The Karen Millar Team


The Shops at Don Mills
8 Sampson Mews #201
Toronto, ON
M3C 0H5

416.443.0300
1.877.366.SOLD (7653)

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Signature Realty
IND. OWNED & OPERATED
BROKERAGE
 

Thursday 31 December 2015

Tuesday 29 December 2015

E2


It has been a fabulous year for e², including making progress with the "160
Girls" Kenya police training that our shelter partners describe as having
made a "night and day" difference, and filing the "Believe Her. End
Corroboration" Constitutional claim in Malawi (here's a link to photos from
that memorable filing day, November 25th, International Day for the
Elimination of Violence Against Women):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/56356777@N08/sets/72157661597935026.

The progress made by the equality effect in 2015, making girls' and women's
rights real, wouldn't have been possible without support. 

With just a few days remaining in 2015, we would like to ask you to please
consider making a donation to the equality effect to help us continue to
achieve the "160 Girls" progress being made in Kenya, enforcing the landmark
"160 Girls" High Court decision and holding perpetrators accountable for
their sexual violence, and ensuring that rape victims in Malawi also get
access to justice.  Your contribution will help to make rights real for the
10 million girls of Kenya, 9 million women and girls of Malawi, and beyond.

All contributions received by midnight on December 31st will receive a 2015
tax receipt.  You can donate on-line at:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-equality-effect/


Thank you!
Karen

Sunday 27 December 2015

Hug someone


This was a great posting I saw and it made me feel that this year we should all make a little more effort to spread love and happiness and squash all feelings of hate.
Karen

Tuesday 22 December 2015

The Grinch


A lesson we should all remember this holiday season! Let's be kind to one another and appreciate the little things!
Karen

Sunday 20 December 2015

Food Tube


This is fabulous! Have you joined Jamie Oliver's Food Tube on Facrbook or YouTube? It's free, he has amazing cooking tips with video demonstrations and the recipes are delicious! Check it out at http://jamieol.com/FoodTube

Enjoy!
Karen

Friday 18 December 2015

Energy equals productivity

Chalene Johnson said it best "While we can't manufacture more hours for our day, we CAN be infinitely more productive with the time we do have. To be more productive, you need more energy!  The number-one way to improve your physical energy, mental stamina, work performance, focus, and ability to cope with stress, is exercise. The productivity of people after exercise is an average of 65% higher than those who didn't exercise! Just exercise."  Anything and everything counts. Fresh air helps too so go for a walk in this balmy weather!
Karen

Monday 14 December 2015

Decorate a tree for the birds


Help decorate an evergreen tree in High Park with handmade pine cone bird feeders and edible garlands for the birds. Hike through the woods and learn how to feed chickadees from the palm of your hand, search the skies for soaring hawks and discover how birds like cardinals, nuthatches and woodpeckers survive the winter. The event runs from December 19-20, 10 am-noon or 1-3 pm. Tickets are $8.50 (child under 3 free). Please pre-register at http://highparknaturecentre.com/. The High Park Nature Centre is located at 375 Colborne LodgeToronto.
Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 13 December 2015

Looking for gift ideas?


Looking for last minute gift ideas? I found this and thought it would be a marvellous gift. Arbonne has something for everyone. Check out their site at http://www.arbonne.com/pws/homeoffice/tabs/home.aspx

Enjoy!
Karen

Wednesday 9 December 2015

Happy holidays

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season and a fabulous 2016!
Karen

Saturday 5 December 2015

Christmas in the Valley


Experience the holiday traditions of the 1890s and the 1940s through sampling historic recipes, making take-home crafts and an outdoor tour of the Wildflower Preserve at Todmorden Mills 67 PotteryToronto. Christmas in the Valley runs December 1 & 13 from Sat-Sun, noon-4 pm. Tickets are $4-$8.
Enjoy!
Karen

Leslieville Christmas Market


T'is the season for markets! This one is in Leslieville and will feature handmade goods by local artisans, Father Christmas, soup and hot chocolate competitions, live music and more.  The Market begins December 12 & 13 from 11 am-6 pm at 25 Booth Avenue (south of Eastern Ave). Free parking!
Enjoy!
Karen

Holiday Market at the Shops at Don Mills

This is fabulous!  Celebrate the season at the Shops at Don Mills Holiday Market with their festive holiday music, vendors and strolling Santa! The Holiday Market runs from now until December 20, 2015 (Weekends in December leading up to Christmas).Market Hours
Sunday: Dec 13 - 11am - 4pmSunday: Dec 20 - 11am - 4pmSaturday: Dec 12 - 11am - 4pmSaturday: Dec 19 - 11am - 4pmEnjoy!Karen

Thursday 3 December 2015

Down payment rule change

Here is a great read from Jake Abramowicz

"There has been a lot of speculation about a potential increase to down payment rules from 5% to 10%, especially with the Vancouver and Toronto housing markets continuing their incredible run. 

Both Bloomberg News and Canadian Mortgage Trends reported today these potential moves brought on by the Liberal Government. "As many as 115,000 buyers across Canada may not afford a 10% down payment". There is also talk of a sliding scale policy where the 5% down payment would still work for homes under $500,000, 7% being required for $500,001 and $700,000, and 10% on anything over $700,000.

The worst part? If this is to happen expect it to happen fast, without warning, and potentially without much heads up. 

The second worst part? This would cause huge damage to a very weak market outside of Toronto and Vancouver as is evident by the charts below. Our prices are way up, the rest of the country has faltered. Same with our sales, and conversely our inventory is very low, while listings are at a record across the board everywhere else. Take a look:







If you have 5% down buyers you'll want to advise them they need to step up their game or risk being completely priced out. NOT because prices will necessarily rise but because the down payment will. 

If you have sellers of homes in these price ranges you should sit down and talk with them about the potential impacts these changes may bring to demand of their homes.

If you have questions please let me know and I will, of course, pass on the information as I get it.

As with the six previous mortgage rule changes AND the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, and considering my experience of approximately 200 closings per year, I do not think this will impact that many people but it certainly will impact the first-time buyer market the most. Who will get hit hardest is the one that has been sitting on the sidelines, barely able to increase their down payment via savings because the city is so expensive to live in where rent is too damn high, and now will face an even longer uphill battle to enter the market.

This will also positively impact condos which is funny because this is/was the number one concern amongst talking heads through the past couple of years. Why? Those buyers seeking homes will now focus on $500K and under condos.

This will also keep helping the "shadow lenders" aka the private lenders out there that are making money hand-over-fist by going to 80-95% on second mortgages right now. This will also further increase HELOC usage amongst parents once the kids are short of the down payment, they'll ask the Bank of Mom and Dad for a loan from the HELOC.

What I think they should do is also let REAL first-time buyers keep their 5% card in the pocket just the one time. Not "Canada Revenue Agency" first time buyers - where if you sell a home +5 years ago you're a first-time buyer again, but people who have never been on title anywhere before, period.

So much craziness surrounding this potential move!

Not the happiest of news if you ask me, but nothing I'm surprised about. If the market can't control itself, then the Government will. Then again, Sweden also has an insane housing market and they have a minimum 20% down payment rule and guess what? nothing has changed there. I don't think we'll have the same effect since our economy is tied to oil, our economy hasn't rebounded the way we'd like, and our market isn't like Sweden (a very small geographic country in relation to here). It's just interesting to see what has happened in other markets.

This news coupled with rising rates which we have seen across the board should cool things off. I've always been a fan of letting the market take its course with minor interaction from the Government. 

Thanks for reading,

Jake"

-- 

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Municipal land transfer tax

This just in.....

Municipal Land Transfer Tax:  UPDATE!

From Patricia Verge,
President, Ontario Real Estate Association

It gives me great pleasure today to inform you that this morning, Ted McMeekin, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, informed the legislature that the government will not give municipalities the ability to charge a municipal land transfer tax (MLTT).
 
Below is a portion of copy of the Minister's statement:
 
While we are currently reviewing the feedback from our partners, it is clear is that there has been no call for a Municipal Land Transfer Tax.  I was pleased communicate our government's position today, that other than in Toronto, where the power already exists, our government will not be extending Municipal Land Transfer Tax powers to other Ontario municipalities.

In short, the government has listened to our campaign and agreed that the MLTT was the wrong tax for Ontario municipalities. In doing so, you, Ontario REALTORS, have helped stop one of the largest tax increases on home ownership in a generation. It is one of the biggest government relations wins in our association's history.

Good news for homebuyers outside of Toronto

Karen

Monday 30 November 2015

Thank you!

Thank you to all that came out to our Millar movie morning!  We raised over 100 coats for the Children's Breakfast Club. I've never been prouder! 

Karen 

Thursday 26 November 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy gobble gobble to all our friends and family south of the border!

Karen

Sunday 22 November 2015

One of a Kind Show


Yippee! This is my all time favorite show to visit! The One of a Kind Show features items made by over 800 Canadian artisans and designers. Great gifts and ideas for the Holidays! The Show runs from Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Tickets are $13-$15, students/seniors $7.50, kids 12 & under free. For more information visit One of A kind. The Show takes place at Enercare Centre 100 Princes' Blvd, Exhibition Place.
Enjoy!
Karen

Cavalcade of lights


This is truly a holiday event you don't want to miss. The Cavalcade of lights is the Nathan Phillips square holiday tree lighting which will also feature musical performances, a skating party and fireworks! It takes place at Nathan Phillips Square November 28 starting at 6:00 pm. For more information visit the Cavalcade of Lights.

Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 19 November 2015

The Potter's Studio Show and Sale


The Potter’s Studio holds a four day sale twice a year, during the spring and fall seasons. This is a perfect opportunity for pottery lovers and those who are interested in the works of local ceramic artists to have a chance to own a piece of work. These pieces also make classic and unique wedding or Christmas gifts for friends and family. Drop in during their sale times to meet the artists or inquire about our hands-on classes.
Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 15 November 2015

Toronto Christmas Market


This looks like a lot of fun for everyone! The Toronto Christmas Market is a European-inspired seasonal festival with music and dance, carolers, family activities, handcrafted products, food and more. Tree Lighting Ceremony November 20, 6 pm. Runs November 20-December 20, Tuesday-Thursday noon-9 pm, Friday noon-10 pm, Saturday-Sunday 10 am-9 pm. Tuesday-Friday free, Saturday-Sunday $5. Tree Lighting Ceremony November 20, 6 pm.
T'is the Season!
Karen

Gourmet Food and Wine Expo


This is a great event! The Gourmet Food and Wine Expo lets you sample food, wines, beers and spirits from around the globe! The Expo runs from November 19 to November 22, Thursday 6-10 pm (VIP), Friday 2-10 pm, Saturday noon-10 pm, Sundaay noon-6 pm. Tickets are$20-$45, passes/special events extra. For more information visit Gourmet food and Wine Expo.

Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 12 November 2015

Support local Scouts

Our local scout troop is having a Christmas Plant fundraiser for a scout camp planned for summer 2017, to either Ireland to visit another scout troop,  or to the 2017 Scout Jamboree in Halifax.

 

These plants are of excellent quality and prices are competitive to those sold in stores and nurseries.

They make excellent gifts   and for decorating offices during the holiday season.

Prices range from $5 for the small poinsettia and Christmas  Cactus,  to $27 for the large Poinsettia and mixed planters.

 

Please order before November 20th otherwise through Liz (contact info below) or afterNovember 20 through Ian at 416-738-5524 or email him your order:

ian.liness@gmail.com before November 26th.

 

The plants will be delivered to the Church of our Saviour on the afternoon of Friday December 4th, and arrangements can be made for delivery or pickup.

 

Thanks for supporting your local scout group!

 

Liz Liness,

Group Commissioner,

8th Don Mills Scout Group

W - 416-325-5635

C – 905-621-9205 (text only)

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Lest we forget


Thinking of those who fought and for those who still fight. On this day we remember. Thank you to all that serve our country.

Karen and the Millar Team

Sunday 8 November 2015

Illuminate



This sounds like fun! Illuminate will be held November 14 from 5-7:30 pm at Yonge/Dundas Square. There will be costumes and performances, live music and the lighting of 52,000 LED tree lights and other light installations. Free! For more information visit http://wintermagic.ca/

Enjoy!
Karen

Wednesday 4 November 2015

Rememrance Day at the Shops at Don Mills


The Shops at Don Mills invites you to gather in Town Square to thank and remember those who served and sacrificed in honour of our country. The service will be held from 10:45 am to 11:45 am.

Lest we forget.
Karen

Tuesday 3 November 2015

Star Wars


I came across these great Star Wars ornaments and thought they would be a great gift for anyone at any age. Maybe one day they will be worth something? http://www.merchoid.com/star-wars-christmas-decorations/
Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 1 November 2015

Music on the Donway The Lost Pilgrims


Music On The Donway 2015-2016 Season introduces the Lost Pilgrims Music Band, playing an eclectic mix of bluegrass, country, folk and rock to every gig they play, on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m., at the Donway Covenant United Church, 230 The Donway West (Lawrence Ave. E. and Don Mills Road), Don Mills. Tickets are $20 each, students/children under 12 years free, available through the church office at 416-444-8444 or at the door the night of the concertwww.donwaycovenant.com or visit us in Facebook. For more information about the Lost Pilgrims visit http://www.lostpilgrims.ca/

Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 25 October 2015

Pumpkin Parade



On November 1 from 6:30-8:30 over 300+ carved pumpkins light the paths of East Lynn Park with approx. 700+ people attending this event to admire the amazing sight. True to DECA’s mandate, the Pumpkin Parade strives to make Danforth East a more vibrant, walkable, safe and fun neighbourhood. Kids and adults alike enjoy playing in the park at night with the wide variety of pumpkins glowing nearby. It's said to be magical!


Enjoy!
Karen

Turn Back the Clocks!


It's that time of year again folks! This Saturday night set your clocks back 1 hour and get the extra sleep Sunday morning!

Enjoy!
Karen

Happy Halloween!



Have a safe and happy Halloween from all of us! Please remember to drive carefully and slowly as the kiddies will be out Saturday night!

Thank you!
Karen

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Bracelet found

Hi
We found a lovely gold bracelet last Sunday at our pumpkin event. Please let me know if you are missing yours.  

Karen

Saturday 17 October 2015

Please get out and vote today!

Today is a very important day for Canada. We need everyone (of age) to get out and vote. If you are not sure who to vote for then visit this neat website that may help you decide which party you side most with http://canada.isidewith.com/

Thank you!
Karen

Saturday 10 October 2015

Don Mills giant fall sale

Come and join us for one of Don Mills' biggest annual community events.  Giant Fall Sale, Saturday, October 23, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Donway Covenant United Church, 230 The Donway West, Don Mills (Don Mills & Lawrence).  For information call 416-444-8444

Sunday 4 October 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!



From you family to yours, have a happy Thanksgiving!

Karen

Lexus design Tour at Shops at Don Mills

#LEXUSDESIGNTOUR AT SHOPS
End Date: Sun Oct 11, 2015 Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Start Date: Monday  Oct 5, 2015 Experience the ultimate in design excellence at Shops at Don Mills! Bringing the artistry of leading-edge Lexus design to your fingertips, the Lexus Design Tour is a cross-country event showcasing NX F SPORT , NX Hybrid, RC F SPORT  and IS F SPORT  test drive vehicles. Lexus will be displaying the exhilarating RC F at each location to allow attendees to get inside and experience the vehicle for themselves. The Lexus Design Tour will be displaying the designs of innovative Canadian artists. Attendees with have the opportunity to access the vehicles, engage with Lexus Brand Ambassadors, and experience firsthand the precision and excitement of L-finesse design. OCT 5 – OCT 9: 10am – 6pm, OCT 10: 9:30am – 5:30pm, OCT 11 : 11am – 5pm

Enjoy!
Karen

Rocky Horror Picture Show


A true Halloween classic! A free screening of a Rocky Horror Picture Show October 10 at The Social Capital Theatre 154 Danforth,. Doors open at 9:30 pm. 2nd floor.

Enjoy!
Karen

Pumpkin Fest


This is a great family friendly event! Pumpkin Fest will feature a midway, carnival, pie eating, pumpkin carving, costume contests, inflatables, extreme sports, stage shows, arts and crafts and more at Downsview Park 35 Carl Hall, October 10-12, 10 am to 6 pm. Free admission and parking, fee for participating in the attractions. For more information visit Pumpkin Fest.

Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 1 October 2015

All hands in the dirt forum


This sounds like a terrific opportunity! "All Hands in the Dirt is an annual, two-day conference at Evergreen Brick Works for sharing innovations and best practices in creating vibrant children's spaces for outdoor learning and play. This year's conference will be held on October 23–24, 2015.
A unique offering of presentations, workshops, hands-on activities and small-group discussions will address some of the key challenges facing designers, educators and administrators, including:

  • Addressing questions of risky play in the outdoors
  • Increasing and improving learning opportunities in children’s outdoor spaces
  • Unpacking policies and practices for children’s outdoor spaces
  • Designing for child development and increased physical activity
  • Evaluation and assessment for teaching outdoors"
Register now at All Hands in the Dirt.

Enjoy!
Karen

Tuesday 29 September 2015

Waterfront Outdoor Photo Exhibit


This is such a neat idea. The Photo exhibit will feature 100 images from the top 200 photos submitted to the My Waterfront Photo Exhibit contest. Works will hang on hydro poles on Queens Quay from Yonge to Bathurst. Free to view on a nice stroll! For more information visit Waterfront Outdoor Photos.
Enjoy!
Karen

Saturday 26 September 2015

The Fall Home Show is here!

This is my all time favorite Home Show. You can get so many ideas for around the house and in the garden! You can go a few times and still see things you missed the last time! Wear comfortable shoes! For more information about the Show visit Fall Home Show.
Enjoy!
Karen

Saturday 19 September 2015

Children's Book Dive


The Children's Book Drive is collecting donations of gently used books for kids up to age 12 for the Children's Book Bank. Please drop off any books you may have that meet the requirements above on September 26 & 27 and/or October 3 &4  (Saturday-Sunday 9 am-1 pm) at Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre 870 Queen E. For more information visit the Book Bank.
Kids are our number one priority!
Karen

Toronto Trails Festival


Get outside and get to know Toronto on foot! The Toronto Trails Festival is group walks through High Park, Rouge Valley, the Toronto Islands and more. Most walks start 10 am and its free. See website for details and to register. Don't forget comfortable shoes!
Enjoy!
Karen

Mount Pleasant Village Harvest Fair


This is great fun for the whole family! This Saturday September 26 visit the Mount. Pleasant Village Harvest Fair between Eglinton & Davisville. There will be tastings, vendors, an apple pie-eating contest, a pumpkin carving contest, prizes, petting zoo and more from 10 am-4 pm and its FREE! 
For more information visit Harvest Fair.

Enjoy!
Karen

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Danforth East Arts Festival


This sounds like a blast and why not visit our open house at 617 Milverton (at Woodbine & Danforth) while you are there! The Danforth East Arts Festival will have kids' activities with Silly Goose Kids and Art Cave, live music by Matti Palonen, Kathryn Durst, The Sidewalkers, Dirty Dishes, Shannon Butcher and others plus artist-led workshops, vendors and more. The Festival will be at East Lynn Park and runs from Saturday & Sunday 10 am-5 pm Free!!! Visit Deco for more information

Enjoy!
Karen

Toronto Food and Wine Festival


One of my favorite places is hosting a fab event called the Toronto Food and Wine Festival!  There will be Cooking classes, tutored tastings, chefs and food personalities Gail Simmons, Curtis Stone, Tyler Florence, Daniel Boulud, Chuck Hughes and more. The Festival runs from September 18-20. $36, advance $28-$32, youth $18, advance $16, three-day pass $90, advance $78. For more information visit Toronto Food and Wine Festival.

Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 13 September 2015

Parent coach Tia Slightham


Have a newborn, toddler or school aged child not sleeping well?  Having behavioural issues?  I highly recommend you have a look at Tia Slighthams website and reach out for a consultation. 

She has helped my daughter with both of her children and is highly recommended by the whole family.  

Check out tiaslightham.com

Karen

Thursday 10 September 2015

Veg Food Festival is here!


The Veg Food Fest, presented by the Toronto Vegetarian Association,  is not your average vegetarian food festival - it's the biggest one in North America, celebrating more than 30 years of delicious food that you never thought could be vegetarian. The festival runs from September 11-13 at 235 Queens Quay West and is FREE!  To find out more about the festival visit Veg Food Fest.

Enjoy!
Karen

Tuesday 8 September 2015

Back to School Safety


Great read from Global News about the Ontario road safety campaign http://globalnews.ca/news/2207805/road-safety-campaign-kicks-off-as-ontario-students-head-back-to-school/.  Please be careful out there and watch out for all the kiddies going back to school.
Thank you!
Karen

Saturday 5 September 2015

Labour day Monday

This is a great site that tells you what is open and closed today. Take a look before heading out: http://www.blogto.com/news_flash/2015/09/whats_open_and_closed_on_labour_day_2015_in_toronto/

Have a safe and happy holiday Monday and good luck at school tomorrow kiddies!

Karen

Thursday 3 September 2015

Go Jays Go!!!


I love all of our Toronto teams but this was funny. Go Jays Go!!!

Karen

Tuesday 1 September 2015

Recipe for food lovers

This looks delicious!

dab-salad

citrus-black-rice-quinoa-salad-2citrus-black-rice-quinoa-salad-3

citrus-black-rice-quinoa-salad

Rice & Quinoa Citrus Salad

Lightly Adapted with Permission from George’s at Alys Beach
Ingredients
  • 2 cups red or black rice
  • 2 cups red quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 medium sweet yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed and chopped
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 lime, zest and juice
  • 1 orange, zest and juice
  • ½ cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 cup dried apricots or mango, roughly chop
  • 1 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced on the bias
  • Baby arugula, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Bring two pots of salted water to a boil. Add rice to one and quinoa to the other. Cook quinoa for 12 minutes, until tender. Cook rice according to package directions. Drain water and transfer to sheet pans to cool.
  2. Meanwhile, sauté yellow onion over medium high heat for 8 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook another 20 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  3. In a blender combine lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper. Process until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl combine apricots or mango, pistachios, rice, quinoa and onions. Toss with desired amount of dressing. (Note: The dressing will seem excessive at first. As the salad sits it really soaks it up and you will want to have extra on hand to re-toss.) Garnish with arugula and serve.

 Bon appetit!
Karen