This Mother’s Day, give your mom a handmade gift. Do you remember making fishtail bracelets as a child? Why not rekindle that old hobby in time for this special occasion?

What you’ll need:

• Scissors
• Cord
• Pliers
• Lobster clasps
• Jump rings
• End caps
• Super glue

Instructions:

1. Start by selecting the two cord colours and a third colour to use as the base (it will not be visible once complete).
2. Cut about three arms’ lengths of each colour.
3. Insert the end of each into the end cap.
4. Add a dab of super glue to hold them in place, and use the pliers to close the end cap securely around the cord.
5. Basically just fistail-braid the cord. Start by taking the right outside string and weave it over the right hand base cord and under the left-hand base cord.
6. Take the left outside string and weave it over the left-hand base cord and under the right-hand base cord.
7. Repeat, starting on the right side again. Continue until the bracelet reaches the length you want.
8. Trim off the extra cord and inset all four cord ends into another end cap.

Also see detailed image below for guidance.

Source:

http://blog.freepeople.com/2013/04/diy-fishtail-friendship-bracelets/

The Bathurst Quay Neighbourhood Association (BQNA) is a community organization that represents the Bathurst Quay neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario.

The purpose of the organization is to promote a thriving community. They are involved in local activism, bringing local stakeholders together to discuss and understand the community’s needs and desires. They are also concerned with communicating any concerns to the City Councillor, Member of Provincial Parliament, to a Member of Parliament directly.

The BQNA democratically elects its Board of Directors. They include representation from each of the area’s condominiums, apartments, or housing co-ops. All residents of the Bathurst Quay neighbourhood are eligible for membership of the BQNA.

What are some current issues the BQNA is dealing with?

Airport noise: The BQNA is currently looking into noise complaints from the nearby airport. They are encouraging residents to log complains online if they are bothered by these noises.

No Casino letter to Mayor Ford: Joan Prowse, Chair of the BQNA, has sent a letter directly to Mayor Ford’s office, indicating that the BQNA is opposed to the plan to build a casino at Exhibition Place. Residents are concerned about the traffic it would cause, as well as health and safety concerns. The organization also recently organized a town hall meeting on the issue with other nearby neighbourhood associations.

For anyone considering moving to the area, it is useful to get acquainted with the BQNA and take advantage of their resources.

Source:

http://bqna.org/

We call them by their Yiddish name “blintzes” in North America, but they go by plenty of others as well, from “blini” (Russian) to “palacinki” (Czech, Slovak, Serbian, Bosnian).  Their preparation, though, is generally the same from culture to culture: they are fried in butter, filled with fruit or veggies, and folded, to create a delicious brunch delicacy.

We don’t mean to tease you with the idea of great food, so without further ado, we’ve provided you with a delicious recipe below so you can prepare some blintzes for your next meal!

Blueberry Blintzes

Total Time: 1 hr 50 min
Prep Time: 40 min
Inactive Time: 1 hr 0 min
Cook Time: 10 min

Makes 5 servings

Ingredients

Basic Crepe Batter:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for sauteeing the crepes
• Cheese Filling, recipe follows
• Blueberry Sauce, recipe follows

Directions

Combine the milk, water, eggs, flour, salt and sugar in a blender. Blend on medium speed for 15 seconds, until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Scrape down the sides of the blender and pour in 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Blend it again for a second just to incorporate. Refrigerate the batter for 1 hour to let it rest. If the crepes are made immediately, they have a tendency to be rubbery; when you let the batter rest, the crepes have a better texture and a softer bite.

Put an 8-inch crepe pan or nonstick skillet over medium heat and brush with a little melted butter for added assurance. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and swirl it around so it covers the bottom evenly; pour back any excess. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds, until the crepe batter sets. Lightly bang the edge of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen the crepe; then flip it and cook another 30 seconds. The art of flipping a crepe in the air takes practice, so make sure no one is looking when you get the first one going. If this intimidates you, use a heatproof rubber spatula to loosen and flip the crepe. The crepes should be pliable, not crisp, and lightly brown. Slide them onto a platter and continue making the crepes until all the batter is used. Cover the stack of crepes with a towel to keep them from drying out. This makes 10 crepes.

Assembly: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Forming the blintzes is kind of like making burritos. Spoon 1/4 cup of the cheese filling along the lower third of the crepe. Fold the bottom edge away from you to just cover the filling; then fold the 2 sides in to the center. Roll the crepe away from you a couple of times to make a package, ending with the seam side down. Put an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Brush with melted butter. Pan-fry the blintzes for 2 minutes per side until crisp and golden.

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes so the egg in the filling cooks slightly and the cheese sets. Using a spatula, transfer the blintzes to serving plates. Spoon the blueberry sauce on top, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and serve right away.

Serve with chopped banana and remaining blueberry sauce. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.

Cheese Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• 1 lemon, zested and finely grated
• 1 egg

In a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest, and egg and blend until smooth. Chill the filling to firm it up a bit so it doesn’t squirt out of the blintzes.

Blueberry Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 pints blueberries
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Melted unsalted butter, for saueteing blintzes
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Combine the butter, blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small pot over medium-high heat. Bring up to a low boil and stir gently until the berries break down and release their natural juices. The consistency should remain a bit chunky. It will thicken up when it cools down slightly.

Sources (images included):

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/blueberry-blintzes-recipe/index.html

http://theshiksa.com/2010/05/19/shiksa-blintzes/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blintz

http://www.joepastry.com/2011/where-do-blintzes-come-from/

Somewhere in Toronto’s harbour, one of the seven boats of the Mariposa Cruise Lines is waiting for you to experience a truly memorable moment or learn a few new and interesting facts about our fascinating city.

One of the largest Canadian hospitality cruise operators, Mariposa Cruises was incorporated in 1987 and has been operating for nearly three decades. Mariposa operates a wide range of boats –the Captain Matthew Flinders, Northern Spirit, Mariposa Belle, Oriole, Showboat, Klancy, and Rosemary during a season that runs from April 1^st to December 31^st.

Each vessel is responsible for accommodating small groups of 20 to hosting large corporate events of over 500, with their specialty cruises including birthday parties (for adults as well as for children), anniversaries, weddings, Sunday brunch, corporate events, holidays and family reunions.

Depending on the cruise, the Mariposa offers incredible dinner, lunch and Weekend brunch selections with fresh food prepared daily by professional chefs. You can also expect to dance the night away under starry skies with a disc jockey setting the mood, while you enjoy a refreshing drink from one of the fully licensed cash bars.

But, overall, a Mariposa Cruise is great for those seeking to take in the gorgeous view of the Toronto Skyline, especially as the sun sets and the brightly colored lights of the city replace the more subtle hues of nature with the city skyline glittering in the distance.

For more information on the Mariposa Cruise Lines: http://www.mariposacruises.com

Living in Toronto, one gets used to their small living space.  It’s easy getting accustomed to living rooms that double as dining rooms and bathrooms with tiny showers.  Space comes at a premium price downtown and not everyone can afford it.  So we sacrifice a kitchen with an island or his and hers sinks for a really great view.  But why do our closets have to suffer so much?

With access to such great retail in the city, it’s next to impossible to find a closet big enough for all your must-have clothing.  If you’re sharing a closet with a partner, an overflowing closet is inevitable.  But is there any way to get some extra room for that new spring jacket you just bought, or those great new pumps you absolutely needed?  With this DIY project, you can substantially increase your closet space without having to move.  It’s easy and inexpensive but will drastically improve your bedroom.

To make your room less cramped and your closet less stuffed:

• First, buy two IKEA wardrobes (yes, more furniture but bear with us!) for either side of your bed.
• Hang light curtains in front of the wardrobes
• Affix bedside lighting to the wall above your bed
• Enjoy your new closet storage space!

You no longer have to stuff summer clothes under your bed for the winter, and we all know your room couldn’t afford another bulky dresser.

Source & Image:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-after-double-your-bedroom-closet-space-young-house-love-176525

This year, from November 17^th-18^th, 2012, take part in Winter Woofstock! Dog lovers in Toronto enjoy Woofstock every year, the largest celebration of dogs in North America. It’s a high-profile, high-energy two-day event that brings out tens of thousands of visitors every year across Canada and the U.S.

Visitors get the chance to shop for the latest in doggy fashion, food and accessories. The festival also includes tons of shows and contests.

The first Woofstock took place in 2003 in Toronto’s Distillery District and has become a Toronto favourite ever since. Now, the summer version of the event takes place in the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood, not far from Yonge Street. Winter Woofstock, though, will take place at the Direct Energy Centre, not far from Quay West.

What are some of the highlights?

Breakfast with Santa

Your dog can finally meet Santa! Get a picture of your pooch with Santa. The event occurs between 10am and 11am to kick off each day of the festival. Please note that if you want to capture the moment, you must bring your own camera.

Ms. and Mr. Canine Canada Pageant

If you think your dog has what it takes, get them to compete for the crown of Ms. and Mr. Canine Canada. If you think your dog is the cutest, now is your chance to prove it!

Stupid Dog Trick Contest

Maybe your dog has unusual talents or abilities – if so, enter them in this contest! Get them to perform and wow the crowd!

Make sure to come out with your pet to Woofstock this year!

Source:

http://www.winterwoofstock.com/

The completed Quay West condos. Image c/o Urban Toronto.

It’s sometimes fun to compare the artistic renderings of a project with the final product. Just how closely do completed projects resemble their renderings?

In the case of Quay West, many have said that the building looks much better in real life! Quay West fits in nicely with its surrounding neighbourhood and it’s clear that construction was executed with great care and detail.

A rendering for the Quay West project. Image c/o Urban Toronto.

The project, developed by Monarch Group and designed by architectsAlliance, is sleek and modern.

Do you think the project outdid the rendering? Let us know!  

If you would like to move in yourself, please feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com for more information. We would be happy to help you find that perfect condo!

Source:

http://www.urbantoronto.ca/news/2011/01/monarchs-quay-west-tip-top-condos-surpasses-promise-rendering

Image c/o littlenorwaypark.org

Little Norway Park is located at the southwest corner of Bathurst Street and Queen’s Quay, not far from the ferry terminal to the Island Airport.

It was opened in 1986 and commemorates the World War II training base that was used by the Norwegian Air Force. In fact, a large boulder from Norway rests at the site to serve as a monument.

The park contains baseball and soccer fields, a playground, a wading pool, washrooms and art installations. There has been some talk of making the park an “off-leash” park for dogs, although this has been a contentious issue. Overall, this park is the perfect place to spend a day outdoors for Quay West

If living at the Harbourfront seems like the spot for you, why not check out Quay West? For more information, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help you with your search!

Sources:

http://www.toronto.ca/harbourfront/little_norway_park.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Norway_Park

http://littlenorwaypark.org/

Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. Image c/o the National Post.

One of the most enticing factors drawing condo buyers to Queens Quay is its proximity to the Rogers Centre. Living downtown offers a wide variety of activities for one to partake in, yet the Rogers Centre may be one of the most entertaining and promising.Torontois known for having a huge fan base for its sports teams, so games at the Rogers Centre are always enjoyable and spirited. One of the best ways to enjoy a warm summer day is to head to a Jays game with some friends and sip on a cold beer.

The Toronto Blue Jays host home games throughout the summer, so be sure to go cheer them on! For more information about dates and times, please visit: http://events.rogerscentre.com/

If you want to live near all the Blue Jay action, why not consider Quay West condos? Call us at (416) 929-1660 or contact us via email at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com for more information. We’d be happy to assist you in your search!

Sources:

http://www.rogerscentre.com/

Image c/o ricoh.ca

Hockey fans living at Quay West should visit Ricoh Coliseum, the home of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. It is located right by the Direct Energy Centre.

The stadium seats 8,200, perfect for getting everyone in on some hockey action. But it also offers ice rentals, concerts, and special events.

Watch the Marlies face rival teams or enjoy events like Apassionata, Europe’s most successful live entertainment show that features more than 40 horses. The rink is also open to the public – why not go skating?

For all those hockey fans out there – thinking of moving near the Ricoh? Quay West is just steps away! For more information, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalreatly.com. We would be happy to help you find that perfect condo!

Source:

http://www.ricohcoliseum.com/