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Stovetop Clambake

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Want a quick way to prepare seafood? Try a clambake! The clambake is a New England tradition. It was a meal prepared for festive occasions along the beach. If you and your guests love seafood, it’s definitely worth trying!

X_StovetopClambake_June14,2013

Here’s how to cook it (courtesy of marthastewart.com):

Ingredients

  • 2 large or 3 medium onions, cut into large wedges
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 bottle pale ale or medium-bodied beer
  • 1 cup water
  • Fresh seaweed, well rinsed, for layering (optional)
  • 1 1/2 pounds small new potatoes (white, red, or a combination)
  • 1 pound hot dried chorizo, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • Coarse salt
  • 3 lobsters (1 1/2 pounds each)
  • 36 littleneck clams, scrubbed well
  • 4 ears of corn, husked and halved
  • 2 pounds mussels, debearded and scrubbed well
  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (about 30), shell-on
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
  • 2 lemons, halved

Instructions

  1. Combine onions, garlic, pale ale and water into a large stockpot.
  2. Cover with a layer of seaweek (or place a steamer basket on top of onions).
  3. Add potatoes, chorizo and 1 tablespoon of salt.
  4. Bring to a boil, then add lobsters. Cook over high heat for 15 minutes.
  5. Add clams and corn, cook for 6 minutes.
  6. Add mussels and shrimp, cook for 4-8 minutes.
  7. Remove seafood, corn, potatoes, and chorizo using tongs and transfer to a large platter or baking sheet. Discard seaweed and any unopened clams or mussels.
  8. Strain liquid through a sieve into a bowl – add butter and squeeze lemons.

Source:

http://www.marthastewart.com/356630/throw-stove-top-clambake/@center/276964/60-days-summer

4 How-To’s for Easy Summer Home Décor

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Now that the warmer weather is here, summer decorating is a natural concern.  We bet your home is just beckoning for some much needed TLC after being neglected during those long winter months.  In light of spring’s arrival, we’ve provided you with 4 easy tasks to get your condo ready for the summer months!

Tip 1: Add some summer colour

The easiest way to ready your home for the warmer weather is to brighten it- literally.  Paint your walls a vibrant sunshine yellow, or throw some bright blue curtains up.  Painting is also one of the cheapest ways to renovate your home- and the least risky! Here are eight fun colours that you could use on your condo walls this summer:

1. Sunny yellow!  It will most definitely put a smile on your face.

X_SummerDecorBlue_Apr24th2013

2. Sky Blue.  It’s calming and serene- just what you need to relax with a chilled iced tea.

3. Fun pink.  This feminine colour will breathe new warmth into any room

4. Refreshing lime.  Use this bold colour as an accent to bring some much-needed green inside.

X_SummerDecor_LimeAccent2_April30,2013

5. Chic coral.  There’s no need to explain this one- coral is trending everywhere!

6. Bold red.  Use this colour in your entry room; it’s inviting and happy, ensuring guests have a great time!

7. Nautical Navy. Though not as bright as the colours before it, navy is a great “neutral” colour to use while playing with other, more daring, tones.

8. Clean white.  Perhaps not the most exciting, but a nice, crisp white brings an astounding amount of natural light into your home, and makes everything look clean and pristine!

X_SummerDecorWhite_April30,2013

Quick Tip: Mixing and matching different coloured paints will make for a unique and on trend look; for instance, combining bright colours with pastels, can create an individual, stylish kitchen that is perfect for spring and summer.

Tip 2: Use fun patterns

Pattern can add another dimension to a room and interest to simple features. Floral patterns are on trend for Spring/Summer 2013. It’s important to note that pattern usage doesn’t have to be confined to walls and floors. Use patterns on your curtains and even bedding as well.

X_PatternedCurtains_Apr24th2014

These patterned blinds from Luxaflex add appeal to this scheme, while a range of soft furnishings give a sumptuous, layered look.

Tip 3: Decorate outdoors

There’s no better way to ready your home for spring and summer than to decorate outdoors and on your balcony.  Here are some quick tips to help get you started:

  • Create casual areas where you and your guests can feel comfortable and conversational. To do this, you might want to install a fire pit, an outdoor fountain, or an outdoor kitchen bar, depending on the space of your balcony and your Condo Corporation’s regulations, of course. Use outdoor rugs to create focused seating areas.
  • If your style is contemporary, opt for modern, comfortable outdoor furniture. If your style leans toward the traditional, choose outdoor decorations that mirror that style.
  • Choose seating that is comfortable and beckons you to sink in and relax. Add cushions, pillows and throw blankets to make the seating area a place you love to go to unwind.

X_SummerDecorBalconySeating_April302013

  • Select colors that reflect your personality – look indoors and take cues from the colors you use within your home.

Tip 4: Quick, but refreshing change-ups

Though making the switch from winter to spring can be overwhelming, start with these quick change-ups to get the ball rolling.

Bedding. After being bundled in wool and flannel for so long, take a cue from the light and airy textiles of summer fashion and switch up your bedding. Light cotton sheets will be cool, crisp and fresh on muggy summer nights.

Pillows. The summer is the perfect time to play with pillows in your space — they are a quick and easy change and can be purchased fairly inexpensively. This season, we are going to be seeing significant Indian and Moroccan influence in décor, so take a cue and be playful with primary colours, bright hues and exotic hits. Crate and Barrel, Pier 1, and Home Sense are great places to explore to purchase pillows that pop.

X_SummerDecorMoroccan_April30,2013

Spring Clean! As we start to let the sun shine in, it may give light to some stored dust. Blast those dust bunnies away from under sofas, on baseboards, or behind drapery. Use a natural cleaning product or a fresh mix of one part water to one part vinegar and give your condo a thorough clean. The place will smell great and all the colourful accents you are going to introduce will have a fresh home.

Green, green, and more green! Along with a good clean, plants and flowers will not only up your pretty factor but they’ll also improve your air quality. Indoor plants like the spider plant and peace lily are said to be heavy hitters for improving the air in your space. Flowers in bright, bold hues (I love gerbera daisies and hydrangeas in the summer) are another simple (and pretty) way to add colour and life to your condo.

Happy decorating!

Sources:

http://www.hgtv.com/color/top-10-summer-colors-and-how-to-use-them/pictures/index.html

http://www.realhomesmagazine.co.uk/SS13

http://thedecoratingdiva.com/5-outdoor-decorating-ideas-for-summer-living/

http://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2010/06/02/5_tips_for_adding_summer_style_to_your_condo.html

The Blake House

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It’s not often that your local pub was also the home of a former politician, circa the 1800s. One of the last standing heritage structures in Toronto, hidden away on 449 Jarvis Street in the Church-Wellesley Village neighbourhood is The Blake House.

Practically a Canadian landmark, The Blake was originally the home of none other than former leader of the Liberal Party Dominick Edward Blake. While he never served as Prime Minister, Blake was the second Premier of Ontario. Before pursuing federal politics in the late 1800s, Blake founded the Canadian law firm now known as Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in 1856.

X_BlakeHouse_DominicEdwardBlake_Apr4,2013

Designed by the renowned architects Knox & Elliot and built in 1891, The Blake House has undergone various renovations since 1917. After the gentrification of Jarvis Street but before The Blake became what it is today, it was home to an exclusive supper club known as the Celebrity Club in the 1960s and later transformed into the legendary Red Lion Pub.

The current owners of The Blake have put a lot of work into the place, installing radiant heating for when the nights get a little cool as well as planters up front, a glass fence around, and new patio furniture.

X_TheBlakeHouse_Mar302013

One of the major benefits of this pub is its open concept feel with its big, beautiful west-facing patio peppered with chestnut trees ideal for a relaxing afternoon in the summer time. The Blake is also perfect for late night eats. A noteworthy thing about The Blake is that mostly everything on the menu is made in house.

So the next time you’re in the Jarvis area, check out The Blake House. It’s worth the visit.

DIY House Cleaning Solution

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It’s almost spring cleaning season, so we thought we would get you started with a great do-it-yourself cleaning solution. Completely natural, it is also quite powerful. The secret ingredient? D-limonene, a natural solvent that chemically reacts with oil to break it down. It can be found in citrus fruits.

X_CitrusCleanup_March9,2013

What You Need:

Citrus Peels (I used a combination of navel orange and clementine)
Distilled White Vinegar
Water (optional)
Airtight Glass Container
Spray Bottle
Measuring Cup
Strainer

Instructions:

  1. Collect citrus peels. Store them in an airtight glass container.
  2. Once the container is full, cover the peels with white vinegar.
  3. Let the jar sit for about 2 weeks. When ready, the vinegar should have a strong citrus odor and may be yellowish in colour.
  4. Strain the peels.
  5. Dilute with water if desired.
  6. Pour into a spray bottle.

This makes for a great all purpose cleaner!

Source:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-homemade-citrus-cleaner-apartment-therapy-tutorials-185527

Homemade Pizza

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There’s nothing like homemade pizza. This Italian classic comes in a variety of shapes and flavours. Since the cold weather is still upon us, we thought we would share two great homemade pizza recipes we found to enjoy as comfort food.

Double-crust pizza:

X_TopBottomCrust_Feb23,2013

What you’ll need (Serves 8):

  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 sweet green pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
  • 1 lb (454 g) pizza dough
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (250 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (250 mL) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 oz (170 g) salami, ham or smoked turkey, diced
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) minced fresh parsley
  • 1 egg yolk

Instructions:

  1. In the skillet, heat oil over medium heat; fry onion, garlic, green pepper, salt and pepper until softened (about 4 minutes).
  2. On a floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a 10-inch circle. Place on greased pizza pan or rimless baking sheet. Set aside.
  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs; stir in mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses, salami, parsley and onion mixture. Spread over dough on pan, leaving 1 inch border around edge.
  4. Roll out remaining dough into 10-inch circle. In bowl, whisk egg yolk with 1 tsp water; lightly brush some over border on bottom crust. Place top crust over filling; with fork, press edge to seal. Brush with remaining egg yolk mixture; cut 3 slits in top crust.
  5. Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven until golden, for about 45 minutes.

Hearty-zesty dish:

X_HomemadePizza2_Feb23,2013

What you’ll need (Serves 6):

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 3 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 medium green pepper, diced
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in water; let stand for 5 minutes.
  2. Add oil and salt. Stir in flour, a cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
  3. Turn onto floured surface and knead until smooth (about 3 minutes).
  4. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  5. Cook beef and onion over medium heat until no longer pink. Then drain.
  6. Punch down the dough and divide in half. Press each into a greased 12-in pizza pan. Combine the tomato sauce, oregano and basil, spread over each crust. Top with beef mixture, green pepper and cheese.
  7. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until crust is lightly browned.

Sources:

http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/2012/10/top-and-bottom-crust-pizza.html

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/homemade_pizza/

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Homemade-Pizza

Lola’s Kitchen

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X_Lola'sKitchen_Jan18,2013

You’ll find Lola’s Kitchen on Church Street, near Bloor. It is housed in a charming old Victorian home and features two floors: downstairs seats 50 guests and is divided into 2 spaces by a brick chimney. Upstairs is where you’ll find the private room which can accommodate up to 30 guests. Lola’s serves breakfast and lunch all week long. Join them on the weekends for their special brunch menu, which includes their famous Cheesecake stuffed French toast.

Generally, the menu offers a slight twist on classic foods. Take for instance their Caesar salad. Instead of romaine lettuce, their salad is made with kale and nappa and is topped with leeks and polenta croutons. Finally, the dressing is made from cashews. Feel a little less guilty, all the while enjoying your favourite foods. In fact, Lola’s strives to use all their food with fresh, whole and organic ingredients.

If you’re going by for dinner, here is just a sample of what you can find on the menu:

Lola’s Burger ($14) An all-beef burger with caramelized onion, Lola’s cheese blend, pickles, sunflower sprouts, house made ketchup & raosted garlic aioli.

Mediterranean Pizza ($14) Grilled eggplant & zucchini, roasted peppers & garlic, olive tapenade & goat’s cheese

Lola’s poutine ($9) Frites or Lola’s potatoes smothered in real cheese curds & gravy.

Generally, on weekdays, Lola’s crowd consists of business folk who work around the area. On evenings and weekends, you’ll find the general neighbourhood folk and family. The atmosphere is unpretentious, yet elegant.

634 Church Street Toronto, (416) 966-3991, http://lolaskitchen.ca/

Sources:

http://lolaskitchen.ca/

http://torontobrunch.org/post/27235156287/lolas

https://mobile.twitter.com/LolasKitchen1

http://www.delectablychic.com/2012/10/twists-on-classics-kale-caesar-salad-at-lolas-kitchen/

Christopher Hume calls X a Modernist Masterpiece

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As a developer or architect, when Christopher Hume gives you the thumbs up on a project, you know you’ve done something right. Since 1981, Christopher Hume has written about art and architecture for The Toronto Star, and won various National Newspaper Awards. He’s a highly esteemed writer in the architecture world, and he says that X is A-okay.

Image c/o Wikipedia

Image c/o Wikipedia

Hume says that X is “one of the most playful pieces of architecture” in Toronto, a clever Modernist masterpiece that is less modern, and more approachable, even slightly comical. In contrast to the basic black tower, the recessed balconies and bright colored panels point something different out to spectators and welcomes passersby to enjoy the building.

Image c/o blog.livehigh.com

Image c/o blog.livehigh.com

He goes on to say that although it pays homage to the typical building you see in the city, it is not a tower on a podium, and its public art and detailing allows it to stand apart from the Toronto skyline. Hume concludes by saying, “The idea that a condo could be so consciously situated within an architectural as well as a civic and economic context signals a city of growing sophistication.” That is something we can’t complain about!

Sources:

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/hometype/condos/article/995380–hume-getting-high-at-charles-and-jarvis

http://www.lorimer.ca/adults/Contributor/750/Christopher-Hume.html

 

Celebrating a modern “X-Mas”

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When it’s time to start decorating for the holidays, homes can tend to verge on the chaotic, as they become filled with unnecessary greenery and cluttered mantelpieces. Indeed, most home seem to scream, “Grandma and I went to town with the tinsel this year!” With the advent of the undeniable trend of modernism, balancing a trendy yet traditionally decorated home can prove to be an art. This year, keep the tinsel in the box, and learn how to transform your X condo into a modern “X-Mas” wonderland.

Creating a modern Christmas decorating scheme doesn’t mean you need to tap into the inner workings of the Bauhaus movement, but rather alter your traditional decorations. Instead of hanging a pine needle wreath on your door, why not hang a modernized version? Try making your own wreath this year, or find a modern design at Ikea or Pier 1 Imports.

Throwing in splashes of color is never a bad thing, but, this year, why not try to incorporate different colors aside for the traditional green, red, white and gold. Instead, aim for that modern look by incorporating ice blue, silver, lime green, orange or pink.

Incorporating unexpected colors goes beyond decorating your X-Mas tree. Create a centrepiece with a clear vase and fill it with different colored ornaments. Mixing and matching different shapes and sizes can help to add some unexpected elements to your holiday décor.

*Fun tip: Fill your vase with white twinkle lights. When you turn the lights off, the room will be filled with festive colours!

Instead of lining your mantle with one of those miniature villages, opt for something slightly more minimal. Loosely string together Christmas ornaments to create “modern garland.” Layer it on top of your mantle and finish off with some candle sticks to complete the look.

*Fun tip: “Modern garland” can go far beyond the mantle! Hang the garland from stairwells, or drape it along your wet bar!

Remember all those Christmas cards from last year? Did you happen to save a few special ones only to keep them in a drawer where they would never be seen again? Put them on display! Frame a few eye catching ones, or some that are close to your heart and thus seem worthy of being on display for more than one Christmas! Either replace some photos that sit in existing frames for the holidays, or add some frames in unexpected places, such as the bathroom sink for guests to see, or intermixed with your family photos.

Living in a condo comes with regulations, and more often than not, a real tree is out of the question. To truly embrace the idea of a modern “X-Mas” home, try doing something totally different. Who said your Christmas tree had to be green? This year, why not invest in a white tree, or, stay with us here, a pink one!?

However you decide to decorate your home this holiday season, we at Axon wish you a very Happy Holiday!

Sources:

http://www.chatelaine.com/en/photos/33465

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/5-modern-christmas-decorating-ideas.htm

http://roomenvy.co.uk/tag/modern-christmas-decorating-ideas/

A closer look at X2

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X2 is a Lifetime Developments and Great Gulf Homes project. The two are the same developers behind the highly successful X Condominiums.

A rendering of the project. Image c/o Urban Toronto.

The building itself was designed by Wallman Architects; it will soar a dramatic 49 storeys at the corner of Charles and Jarvis streets. Construction is slated for completion for next year.

Suite Features

X2 will have 557 units ranging in size from 416 sq. ft – 1,517 sq. ft. They will feature 9’ high ceilings and luxurious finishes with a choice of designer selected pre-finished engineered flooring, porcelain floor tiles in the bathroom and contemporary kitchen cabinetry, designed by renowned firm Cecconi Simone. In addition, there will be a choice of granite or corian countertops, stainless steel appliances including a built-in dishwasher and microwave in the kitchen. Units range in price from $296,990 – $879,990

Amenities

The amenities on the 9th floor make up what they call “The Core”. It will include yoga, aerobic and Pilates rooms; steam, cardio, weight and fitness training rooms; a billiard room, a kitchen, dining and lounge area; a piano lounge and library. It also opens up to the roof garden, designed by renowned landscape architect Janet Rosenberg + Associates, which will include an outdoor pool, seating and trees.

Neighbourhood

X2 is just steps from the Bloor/Yorkville area. The neighbourhood boasts some ofToronto’s most luxurious restaurants and shops. X2 will be minutes from stores like Holt Renfrew, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., and near cultural landmarks like the Royal Ontario Museum.   

Here’s the view from X2:

Image c/o http://www.x2condos.com/index.php?frameNum=1

For more information, please feel free to contact us!

Sources:

http://www.x2condos.com/

http://www.urbantoronto.ca/database/projects/x2-condominiums

Construction Update: the concrete foundation has been laid and construction progresses at X2

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In mid-may, the concrete foundation for Great Gulf’s X2 condos was laid. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. on May 12th and lasting throughout much of the day until around 3:00 a.m. the next morning, several cement trucks were emptied in the process. In fact, so many cement trucks were needed that the drivers were forced to round the corner of Jarvis onto Bloor to wait their turn!

Cement being pumped as the foundation is laid. Image c/o Urban Toronto.

X2 condos is still in its early phases of construction and it’s not too late to buy. If you’re interested in purchasing a unit and would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or via email at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We’d be happy to assist you in your search for the perfect dream home!

Source:

http://www.urbantoronto.ca/news/2012/05/big-pour-goes-down-great-gulf-homes-and-lifetimes-x2-condos