Fall Safety Reminders

Time is Changing!

Clocks fall back an hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, marking the start to Daylight Saving Time. Remember to set your clocks an hour behind before you go to bed.

 

Smoke Detectors

With the cold months quickly approaching, the risk of apartment fires increase as tenants use their stove or electric heaters to heat their units. Take a moment to check your smoke detectors and make sure your batteries still work!

 

Electrical Heaters

If you insist on using one of these devices, please ensure the following, a newer device that meets current safety requirements, has a temperature dial and timer. Never use the device on the highest temperature setting and do not use the device for prolonged periods of time. Please remove all personal belongings within 10 feet of the heater. NEVER LEAVE THE HEATER RUNNING WHILE YOU ARE NOT HOME OR IN THE SAME ROOM

 

 

Celebrating Thanksgiving

With the long weekend ahead of us, and the smell of freshly baked apple pie lingering in the air, everyone is anxiously awaiting Thanksgiving.  Here are some great simple tips, recipes and ideas to help you get ready for this festive holiday.  Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner in your apartment or attending a dinner party these easy ideas are sure to make you shine.
 

Simple DIY Décor

 

Why go out and spend money on expensive decorative fall pieces when you can add a touch of fall to your apartment without putting a dent in your wallet. Visit your local craft or dollar store, they usually carry an assortment of items you can mix together to decorate your space. One easy suggestion is buy a wood wreathe, purchase a leaf garland from the dollar store and create your own wreathe to hang on your door or to use as a center piece. Remember you can add ribbon to any piece for a bolder and more sophisticated look.



 

Table Settings

Use a dark brown or rich earth tone table cloth to set the fall mood in your apartment, mix different textures and hues for a rich table setting. Gather some fresh fallen leaves and place a few on the table to add different hues to the table setting.  Another great tip is to buy a few small pumpkins and squashes from your supermarket to place along the table. Don’t forget you can make use of those wooden wreathes as a centerpiece and place a charger underneath and a glass vase in the center with a candle.

Potluck Side Dishes

Have you been ask to bring a side dish to Thanksgiving dinner and can’t think of something easy, simple and delicious to prepare. Well here are a couple of suggestions that will take no time to make and are a definite crowd pleaser.

Buttermilk Biscuits

These are so simple to prepare, no need to wait hours for the yeast to rise, since the buttermilk and baking powder work perfectly to create fluffy and soft biscuits. Use a traditional recipe that you can find online or in any cook book, the great thing about biscuits is you can make the recipe unique by adding your own secret ingredients.  Feel free to add some finely grated cheddar or parmesan cheese to the dough, as well as fresh or dried herbs like chives and parsley.
 

Baked Mac’n’Cheese

Many people don’t realize this but homemade mac’n’cheese is actually quite simple to prepare. Melt some about a ¼ cup of butter, add 2 table spoons of flour to the melted butter, add a few table spoons of cream cheese, and create a smooth mixture. Add some milk to the mixture or cream for a richer flavor, slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, and leave the sauce a bit runny as you are going to bake the dish. Pour over your cooked pasta, place in a baking dish, add some shredded cheese on top and bake until it’s melted.

Sweet Potato Mash

A twist to traditional mashed potatoes, sweet potato mash is rich in colour and flavor. You can choose to make your mash sweet by adding cinnamon and brown sugar or go for the traditional version.  Sautéed shallots and garlic add a delicious flavour to this simple dish. You can also place the mash in a baking dish, top with some shredded cheese and bake until melted.


Awesome Desserts

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Simply add a couple of table spoons of pumpkin puree to your favourite cheesecake recipe. Pour over a chocolate crust; infuse the crust with some chopped nuts, skor bits and liqueur for a bigger punch. Decorate your cheesecake with some chocolate drizzle and chopped nuts, serve with fresh whip cream.

 

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Just like the pumpkin cheesecake idea, add a few table spoons of pumpkin puree to your favourite tiramisu recipe. Add as much puree until you reach the desired flavouring, blend with additional cinnamon and nutmeg.

 
Nutella Brioche

Bread pudding is a definite fall comfort food, adding nutella and banana to any recipe is a great twist. Spread nutella on bread slice before cutting into cubes, and mash a banana to blend into your mixture. Don’t forget you can also add some rum or nut flavored liqueur for an additional splash of flavour.

Hope these ideas help inspire you to decorate your apartment, or create delicious fall dishes for this festive holiday. Remember to keep a close eye on the oven when baking, and don’t leave any unattended candles burning. Don’t forget when you’re finished eating and you're to full to get off the couch you can always visit our website to start your apartment search before the winter! www.flagshipcorp.ca

 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, from all of the Flagship Properties Staff.

 

Labour Day Weekend

This long weekend marks the end of summer for many Torontonians, with school in session next week and fall just around the corner we’ve got some great ideas on how to spend your last long weekend.

Relax

 

You probably haven’t had time to do so all summer, between attending BBQs, parties and hanging out with friends summer just flew by. Take some time this weekend, to just sleep in one last time, consider meeting friends for dinner at a restaurant instead of hosting an intimate gathering in your apartment. Head out for a walk around your neighbourhood, with many trails around the city you’ll be submerged into the wilderness without having to sit thru cottage traffic.  

Enjoy the Weather

If it’s a sunny day, make the most of it, we haven’t had many of those this summer so try to spend some time outdoors. Hit the beach, plan a picnic with some friends or family, or head out to CNE or Wonderland. If it’s rainy and cloudy stay in, invite some close friends over for game night or watch old horror movies. Enjoy some great cocktails, appetizers or take out. Whatever you decide to do, remember it’s the last weekend of summer so enjoy!

Get Back into Rhythm

Whether you’re a student or a teacher, after having several months off getting back into the rhythm of school can be difficult. After getting to sleep in until noon, having to wake up at the crack of dawn will be dreadful for many of you. Consider waking up earlier this weekend; try to get your body back into the rhythm of early mornings. Don’t forget to plan for lunches, be prepared to wake up early to make lunches, buy some readymade options to help ease the transition for the first week.

Settle In

Many of you are starting college or university, so this weekend means you’re moving into your new place. Start the move early, so you have time to settle in and adjust. Make sure you have all your posters or wall art ready to give your apartment your personal touch. Take a stroll around your new neighbourhood and get to know what’s around the area. Most of all be ready to call your new apartment home for the next few years!

 

So whether you’re heading out of the city for one last weekend, or you’re moving into your new apartment be sure to make the most of your Labour Day Weekend. If you’re stressing over the move and still haven’t found your new place visit www.flagshipcorp.ca we have limited apartments available for this upcoming fall.

Weekends in the City

Now that summer is here, many people like to spend their weekends out of the city, but not everyone has that luxury. If you’re stuck in Toronto, on a beautiful weekend, and you’re wondering what to do we got you covered.

                     
1. Hit the Beach

 

Toronto has over 10 designated beaches along the lake shore; whether you drive or take the TTC getting to one of these beaches is a breeze. Why spend two to three hours stuck in cottage traffic to visit a beach when you have so many options right here in the city. Spend the day at Woodbine Beach with friends, play a match of beach volleyball, or take your pooch to Cherry Beach for a fun day at leash-free beach. Be sure to visit the city of Toronto website for daily swimming condition updates.

Volleyball at Woodbine Beach

 

2. BBQ at the Park

 

Toronto has plenty of parks around the city, that offer a picnic or BBQ area. Plan a day at the park with friends or family, have everyone bring food and drinks. Set up activities, like soccer, volleyball or tennis match, or even a water balloon fight.  Be sure to arrive early to get a great spot under a tree for some natural shade. Or set up a portable canopy above your picnic tables, and if you have small infants that still nap during the day maybe pitch a small tent in which they can sleep. Fill up your coolers with lots of icy and plenty of water, remember to always wear sun protection when outdoors. Also, since it has been a rainy summer, there are plenty of mosquitos around wooded areas so don’t forget to use bug repellent.

 

Family BBQ at High Park

 

3. Drinks on the Patio

 

After spending the morning organizing and cleaning your apartment, head out for a night in the town.  Have dinner at your favourite restaurant, or try a new spot. Enjoy drinks or dessert on the patio while taking in the beautiful summer breeze. There also a couple of clubs in the city that have large outdoor patios if you’re in the mood for dancing. Take advantage of the Summerlicious menus and try out new places around the city for a relaxing night in the town.

 

Patio Season is OPEN!

4. Explore the City

 

Toronto is such a large city, there is plenty to see and do on any budget. Get a day pass for the TTC and explore the city, take a stroll through Roncesvalles Ave and indulge in this Artsy neighbourhood while enjoying some local favourites. Or shop and dine in Little Italy, enjoy the delicious pizzas and gelatos. Take a tour of Casa Loma, this beautiful castle reminiscing of Europe right in the heart of Forest Hill. Cheer on your team, Toronto FC at BMO field or the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Take a stroll along Philosopher Walk or King College Circle, exploring the beautiful architecture of the University of Toronto or Queens Park. Shop at the Eaton Centre, or enjoy the live entertainment in Yonge and Dundas Square. Need to entertain the kids, head out to Center Island for the day, enjoy the rides, rest at the beach or head up to Wonderland for the day and visit SplashWorks. It doesn’t matter where you go in the city; there is something fun for everyone to do!

Casa Loma, Forest Hill

5. Street Party

Why host a party in your apartment when every weekend Toronto hosts a street party? From Salsa on St. Clair, to the Rib Fest, Jazz Fest or Taste of the Danforth, there are plenty of parties going on around the city, take in some culture, and enjoy some food or just hang out with friends. With live music and entertainment, and great dining options, you’ll be returning every year. Toronto also hosts the ever so popular Caribana Weekend, and Pride Parade. These popular events lure in hundreds of visitors from all over city, be sure to check them out. Many of these events run all day and into the late hours of the nights, so feel free for it to cool down before heading out.

 

Salsa on St Clair

  

When searching for an apartment in this beautiful city of Toronto, be sure to visit www.flagshipcorp.ca and be on your way to renting!!!