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
 

Friday 2 June 2017

Three Valleys Public School Fun Fair


Join us at the Three Valleys Public School Fun Fair Saturday June 3. The children's bike parade starts at 9:30 and the road will be closed by 9:15 am. We encourage the kiddies to decorate their bikes too! There will be jumpy castles, games BBQ and more. It will be a blast!
Hope to see you there!
Karen

Wednesday 31 May 2017

Library Book Sale


One can never have enough books especially if you have kids. On June 3 from 9 am to 1 pm at S. Walter Stewart Library 170 Memorial ParkToronto.  Bring a bag and take home new treasures for free!!
Enjoy!
Karen

Monday 29 May 2017

The Shops at Don Mills Train is back!


All aboard the miniature train is back at the Shops at Don Mills.  The train schedule is as follows:

May 19 to June 30:
Fridays & Saturdays: 12 pm to 7 pm
Sundays: 12 pm to 5:30 pm
Monday to Saturday: 12 pm to Sunday 7 pm

Bring your kids and join the train for a ride around the CF Shops at Don Mills. Tickets are $4 a ride and can be purchased from the Conductor (cash only so be ready). After the ride, present the ticket to South Street Burger, Booster Juice and Lindt Chocolate and receive exclusive offers!

Enjoy!
Karen 

Friday 26 May 2017

Barbados on the Water Festival


This sounds like a fantastic event! Enjoy live music, rum tasting, comedy, fashion and literary events from May 26-28 free at Harbourfront Centre 235 Queens Quay WToronto. For more information about the schedule visit Barbados on the Water.

Enjoy!
Karen

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Explore Toronto's Buildings


The 18th annual Doors Open Toronto returns on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, 2017, offering free and rare access to 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city.  
Doors Open Toronto 2017 is part of TO Canada with Love, the City of Toronto's year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions marking Canada's 150th birthday. For more information visit Explore Toronto.

Enjoy!
Karen

Monday 22 May 2017

Planting for Pollinators


Help build habitat for Ontario's pollinators. Bring hand trowels and gloves, water bottle, dress for the weather and wear sturdy closed-toed shoes May 27 from 10 am-noon free at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute 135 OverleaToronto. Pre-register or drop-in welcome. For more information visit Planting for Pollinators.

Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 18 May 2017

Karen Millar Team Clothing Drive

We care about giving back to our community. It's one of the top items on our list in life. On May 30th we will be collecting gently used clothing for all sizes and ages and donating them to the St. Mark's Presbyterian Church and the Evangel Hall Misson. The Church has indicated that they have a special request for clothing that is suitable for men and women 6 feet and taller, plus sized people as well as clothing for ages 8 to 16.  Please let us know if you have any items and we will pick everything up from your home on May 30.

Thank you!
Karen

Wednesday 17 May 2017

Canadian Mortgage Ap


I just found this AMAZING app called Canadian Mortgage app -  Home & Loan Calculator. It will instantly calculate your closing costs, lawyer fees, land transfer taxes and your payments within seconds! A must download.    

Enjoy!
Karen                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Monday 15 May 2017

Lawyer that comes to your home!


I love, love, LOVE this!!! If you have young children and the thought of visiting a lawyer to get a will done (just an example) then you can have the lawyer come to you. Let's say you are getting on in age or your parents are getting older and it's too much stress to go to a lawyers office to get your affairs in order than this is the answer! Check out Nexera Law Group.  They have leading edge technology that will simplify your legal needs without leaving your house!. Visit nexeralaw.ca

Fabulous right?

Karen

Friday 12 May 2017

Don Mills Garage Sale


T'is the season for garage sales! Swing by 23 Hatherton Crescent (Lawrence/Underhill) May 13 at 8:30 am to find some treasures from a multi family garage sale! Have a great weekend!

Enjoy!

Karen

Tuesday 9 May 2017

H & M Garment Collection


I love this! Finally a store collecting waste! The H & M store at te Toronto Eaton Centre will be accepting unwanted clothing and textiles (of any brand, in any condition) on level 2, Alberts Way, in theirgiant collection box. Get fashionably rewarded with 10$ off your next purchase at H&M (some restrictions may apply).

Enjoy!
Karen

Monday 8 May 2017

Annual Plant Sale


This looks like a wonderful event! Super gift ideas for Mothers Day!


Event:Scarborough Soc/Chrysanthemums/Dahlias
Start Date:May 10, 2017
End Date:May 10, 2017
Time:07:30pm to 09:30pm
Description:Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society General Meeting and Free Presentation by Murray G. Thompson "Chrysanthemums and Dahlias"- Refreshments included - Mini Show and much more - Guests welcome - doors open at 7pm
Location:Scarborough Village CC - 3600 Kingston Rd./Markham Rd. north/east corner - large well lit parking lot


Enjoy!
Karen

Friday 5 May 2017

April Real Estate Stats

Although April started with a bang, we have found that since the 16 new real estate rules were put in place by the Premier a small slowdown has taken place. Homes are not selling as quickly or over asking. This is just in the past week. We believe the largest shift has come from the 15% foreign buyer tax. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you!
Karen

Wednesday 3 May 2017

Toronto Moms Now


I came across this fantastic website called Toronto Mom Now or TMN. If you are ever at a loss in Toronto and want options for kiddies then please check out this website http://www.torontomomnow.com/. They have such a wealth of information!
Enjoy!
Karen

Monday 1 May 2017

Kids’ World Of Energy Festival


Come out for a day of discovery and engagement for all ages through fun and interactive programming. Activities and demonstrations from TREC Education at this day of discovery and engagement for all ages May 6 from 8 am-1 pm for FREE at Evergreen Brick Works 550 BayviewToronto. See website for more details.
Enjoy!
Karen

Friday 28 April 2017

Toronto Tennis anyone?


These are great tips for anyone out on a tennis court in Toronto as the weather warms up.

At Baseline

1. Cross court shot - hit outside of ball to create wide ball and keep cross court opponent wide ( this opens up angles that you have to defend.....often better to just hit towards the singles sideline 5-8 feet from the baseline)
2.  Move in( With balance)to hit service return
3.  Move into service line and hit ball cross court to set up point
4.  On opponent's second serve, hit to person at net if not a good volleyer...(hit crosscourt and attack is better and safer)
5.  Ad side: go down the line inside inside when ball goes to left. If ball to left, go to middle ( hit crosscourt)
6.  Deuce side return of serve: if to backhand, lob over net person; if to forehand, topspin deep and move in for volley, overhead or swinging volley ( no need to ever lob down the line when one opponent at the baseline and one at the net, too risky with zero real advantages)

When Opponents Both at Net

7.  Hit low dipping through the middle....( hit crosscourt to deeper net player and only lob down the line, not crosscourt)
8.  Low dipping ball to opponents means attack i.e. "Low means Go"

Volleys and When at Net

9.  Pounce after the bounce
10.  Move straight in( on angles) and not sideways
11.  Take out swing and just block with underspinRacquet goes from high to low( gently)
12.  Move to service line between points
13.  Poach when can and hit to net opponent's feet ( plan to poach in advance)
14.  When poach stay there and let partner at baseline call the switch (baseline partner is the boss)
15.  Leave ball if don't intend on poaching; poach when sure and must get 99% of time  ( 80)
16.  Get in position: knees bent and in fencing position
17.  Always follow ball in on volley and partner should cover empty court ( crosscourt person to the ball always stays deeper, California doubles thoughts)
18.  If both partners at net, one should be a couple of steps behind ( agree.....see above)

Handling Lobs

19.   Get balls in the air (forehand and backhand)
20.  Person at net gets balls in 3 zones of court in the air (zone 4 is for partner)
21.   After great deep lob, move in
22.   If ball bounces, return to opponent at baseline or through the middle and move in ( avoid middle)
23.  When being lobbed on service return, both can stay back and then move in together ( first take a step or two back to appear larger before going all the way to baseline)
24.   Hang out at service line as easier to move back in a lob than backward
25.  Move back when partner is being lobbed
26.  One up and one back with lobbers

When Being Smashed

27.   Run backwards ( couple quick steps, turn your body sideways to protect yourself prior to opponent hitting the smash) looking at net and split step and try to retrieve ball through middle; never look backwards when running back

Overheads

28.  Get ball square on racquet and racquet back early
29.  If defensive, hit to person at baseline; If aggressive, hit to person at net
30.  Big side steps sideways to get deep and racquet back early

31.  Zones
A) Red zone (when deep in court): get it back easy and don't kill it 
B) Yellow zone (mid court): get it back easy and don't kill it
C) Green zone (near net):  aggressive volley 

Overall

32.   Hit within the single lines
33.  Down the middle (DTM) always  ( CROSSCOURT ALWAYS)
34.  Don't look at partner when she is hitting; take a quick peek to see if in trouble and then look at opponents ( LOVE THIS ONE)
35.  Move back on partner's second serve ( ONE STEP)
36.   Move forward on opponent's second serve ( ONE STEP)
37.  Stay within your calm
38.  Volley and overhead every ball with same speed; don't kill it
39.  Go for placement over power
40.  Keep feet moving
41.  Call to partner when coming in from baseline and when staying back; baseline player is the boss
42.  Always communicate with partner - yours and mine
43.  Both partners follow the ball like tied on a string together (YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS)
44.  Move back when opponents are in aggressive position 
45.  Move forward when opponents are in defensive position
46.  Focus on the play and constructing a point
47.  Don't worry about score
48.  Hit with authority and confidence (even when not feeling it)
49.  Vary balls with middle, wide and empty court; Keep finish near bicep!
50.  When in doubt, hit Wilson or Penn!

Enjoy!
Karen

Wednesday 26 April 2017

Vegetable Gardens in the City


I love, love, love this! This Saturday, April 29 at 2 pm come out to hear a free talk about growing your own mini farm in your back garden! A member of Toronto Master Gardeners, Elizabeth Stewart gardens large in a tiny, yet bountiful, downtown backyard mini-farm. In defiance of the miniature lot, her three annual crops of heirloom vegetables, herbs and fruits are surrounded by an exuberant jungle of perennials, shrubs and vines. The garden talk takes place at Jones Library 118 JonesToronto

Happy growing!
Karen

Monday 24 April 2017

Alma Children's Education Foundation


I attended an evening with Arlene Dickinson and learned a little about the The Alma Foundation. The Alma's Children's Education Foundation improves education for economically impoverished children in Latin America through projects that reinforce critical thinking, creativity, analytical reasoning, and harmonious values to shape socially responsible and environmentally conscious individuals. I support this cause and encourage you to as well. For more information visit Alma's Children.

Thank you.
Karen

Friday 21 April 2017

Market Update


Yesterday, Premier Kathleen Wynne finally announced changes to real estate in Ontario in an attempt to increase supply and address affordability. There will likely be confusion about the effects of the changes, but ultimately the fundamentals of a healthy market have not changed.
          There are 16 proposed measures, here are the top 5 highlights:

First, a 15% Non Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) in the Greater Golden Horseshoe will be implemented, effective immediately.   Binding agreements of purchase and sale signed on or before April 20, 2017 are not subject to the NRST.  The bulletin issued by the Ministry of Finance can be found at, please read in detail: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/bulletins/nrst/nrst.html

Second, rent control will now extend to properties built after 1991, also effective immediately.   

Third, municipalities will be given the option to create a vacant home tax should they choose.   
          Fourth, surplus land will be used to build affordable housing.

Fifth, the province will require municipalities to lower taxes on multi unit rental dwellings.

Also, announced the province will collect additional information through the land transfer tax system to help it better understand trends in the real estate market.  This collection will take place by the lawyer at closing. We believe this is a positive measure as it will assist with decision making regarding the market in the future. 

Effective April 24, the purchaser will have to declare:•Whether the home is intended to be occupied by the person who purchases or acquires the land, or their family member(s), as their principal residence;•The type of dwelling (detached, semi‑detached, condominiums, cottages, etc.);•Whether the property, in part or in whole, is intended to be leased out;•The residency, citizenship and permanent resident status, if the person who purchases or acquires the land is an individual;•Information about incorporation, ownership and control, if the purchasers are corporations;•Information about beneficial owners, if the person who purchases or acquires the land is acting as a trustee, nominee or in a similar capacity.

On another note, there is also talk the government will come up with measures to make the bidding war process more transparent.  Nothing has been announced at this stage.

There has been no change to the fundamentals that drive healthy markets, low cost of borrowing, solid economic conditions and population growth. We must remember that home ownership should always be viewed in the long term, short term speculation is something completely different.

We will no doubt keep our eye on details as they develop.
Regards,
Kaen 

Wednesday 19 April 2017

Clothing Repairathon


On April 23 from 12 pm to 2 pm come out to the Zoo for the Party for the Planet event! This event will have free mending of clothes (bring no more than 2 items of clean clothing in need of repair) at Toronto Zoo Education Auditorium 2000 MeadowvaleToronto. For more information visit Zoo Repairathon.

Happy Earth Day!
Enjoy!
Karen

Monday 17 April 2017

Fair Trade Fair


Fair Trade Café, screening of films El Contrato & Migrant Dreams, vendors offering chocolate, coffee, tea, nuts, spices, global crafts, jewelry, textiles and local honey, a 3D printer and more April 22 10 am-3 pm. Free admission at Donway Covenant United Church 230 The Donway WestToronto.
Enjoy!
Karen

Friday 14 April 2017

Happy long weekend!


From our family to yours, have a happy Easter long weekend!

xoxoxo
Karen and family

Monday 10 April 2017

Save the Date Don Mills Residence Inc.



Save the Date: AGM 2017
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Meet & Greet at 6:30pm
AGM meeting to start at 7pm

Guest Speaker:
Peter Carruthers, Aga Khan Museum

For more information visit: http://dmri.ca/

Enjoy!
Karen

Saturday 8 April 2017

Easter Eggstravaganza


Join Beasley Bear and the Easter Bunny taking rides, feeding animals at Far Enough Farm and looking for brightly coloured eggs at Centreville Centre Island Toronto Islands from April 14-16, Friday-Sunday 11 am-4 pm. Tickets are $15.
Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 6 April 2017

Brookbanks Cleanup

Please join us Saturday April 29th, 9:30am to 11:30am
at the entrance to the park at Fenside and Brookbanks
across from Crestwood. See attached for more info.

Community Hours for Students.

Tuesday 4 April 2017

CN Tower Climb for Nature


Conquer all 1,776 steps of the famous landmark while supporting conservation for nature and wildlife on April 8 from 6-10 am. Minimum $100 in pledges. Registration is free, and fundraising rewards are awarded for climbers who raise above the minimum. Event check-in location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), Hall C, North Building.
The Public and Youth Climb are on April 8. The Corporate/Team Challenge is the morning of April 9, 2017. See website for details and to pre-register.
Good luck!
Karen

Casino night at the Jubilee United Church


Come out this Saturday night for a fun night full of great events like the silent auction and casino. It's the 3rd Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser.  The event starts April 1 2017 at 8 pm at 40 Underhill Drive. For more information about the church vist http://jubileeunited.ca/ ot to donate to the Breast Cancer Society visit http://www.cbcf.org/central/Pages/default.aspx
Hope to see you there!
Karen

Monday 3 April 2017

Kids international Film Festival!



Kids International Film Festival is interactive activities including digiPlaySpace, Saturday morning classic cartoons with pancakes and waffles and Canadian and international films for the youngest film lovers. Films include Smurfs: The Lost Village, Rock Dog, Heartstrings, Whale Rider, Mr. Frog, My Life As A Courgette, Watermark, Room 213 and others. $10-$36, some free activities. The Festival is at TIFF Bell Lightbox 350 King W and runs April 7 to April 23. For more information visit http://www.tiff.net/
Enjoy!
Karen

Saturday 25 March 2017

Spring Cottage Life Show!


Anyone going? The Spring Cottage Life Show will have exhibitors, experts, personalities, games, a tree planting zone, dock party and an escape to the cottage garden. The Show runs from March 31-April 2 at International Centre 6900 Airport RdMississauga. Tickets are $20, seniors $15, youth $10, children under 13 free! For more information visit The Cottage Life Spring Show 2017.
Enjoy!
Karen

Thursday 23 March 2017

Gardening with Native Plants


Spring has sprung which is the perfect time to think about your garden! Author and native plant advocate Lorraine Johnson speaks on how to connect our own gardens with High Park by growing native plants, and best practices for successful gardening at Howard Park Tennis Club 430 ParksideToronto March 26 10:30 am-12:30 pm. Free! For more information visit Native Plants Event.
Enjoy!
Karen

Sunday 19 March 2017

Celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday in Don Mills


Lots going on over the next few months! Take a look:
The Jubilee Order of Good Cheer presents “The Band Of The Royal Regiment Of Canada”.  A concert by this well-known military band to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, to take place on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 7:30 pm, at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto, M3A 2J5.  Admission at the door – Adults:  $10, Youth:  FREE.  For more information, please call 416-447-6846.
The Jubilee Order of Good Cheer presents ”Concert for Canada”.  The Jubilee Choir, along with guest soloists, will present a concert of Canadian songs from the past 150 years:  classical, folk and modern songs will be presented, and there will be some audience singing and flag waving as well, to take place on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 7:30 pm, at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto, M3A 2J5.  Admission at the door – Adults:  $10, Youth:  FREE.  For more information, please call 416-447-6846.
The Jubilee Order of Good Cheer presents ”The Toronto Choristers”.  This one hundred voice choir will perform songs from many musical genre – classical, and popular, folk and sacred, comedy and Broadway, to take place on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 7:30 pm, at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto, M3A 2J5.  Admission at the door – Adults:  $10, Youth:  FREE.  For more information, please call 416-447-6846.
“The Mapping of Canada” a Salute to Canada, celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.  A look at the history of Canada through the eyes of the explorers and map makers of the last five hundred and twenty years.  One hundred maps will be on display in the Jubilee auditorium from Thurs. May 25 to Fri. June 9, at the following dates and times:  May 25, 26, June 1, 2, 8 and 9 from 10am to 4pm, also shown from 7pm to 9pm May 26 and June 2, and May 27and June 3 from 1pm to 4pm.  Visit the display at any time.  Guided tours each day at 2pm. Taking place at Jubilee United Church, 40 Underhill Drive, Toronto, M3A 2J5.  Admission is FREE.  For more information, please call 416-447-6846.
I am Canadian!
Karen