Torontonians can visit two cultural venues that specialize in Inuit art: The Eskimo Art Gallery and the Museum of Inuit Art (MIA). They are both located near Toronto’s Harbourfront.

Eskimo Art Gallery:

The Eskimo Art Gallery has been showcasing Inuit Art since 1981. In addition to the beautiful masterpieces in their permanent collection, they also offer products for purchase. These include sculptures which can be priced up to $3000, books, and different Inuit crafts. They also offer corporate, wedding, and retirement gift programs.

12 Queen’s Quay W,. 416-366-3000

Museum of Inuit Art:

The Museum of Inuit Art opened about six years ago in May 2007. The works include sculptures carved in stone, ivory, antler, bone and ceramic.

The idea for the museum began in 2004 with David Harris, the founder of the Harris Inuit Gallery and a former schoolteacher on Baffin Island. He wanted to create a public institution for Inuit Art. His vision came through with the MIA, which showcases art from different regions in the Canadian Arctic as well as historical artifacts.

The museum building was designed by architect Patricia Hanson of gh3. The interior design evokes ice flows and snow drifts. The design has received several awards, including the Best of Canada Design Award (2007) and the Ontario Association of Architects Design Excellence Award (2008).

207 Queen’s Quay West, 416 640 1571

Sources:

http://www.eskimoart.com/

http://www.waterfrontbia.com/directory.asp?idn=1272&pg=10

http://miamuseum.ca/connect-with-mia/contact-us/

Here’s a vegan apple pie recipe, courtesy of http://86lemons.com/dreena-burton-apple-pie/

Double Crust 

• 1 1/2 cups almond meal
• 3/4 cup rice flour or sorghum flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca starch flour
• 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup unrefined sugar
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 2 tsp. xanthum gum
• 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. organic extra-virgin coconut oil, at room temperature
• 7 1/2 to 8 Tbsp. ice-cold plain nondairy milk

1. In a food processor, combine everything except the coconut oil and milk. Process for a few seconds to mix the ingredients.
2. Add the coconut oil, and pulse briefly to begin to break up and incorporate.
3. Add a few tablespoons of the milk, pulsing, and continue to add 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough has just come together and has started to form a ball. (As you can see above, it doesn’t have to be one unified ball – just enough so that it comes together.)
4. Remove the dough from the processor, divide in half and shape into two balls. If the dough has become warm, shape into a flattened disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. When ready to use, you can try rolling/pressing out one ball of dough between a layer of parchment paper and plastic wrap, then transferring the dough to the greased pie plate. However, I found it MUCH EASIER to put the ball directly into the pie plate, and press it all around the bottom and sides of the plate with my hands. Do what works best for you.
6. Place this bottom crust (in the pie plate) into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. No need to pre-bake the crust.
7. Meanwhile, prepare your top crust by placing the second ball of dough (slightly flattened) on a large piece of parchment paper. Cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap and press dough into a large circle (a little larger than your pie plate) using your hands. You can try using a rolling pin, but I found using my hands was much easier. Set aside.

APPLE-OF-MY-EYE PIE RECIPE

• 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 3 Tbsp. tapioca starch flour
• 1/4 cup unrefined sugar (I like coconut sugar)
• 1 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. ground allspice
• 1/8 tsp. sea salt
• 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples*
• 1 double piecrust (recipe above)
• Splash of nondairy milk, to brush pastry
• 1 to 2 tsp. unrefined sugar, for sprinkling

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.In a bowl large enough to hold all the apples, combine the lemon juice with the maple syrup and tapioca starch flour, stirring or whisking well to incorporate fully. Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt
2. Add the apple slices to the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Transfer the filling to the bottom piecrust.
4. It can be challenging to transfer the top crust to the pie, so I opted for a faux-lattice top crust design by cutting the crust into about 1″ strips and spacing them out somewhat evenly over the pie filling in one direction, then the opposite direction, and pinching the edges together. (I used a metal ruler to move the strips from the parchment paper to the pie.) If you choose a traditional full top crust, be sure to cut a few slits to allow the steam to exit while baking. Brush top crust with the milk and sprinkle a teaspoon or two of sugar over the top.
5. Place the pie in the oven (with a baking sheet on the rack underneath to catch any drippings) and bake for 20 minutes. Then lower heat to 350°F and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the juices are thickened and bubbling. Watch that the outer edges don’t brown too fast. To check for doneness, pierce through the pie (where open or vented) with a skewer or sharp knife. If the apples are not tender when pierced, allow to cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and allow to cool for an hour or more before serving. This pie is delicious served with vanilla nondairy ice cream!

Source:

http://86lemons.com/dreena-burton-apple-pie/

This craft is simple and inexpensive.  Keep reading to find out just how easy this DIY is.

You’ll Need:

• Canister set or containers of your choice
• Martha Stewart Crafts Satin Paint in Tartan Red and Blue Sky
• Martha Stewart Crafts Gloss Paint in Wedding Cake
• Martha Stewart Crafts Chalkboard Paint in Blue
• Foam Pouncer
• Painter’s Tape
• Specialty Sponges
• Stencil

For Cookie Jars:

Colors: Tartan Red and Blue Chalkboard Paint

Use painter’s tape to tape off a 5-by-6-inch rectangle on the cookie jar. Use a specialty sponge to paint 2 to 3 layers of blue chalkboard paint. Before paint dries, carefully release painter’s tape. Use Tartan Red and a foam pouncer and follow general stenciling instructions.

For Tea, Sugar, and Coffee Canisters:

Colors: Tartan Red and Blue Sky

Use a foam pouncer and follow general stenciling instructions, using the image for reference.

Adhesive Stencil How-To:

1. Remove backing from stencil and set aside. Place stencil on surface.
2. Pour a small amount of paint on your paint palette.
3. Load paint sparingly on stencil brush, sponge, or pouncer. Dab off excess, then lightly tap or pounce on a thin layer of paint. Apply a second coat if necessary. Avoid overloading your brush or the extra paint may seep under the stencil.
4. While paint is still wet, carefully peel stencil off.
5. Clean stencil with soap and water or Martha Stewart Crafts Brush & Stencil Cleaner.
6. Let dry. Attach stencil to backing and store.

Source:

http://www.marthastewart.com/941410/kitchen-storage-containers

http://www.marthastewart.com/854856/how-use-our-martha-stewart-crafts-paint-stencils

Create a romantic and warm Sparkly Candle Holder for your Valentine this February 14^th.  This DIY is perfect as a gift, or as a decoration to acommpany your Valentine’s Day dinner. The best part?  It’s incredibly simple and quick- but doesn’t look it.

Tools:

• Mason jars
• Adhesive
• Glitter
• Epsom Salts
• Candle

Tutorial:

Spray the mason jars with adhesive, then roll in glitter colour of your choice.  Spray again and roll in Epsom salts.  Then, place your candle inside the Mason jar and light. And voila!  Place on your mantelpiece or as a centerpiece, bringing light and warmth into your home during a cold winter’s eve.

Source:

http://www.chatelaine.com/living/home-decorating/diy-candle-holders/

The industrial building, built in 1928 just before the Great Depression, is a waterfront landmark and architectural beauty filled with rich heritage.  It was originally built to supply the province with barley, but was closed down in 1987.

Although some may see the abandoned building as an eyesore, it seems to be more of a representative building reminding the city of its past- before modern condos and glass facades dominated the downtown core.  So why hasn’t it been torn down and demolished like so many other closed down Toronto buildings?  Well, distinctly because it is historic.

These kinds of buildings have a lot of support among citizens who truly value buildings of a certain age and significance.  Generally, a building has to become decrepit before the city can remove it and replace it with something more modern and functional.  Because of this, in December 2009, City Council approved a two-phased plan that would develop the Canada Malting complex while still preserving its most valuable heritage components.  The plan is part of the larger waterfront revitalization.

Phase One of the plan began earlier this year, with the removal of a marine leg.  Previously used to transport malt and enhance access to Ireland Park.  They also demolished the kiln and germination buildings.  The second part of phase one will begin later this year.  The goal is to restore the site’s dock wall, in order to enable the construction of a walkway along the water’s edge.

Phase Two of the City’s plan will consist of the selling off of a portion of the Canada Malting site to private developers.  The revenues from this will fund parkland improvements as well as stabilize the 1929 and 1944 silos.

Other rumoured plans for the site include a museum, a crematorium, and a community centre, although the verity to these claims has yet to be proven.

The future promenade will certainly be a great addition to the area, providing the community with access to the historic site. It will generate understanding and support for the preservation of important historic buildings in Toronto.

Designing the walkway are West 8 and DTAH.  The boardwalk will be 130 metres along the water’s edge, next to the silos and just east of the Harbourfront Community Centre, connecting Queens Quay to Ireland Park.  It will be made of granite, patterned with two-toned red and grey maple leaves.  Even more, 25 native maple trees will be planted on both sides of the walkway.

The city plan for the Canada Malting silos is a creative renewal to an old industrial spots.  It just goes to show that we can bring an abandoned industrial area to modern use without destroying it.  Though it hasn’t been in operation for over 30 years, the building still stands as a symbol of Toronto’s history, mysterious and nostalgic all at once.

Sources:

http://www.toronto.ca/maltingsilos/

http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2012/07/photo-day-canada-malting-silos

http://www.blogto.com/city/2008/09/torontos_forgotten_landmarks_the_canada_malting_company_plant/#

http://whyilovetoronto.tumblr.com/post/19125326115/why-i-love-toronto-reason-193-canada-malting

http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/explore_projects2/central_waterfront/waters_edge_promenade_and_boardwalk/portland_slip_waters_edge_promenade

Images:

http://torontocruises.blogspot.ca/2011/02/portland-slip-waters-edge-update-across.html

The Anything Goes Show is a consumer trade event going on at the Direct Energy Centre, from December 13-16, 2012. The show is in its first year. It is unlike other trade shows as it incorporates entertainment, featuring live performances and guest speakers. In this way, exhibitors are not only also shoppers, but they become an audience to some great must-see shows this holiday season!

Some of the featured entertainment includes:

Nik Wallenda, aka “The King of the Wire”, famous for his recent tightrope stunt over Niagara Falls in the summer. He holds 6 Guinness World Records for different acrobatic accomplishments.

Zero Gravity Circus, a group of circus performers putting on a spectacular performance!

Wilson Phillips, singers who received a lot of attention this year for their hit “Hold On,” which was featured in the popular film “Bridesmaids”

General admission is $25, Early bird is $20.

Schedule:

December 13th 1pm-10pm

December 14th 1pm- 10pm

December 15th 10am-10pm

December 16th 11am-6pm

If you are interested in exhibiting, visit: http://anythinggoesshow.com/become-an-exhibitor/

There will be an anticipated 50,000 audience members in attendance, making it a worthwhile show for exhibitors. It is ideal for: vacation destinations, cars, motorcycles, spas, salons, art supplies, home electronics, fashion and cosmetics.

Source:

http://anythinggoesshow.com/

Image c/o Apartment Therapy

Now that you’ve moved into your first condo, you may need a little help getting it furnished properly. The whole process can be a little daunting, especially if you are starting from scratch. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a colour scheme

Start by picking a colour scheme for your space – choose three or four colours that will be used throughout your apartment. Buy linens, pillows, art, and paint in these colours. This will give your space a visually pleasing aesthetic. 

2. Pay attention to sizes

Most likely, your condo space isn’t going to be huge. This is why first time decorators should pay attention to the size of the furniture they purchase. They should stay away from oversized pieces that will make the space feel crowded. It’s also a good idea to think of multiple functional pieces.

3. Don’t buy all your furniture from the same store

It’s best to find pieces from different stores. This will make your space look more unique. Although you may think it’s a good idea to try to pick pieces that will fit nicely together, perfect matching isn’t necessarily ideal.

4. Look for quality and things you love

Find items you will use for years to come. It is recommended to look for well-made and well-crafted pieces you will cherish for a long time. It is also important to take the time to search for pieces you truly love. Sometimes a little extra hunting can really make all the difference.

5. Think of all the extras

Perhaps the most time consuming part of the whole decorating process is making sure you have all the extras. These are things like linens, cleaning supplies, dishware etc. There is an efficient way to account for all these. Before moving, it’s a good idea to make a list of all the things you use on a daily and weekly basis. It’s useful to try to visualize your day, from beginning to end. Do you need an alarm clock to get up in the morning? Do you have enough towels for your morning shower? What about a coffeemaker? These small items can end up costing quite a bit, it’s best to try and budget them in as early as possible.

Looking to get a place at Tip Top? Feel free to contact us for more information!

Sources:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-affordable-essentials-for-your-first-living-room-175625

http://www.myfirstapartment.com/2007/10/how-to-furnish-your-first-apartment-without-breaking-your-budget-or-losing-your-mind/

http://www.realtor.com/home-garden/decorate/apartments/Decorate-first-apartment.aspx?source=web

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/lessons-learned-from-your-firs-123626

The John Brunswick Room. Image c/o the Academy for Spherical Arts.

The Academy of Spherical Arts is a restaurant and special events venue that first opened in 1991. Over the years, it has hosted film and television productions, billiard competitions (it features 12 antique billiard tables!), charity events, political meetings, and many other types of special events.

Interestingly, the venue is divided into four rooms, each of which has its own distinct aura. The Samuel May room is named after Canada’s most prominent manufacturer of billiard tables in the early 20^th century.

The John Brunswick room was also named after a manufacturer of billiard tables. Today, it is frequently used to stage art exhibitions and is often referred to as the “John Brunswick Gallery.”

The George Chenier room was once the billiard factory. It serves as a space for smaller groups and has an intimate and warm feel.

Finally, La Belle Époque room is all about wine and enjoying oneself (it features its very own wine cellar!).

When it comes to food, the Academy serves brunch, lunch, and dinner on most days of the week. For brunch, try the Grilled Steak & Eggs ($14) or the Oat Crusted French Toast ($13). Dinner dishes include things like the Cashew Crusted Lamb Rack ($37), the Pan Seared Halibut ($35), and the 13 oz Ribeye Steak ($38).

The Academy is located in LibertyVillage, not far from Tip Top. If you’re thinking of moving to this vibrant and growing community, please feel free to contact us for more information! Reach us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would gladly help you find that perfect condo!

The Academy of Spherical Arts, 1 Snooker Street, (416) 532-2782, www.sphericalarts.com

Sources:

http://www.sphericalarts.com/web/

http://toronto.backpage.com/Bars/the-academy-of-spherical-arts-1-snooker-street-toronto-on-m6k-1g1-ph-416-532-2782/10636008

Image c/o toronto.ca

History buffs should visit the Historic Fort York, which features Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and the 1813 battle site. This summer marks the 200^th anniversary of the legendary war.

Originally built in 1793 by John Simcoe, Fort York was a naval base used in order to maintain control over Lake Ontario. In the early 1800s, tensions between Canada and the United States were already increasing, which led to the Fort being strengthened in case of conflict. Sure enough, in 1812 the United States declared war on Great Britainand invaded Upper Canada. After many attacks on Fort York, the Canadian side was finally strong enough to repel the U.S presence in August 1814 and peace was finally regained.

Today, the walls of Fort York enclose many of the original 1812 buildings. Visitors can go on seasonal guided tours, see demonstrations, and partake in other learning opportunities.

The hours of operation this summer are: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day.

Fort York is right by Tip Top condos. If you’re thinking of moving to the area, feel free to contact us for more information. Reach us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help you find that perfect condo!

Sources:

http://www.fortyork.ca/

http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/fort-york.htm

http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/210833–feds-commemorate-war-of-1812-bicentennial-at-fort-york

Image c/o bergerbytes.com

Tip Top Lofts are unique in that the building they occupy has an interesting past. The original tenant of the building was Tip Top Tailors, a Canadian menswear clothing retailer founded in Toronto in 1909 by David Dunkelman. This was the location of their main office headquarters, as well as the main warehouse. It was originally designed by Roy Bishop and Miller, Architects and Engineers in 1929. The five storey design features large windows intended to illuminate the working areas of the factory. This is also a great perk for loft dwellers. It was converted to condos in 2006, with the addition of a 6^th floor.

After the founder stepped down, his son took charge of the company until it was sold to Dylex limited in 1967. The years following the great recession were difficult for Tip Top Tailors, and by the 1960s, the company had considerably deteriorated. Dylex Limited eventually sold Tip Top Tailors to Grafton-Fraser Inc. in July 2000. In May 2007, it was then sold to an affiliate of Gordon Brothers Group.

In total, there are 256 units ranging from 600-2580 sq ft. Prices range from the mid $200,000 up to $4M. If you would like more information about Tip Top Lofts, 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 for the perfect home!

Sources:

http://www.tiptoploft.ca/

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

http://urbantoronto.ca/forum/archive/index.php/t-2517.html?s=dff5fd73c4a557a85e90c95bbaf333a4

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/bylaws/2003/law0261.pdf