Watch as Zoocasa agents Emma Pace and David Aquino give important tips to first time home buyers that are entering the real estate market.

By: Rosalia Sestito We may be just over a month into 2018 but brands and designers around the world have already presented what will be the trends in furniture, decor and design for the next year. So what are these forecasts for 2018? Undoubtedly, there is a nostalgic feel with an evident return to the past with a strong retro and vintage influence. Here is a select few of the strongest trends, it’s just up to you to choose your favorite. Red Furniture The colour Red is one of the strongest trends that has dominated the catwalks and also colonized the world of furniture and design. Red – baroque, Scandinavian, modern or country is the must color in every home this 2018. As upholstered furniture, chairs, finishes, walls or even just small accessories you can’t go wrong. Brass Good bye Rose Gold, 2018 has elected the “precious” metal brass of the heart. Opaque, discreet, refined and undoubtedly doted with a masculine tone. Brass is the perfect choice for accessories, lighting and decor but it is also beautiful on large surfaces for those of you who are a little more courageous. Either way it’s one element that will always be noticed and admired. Oversized flowers Do you like flowers on wallpapers and tapestries? 2018 is the perfect year to dare and turn your home into a real macro indoor garden! From your living room to bathroom nowadays there are so many options including water resistant products that are perfect for any bathroom or shower wall. Stuffed velvet Velvet is the Prince of all fabrics and what better way to enjoy it’s luxurious charm but with an overstuffed luxurious pillow or oversized down filled seat. Do not be afraid to adventure with shapes and colours: if it’s velvet, this 2018 even the most eccentric furniture can dress in this classic fabric. Geometric shapes A little retro and a bit minimal, geometric design has made a comeback on fabrics, wall-coverings , small furniture and most especially as lighting. Green at home Pantone may have set off the color trend of Green in 2017 but for the world of furniture it remains on top with a strong connection to nature and living green. Filling your home with greenery, plants and life has never been so fashionable. Marble tables Marble has been one of the most popular materials these past few seasons and it is continues to be a true “object of desire” of enthusiasts and design professionals. In particular, it has been reintroduced as a luxurious table top for dining tables where the colour, texture, veining and beauty of a stone slab can really be showcased.

By: Enza Tartaglia THE TRUTH ABOUT CHOLESTEROL Unfortunately we have become used to hearing only bad things about cholesterol. The truth, however, is that the human body is completely dependent on it. In fact, it is absolutely essential to life and without it, there would be no life! Did you know that inflammation in the body is the real culprit to artery deterioration, not cholesterol? Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance manufactured by humans and animals. It is a vital building block that the body uses to make cell membranes and hormones. Having, having too low of levels of cholesterol in your body can increase your risk of depression, aggression, cancer and even Parkinson’s disease. Yes, it can do all that!  Cholesterol is helps us, not kill us. How is inflammation in the arteries caused? The real solution is to stop the inflammation, caused by homocysteine, an acid-like waste product that forms when you eat certain foods, a deficiency of B-Vitamins and moderate to high stress levels. Homocysteine is quickly broken down by certain B-vitamins, so it can be managed. However, if we are not getting enough of these precious vitamins (a widespread dilemma in our country today), then homocysteine levels build up to dangerous levels and “burn” the delicate tissue of artery walls. Plaque is then formed at the site of this inflammation as the body attempts to heal the damage by laying down cholesterol. Cholesterol gets the bad rap because it is what is mostly found at the site of inflammation. How dangerous is this? Studies show that a high level of homocysteine is one of the most dangerous risk factors for heart disease. It increases a person’s risk of a heart attack by 300 percent! When going for your routine cholesterol checkup, you could ask your doctor to check your homocysteine level or C-RP to see your level of inflammation in the body. What can I do? If you are thinking extra B-vitamins would correct the problem, you are on the right track. It is wise to speak to a qualified professional and ask about how you can start taking B-Vitamins. What your Doctor May Not Tell You About Cholesterol Lowering Drugs. You may be aware of the importance of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for your heart. But what you may not know is that if you are taking a statin drug to lower your cholesterol, your heart is being depleted of this important nutrient. CoQ10 supplies the energy for your heart’s pumping action. Studies overwhelmingly show that any and all statin drugs create dangerous CoQ10 deficiencies that can lead to heart failure. It becomes ironic then….on the one hand that you lower your cholesterol by use of the drugs but on the other hand you still can cause heart failure because the lack of production of CoQ10.

2017 fourth quarter condo sales stats are in for the Toronto Real Estate Board. What do the numbers looks like?

By: Rosalia Sestito For over a decade now open concept has blurred the lines between kitchen, dining and living rooms. Many of these spaces no longer consist of dining chairs and stools; today we see sofas, settee’s and beautifully upholstered chairs sharing the space where we cook and eat. Sofa’s are an elegant way to separate spaces but they’re also used as an alternative to banquettes to create an instant breakfast or dining area where built-ins once existed. Today’s lifestyle is all about creating comfort and beauty especially in areas where you spend much time. Kitchens have become much less of a place to simply prepare meals, and more of a space for family and friends to gather, cook together and relax. From a functional perspective stay away from light coloured upholstery or delicate velvets that will stain and mark easily; unless of course you are prepared for the upkeep. A great idea is to have removable upholstery for fast and easy cleaning. Don’t be afraid to mix different styles a contemporary design allows for a complimentary combination of textures and lines such as a classic chair with a more modern sofa. Being original almost always guarantees a beautiful and personal space.

Are you a first time home buyer? Carla Bosacki, from Oriana Financial, gives you a breakdown of the financial in’s and out’s when buying your first home.

By: Enza Tartaglia Are your health problems linked to an unhealthy colon? The toxins from accumulated waste matter are responsible for many body imbalances which may create common weight and health problems. As a matter of fact, a distended abdomen indicates layers of waste along the walls of the colon. A toxic colon with its walls lined with mucus from undigested food substances, together with toxic residues from medicines, preservatives, water and even the air you breathe could be the reason you feel tired and weak most of the time! Good health can only be achieved when you keep your colon clean. Your colon, if allowed to accumulate toxic waste can block proper digestion, nutrient absorption and waste elimination. This unhealthy state of the colon inevitably provides an excellent breeding ground for toxic poisons, parasites and cell integrity. Poor bowel management lies at the root of most people’s health problems. Some symptoms of an imbalanced colon can include restless sleeping, fatigue, poor assimilation and absorption of nutrients, food cravings (especially for sugars and breads), as well as an inability to feel satisfied after a large meal. Do you eliminate 2 or 3 times per day? Would you allow garbage to pile up in your house for weeks? Imagine the rot and smell from not regularly taking your garbage out and letting it pile up in your house. Now imagine having to add another room to your house to accommodate that growing pile of putrefied waste. That is essentially what happens inside your body if your digestive tract is not functioning properly. By the way, diarrhea is just as strong an indicator of colon toxicity as is constipation! The real answer is to complete an all-natural intestinal cleanse to not only remove accumulated mucous and hardened waste matter from your body, but also help to reverse the toxic cycle in the colon. However, here are some tips to get started in keeping your colon healthy: 1. Reduce the junk such as white sugar, white flour, refined industrial oils and anything processed with artificial flavours or preservatives. 2. Repair: Consume more healing foods such as bone broth, turmeric, ginger, fermented vegetables, herbs, kefir and purified water. 3. Rebalance: The digestive system is made of good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria are called probiotics and increase your immunity and keep your gut healthy. We need 80% of good bacteria and 20% of the bad bacteria. Probiotics are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Just one daily dose can end bloating, gas, acid reflux, build the immune system, establish mental clarity, rid depression and anxiety and joint pain along with repairing the skin. 4. Cleanse: Occasional cleansing through a strict healthy eating plan for a few days followed by a continuation of consuming the repairing foods will have a positive impact on your digestive system, colon and overall health.

Do you know the in’s and out’s of mortgage lending? Carla Bosacki, from Oriana Financial, takes a look at the basics in her Mortgage 101.

Rosalia Sestito Interior Design gives you some holiday home decorating tips for any sized home.

Suhavi Makkar, from Studio Sheen Home Staging, gives some tips and best practices on how to enhance your space.

Inside your body there is an amazing protective mechanism called the immune system. It is designed to defend you against millions of bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites. When it malfunctions, we are vulnerable to a variety of diseases. Since all of the cells of the immune system are derived from stem cells in the bone marrow, it is imperative to ensure we have healthy bones too! Our intestines contain almost 80 percent of the immune cells found in our body. Our immune cells must be nourished and maintained by natural food, good water & air, sleep & relaxation, exercise and good mental & emotional health. To keep your immune system strong this winter start by eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids.  Following are strengtheners to prevent a cold and flu: 1. Garlic: Eating one small clove or ingesting a garlic supplement daily during the winter clears away toxins and germs and fights against viruses and bacteria. Having with a little apple cider vinegar and parsley eliminates the “bad breath” concern. 2. A good multivitamin/mineral is your insurance to make up for any nutrient deficiencies from food on a daily basis. 3. Vitamin D is the most crucial consideration as it generates the T-cells which are the killer cells of our immune system. It is an amazingly effective antimicrobial agent to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi and most effective to prevent the flu. It is best to have daily during the winter season. 4. Vitamin C: Elderberries, acerola cherries supplementation is imperative during the winter season. It helps to not only increase your immune system but also helps to reduce stress on a daily basis. 5. Probiotics: Without them, many of the bad bacteria can proliferate and weaken the immune system and leave it defenseless against invaders. A good supplement is recommended daily along with healthful fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, miso or tempeh. 6. Zinc is a crucial mineral that is responsible for keeping the immune system in check. Zinc can be found in meat products, nuts and seeds, primarily pumpkin seeds, beans and certain types of seafood, oysters, and less in breakfast cereals and dairy. A good lozenge during the winter months is recommended to keep the immune system strong. 7. Essential oils as needed: Oil of oregano is an incredible anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. It is capable of bringing fast relief from cold and flu symptoms. Great if used on days when interacting with those that have contracted the flu or have a cold. 8. Homeopathic preparations during the winter season have worked effectively to prevent the flu. 9. Omega 3 Fatty Acids not only help lower our risk of heart disease, depression, arthritis and dementia but are important for a healthy immunity. We don’t make them so we need to ensure we get them from our diet or supplementation. Any recommendations provided are not intended as a substitute for the advice and treatment of a physician or other health care professionals. Seek the advice of a qualified professional to learn the type of program best suited to your needs. Enza Tartaglia Classical Homeopath
Holistic Nutritionist
BASc, RNCP, HI, DC HomMed, HD, RHom

Suhavi Makkar, from studiosheen.ca, gives some tips and best practices on how to stage a family room to maximize space.

By: Rosalia Sestito Whether a space is dedicated to domestic admin, hobbies or your job setting up a comfortable and practical working area is one of the best investments you can make no matter what size your home may be. 1. Instead of trying to hide a desk in a corner make it a focal feature in your space. Either as a free standing set up or up against a wall. 2. When planning furniture for sewing room or similar craft area think outside the box, as a desk is only one solution. 3. Extend your workplace by placing a desk in front of a built-in shelf for both extra storage and clear surface space. Sitting comfortably is also a must. A good chair should be supportive of your body allowing for easy movement, consider a chair that has a dynamic adjustment and integrated lumbar support. 4. To own your workspace in the true sense, ensure all the items you need are stored within arm’s reach. To personalize your office, it’s always great to have a noticeboard above your work surface or on an interactive board on a nearby wall. 5. Your home-working environment should offer the same level of elegance, comfort and practicality as the rest of your house. A great way to ensure functionality and style is a careful combination of a sleek contemporary desk with a built in. This way you can tidy your computer and paperwork behind closed doors, perfect if your home office is part of another room. Remember functionality is first but never compromise style, make your work space as beautiful and personal as the rest of your home. Having an inviting and happy work space will ensure motivation and the best results!!!

OFSI is setting a new minimum qualifying rate or “stress test”, for all uninsured mortgages, or for clients that put 20% or more down on a property. Guideline B-20 now requires the minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages to be the GREATER of either the 5 year benchmark rate, as issued by the Bank of Canada OR the contractual mortgage rate PLUS 2%. Basically, because the of new lending rule most home buyers will be able to afford less house. On top of this new higher qualifying rate, financial institutions must establish and adhere to appropriate LTV ratios. This means your total housing costs can not be more than a third of your gross income. Existing mortgage applications: If you’ve received approval for a mortgage already, the new rules won’t affect your mortgage, regardless of when it closes. Pre approvals: Banks should honour existing pre approvals issued under the old rules until those pre approvals expire. For pre approvals issued between Oct. 17 and Dec. 31, 2017, the lender can choose which rules to apply (unless they’ve implemented the new stress test prior to the deadline). The OSFI suggests confirming the conditions of your pre approval with your lender, just to be safe. Applications in the new year: The OSFI states that if you get a mortgage from a federally regulated lender such as a bank, then all “loan applications or pre-approvals occurring after January 1, 2018, will be subject to the new rules.” There are no exceptions, even if you signed your purchase agreement before the new rules were announced. Should borrowers looking to purchase be concerned? These new rules will definitely make it more difficult for an applicant to be approved, but there is still a lot of grey area’s that need to be addressed. We all have to wait until OFSI completes their outside consultation and writes up their finally rules and regulations. A good suggestion might be to talk to a mortgage broker, and see what your options will be. The biggest benefit for working with a mortgage broker: especially after Jan. 1st, 2018, brokers deal with banks, but more importantly “monolines” and “B” lenders. These types of lenders, many times offer better rates than the federally regulated banks, as well as more options to purchasers. Carla Bosacki Mortgage Professional Email: carla@orianafinancial.com “Great Mortgages Made Simple”

Suhavi Makkar, from studiosheen.ca, gives some tips and best practices for seller’s preparing their homes in today’s real estate market.

by Rosalia Sestito Thinking of ways to get the most of your backyard or balcony this fall? With a few considerations, you can change your outdoor living area to allow for all year around enjoyment. Adding Warmth The most important consideration is staying warm. There are many ways to incorporate warming options to your outdoor space such as a fire feature including a fireplace, fire bowl, lantern or candles and warm wool blankets. The addition of an exterior fireplace can be enjoyed for its ambience when the weather is milder and for its warmth to add comfort on the colder days. Adding a fireplace can transform your outdoor space into an inviting cozy place to curl up with a good book, a spot of tea, or enjoy sipping a glass of wine with a few friends. An outdoor fireplace makes a great gathering spot. It creates a feeling of intimacy while letting you stay outside to take advantage of crisp fall/winter evenings. If your outdoor living space is small balcony – an electric patio heater or mini gas or LP radiant heater is a great option. Heaters are both powerful and compact, providing plenty of heat without needing much room and enables you to take advantage of the outside longer, while still staying comfortable. Lighting Though often overlooked, lighting is crucial when preparing the patio for colder temperatures. The fall/winter months offer less daylight than the spring/summer seasons and this can inhibit outdoor living enjoyment and create safety issues for family and guests. Adding lighting is easy not to mention it adds a festive element to your outdoor gathering. Good landscape and patio lighting can accent the details of your outdoor space such as a feature wall. So, don’t dread the cooler weather, embrace it with beautiful décor and design and refuse to hibernate!

By Rosalia Sestito Sleeping well is essential for a healthy body and mind. Those who suffer from insomnia know this very well. To prevent and help fight this disturbance, it is useful to know that the choice of a room and furniture arrangement can significantly influence the conditions a good night’s sleep. When designing a home, you must always evaluate the best layout for your rooms because your home must not only be beautiful but most importantly functional. Particular attention must be paid when choosing the location of sleeping quarters. Generally the most favorable location for a bedroom is the farthest room from the entrance. It’s important that a bedroom is protected ; keeping it as far away as possible from any external sources of noise. Canopies are a fun option for both adults and kids bedrooms. They provide a intimate,  atmosphere and at the same time isolates noises. In a studio apartment, where the sleeping and living area is all open; it is key to find alternative ways to divide the spaces. A create way to do so can be a curtain enclosing the sleeping are or dividers that divide the sleeping and living areas. The position and layout of the bed is also key when considering noise. It’s best place to place a bed on the opposite wall of the entrance with the headboard against a wall not bordering with other rooms from which noises can be heard. ( ie.  A bathroom wall where a toilet or shower are located.) A very important element is to avoid magnetic fields EMF’s that could disturb a good night’s rest. So eliminate the TV, computer and cellular phones from the bedroom!!! Consider a family charging station and place it outside of your bedroom, perhaps in a kitchen or den. With regards to furnishing, there is a world of trends and styles from feng-shui to my very own professional advise that is based on my own design philosophy and style. However, the most  important thing is that you love your bedroom and that it represents a place of oasis and relax in your home, where you can feel peaceful and serene.

By: Enza Tartaglia The short answer is no.  Milk DOES NOT do a body good.  Osteoporosis is a bone disease that leads to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced and the structure of bone is disrupted. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body but why are we lacking in it? The cause of calcium deficiencies is excessive consumption of high-acid foods, such as animal meats, caffeine, refined carbohydrates, refined sugars, alcohol pasteurized milk and dairy products. Pasteurization and homogenization of any animal milk alters its mineral composition, making it acidic to the body. Eating these acid-forming foods forces the body to leach calcium and other minerals from the body, in particular from the bones to buffer the acidity in the bloodstream and maintain an alkaline condition of pH 7.35. Without this protective mechanism, death would result. In short, consuming dairy products creates exactly the opposite effect of what you thought or have been told. When it comes to supplementation you need more than calcium to support bone growth. Co-factors such as vitamin D3 and magnesium and K2 are required. Others that assist in bone health are strontium, boron and silica. Raw milk or almond milk are good sources.  Acquiring raw milk is more challenging to acquire but not impossible.  Substitute pasteurized cow milk with unsweetened almond milk or raw goat milk. It is not necessary to drink liquid milk so you can also eat small amounts of raw goat, sheep cheese and plain goat or sheep yogurt or plain kefir. Eating more raw goat products gives you the enzymes needed to digest and absorb the minerals properly. If the taste is too strong for you, you can opt for organic raw cow milk and hard cheeses or plain yogurt/kefir. 

Worst Offenders That Leach Calcium and Other Minerals out of Bone: -Alcohol -Cigarettes -Coffee -Soft drinks -Refined sugar (ice cream, chocolate, candy) -Stress

Designer Rosalia Sestito, from rosaliasestitointeriors.com, unveils 2017 Kitchen Trends.

By: Enza Tartaglia Headaches are a very common complaint I often hear about in my office, as much as back pain. There are various reasons for headaches but most are from lack of hydration, stress and hormonal fluctuations. Here are some tips to address your headache instead of relying on over the counter medications to keep them at bay. Water: be consistent daily. Divide your weight in half and then divide by 8 to achieve how many 8 oz glasses you should drink throughout the day. For example: 150 lbs, divide by 2 is 75 and divide that by 8 equals 9 glasses (8 oz each) throughout the day. Coffee does not account for water as it is dehydrating. Your body is 70% water and the number one reason for headaches is lack of water. Elimination: make sure you are having a daily bowel movement at least. If not, you are storing toxins and building up pressure in your body. Try a magnesium supplement to help start the process but having more fibre and water is key along with several vegetables daily. Magnesium deficiency: this mineral is deficient in most people as not enough green leafy vegetables are eaten and soils are depleted. Omega Fish Oils: these essential fatty acids are not manufactured by the body and is a must to feed the brain and balance hormones among other great attributes. Breathe: most people take shallow breaths due to stress, tension and anxious thoughts. This causes lack of oxygen to the brain and body, hence a headache. It is important to spend 1 minute three times a day to breathe deeply. Inhale through your nostrils and expand your abdomen and chest for 7 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds and then exhale slowly to the count of 7. Be sure your chest and abdomen move to the relaxed position again. You want your abdomen to move in and out, not just your chest.