Valley Luxury Home...July 17 & 18 From 2 to 4pm

Fabulous Tuscan Valley Luxury Home...Approx 2400SF, 4+1 bedroom home. Exquisite details and finishings, traditional/contemporary combo. B/I garage, private drive, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, lovely moulding throughout and built-ins. Too many features to list here a MUST SEE! Builder warranty available. Measurements as per builder's Plans. Check out the video below for this splendid property.

Click here to see the video for this great home...