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

 

 

Easy Apartment Workouts

Trouble keeping up with your fitness goals; don’t break your new year’s resolution just after one month in. Here are some great tips to help your keep your routine while working out in the comfort of your apartment. These workouts are great, they’re simple, don’t require heavy equipment and won’t disturb your neighbours.

It’s important to find quiet workouts when you live in an apartment and wish to exercise at home. Some apartment buildings are older, and noise may travel easier so you may have a couple of your neighbours complain if you’re jumping around and shaking the floorboards.  You don’t want to upset your neighbor, may lead to uncomfortable situations or letters from your landlord requesting you monitor the noise. Fortunately, it’s easy to stay in shape while keeping the peace with a few simple tips.

 

Low-Impact Circuits

Jumping exercises give you a great cardio burn, but they can also be noisy. Save the jumping for another location and choose exercises that are low-impact instead. Focus on weight training while in your apartment, as these exercises only require movement that has at least one foot on the ground. Try exercises like squats, curls, crunches, mount climbers,  planks and more. Search the web for exercises that work each muscle group or buy workout videos that offer exercises that require as little movement as possible.

Resistance Band Training
 

Resistance band exercises utilize force to give you a workout. The idea is to incorporate a rubber band into certain moves, which resists your pull motions. You can add the band to exercises that use weights, or create a new move. You can try this exercise, work the muscles in your back as well as your biceps by using a resistance band to do rows. Place one foot forward, on top of the center of the band. Pick up an end with each hand and then row. The band should be tight enough that you have to use your strength to pull. If you ever want up the intensity, simply tighten the band by wrapping it around your hands a few times.

 

Yoga & Pilates

 
Yoga and Pilates use poses and stretches to build strength and increase flexibility. Because you settle into a stance and then hold it, you aren’t jumping around or creating much noise. You can find or design a series of poses that create an entire sequence. Try to develop these series to target certain areas. For example, one sequence may work the triceps, shoulders and core while another could focus on quads, biceps and back. Do each series three times and then move on to another. You should always end a session with a set of poses that are meant to stretch your worked muscles, slow your heart rate and relax your body.

 

Noise-Control Tips

 
Control Your Movements: No matter what exercise routine you use, you can be quieter by controlling your movements. Focus on how you move your body rather than simply moving. Furthermore, maintaining control will help prevent injury, and keep your muscles working harder.

Absorb Impact: Perform your exercises on a yoga mat to absorb the impact caused by your movement, the rubber mat will stick the ground and not move as you exercise. This will help prevent loud strikes and thumps from traveling downstairs to your neighbor’s apartment.

 

Remember, when your searching for your next apartment visit www.flagshipcorp.ca your one stop for hassle free rent!

Who gets the large bedroom?

So you found this great apartment, the location is perfect, now the only issue is deciding with your roommate who gets to have the larger bedroom. Everyone wants the master bedroom, but how do you decide you gets it? Well here are two ideas we have to help solve this issue in a fair manner.

The Money Method

The master bedroom has extra square footage, large windows and plenty of closet space, so how do you make the smaller room more appealing? Well divide the rent based on the size of the bedrooms, whoever gets the master bedroom could pay a little extra after all they’re getting the bigger space. This way, which ever roommate is willing to pay more rent can have the larger room. You could also assign each room a more specific cost based on square footage.

 
Add up the total square footage of the bedrooms. For example, if one room is 110 square feet and another is 80 square feet, your total is 190. Then divide the rent by 190, giving you the total cost per square foot of bedroom space. Finally, multiply the cost of a single square foot by the total number of square feet per room. This is what the person living in that room should pay for rent.

The Lottery Method

 

If everyone wants the larger bedroom, the best solution is the objective one. Have a friend who doesn’t live with you compose a lottery. Number each room and put the numbers into a hat or bowl. Next, he or she should write down the names of you and your roommates. Those go in a separate bowl. Finally, have your friend pick a name and subsequent number. The pairings indicate who gets which room.  Or you can number the rooms, place in a hat and have each roommate draw a number. Be sure all the roommates agree on this method before going ahead with it. You must all accept the decision as final.

 

Remember, when searching for an apartment in Toronto visit www.flagshipcorp.ca we have floor plans, property videos, photos and much more to assist with your apartment hunt!

Holiday Safety Tips

 

The holiday season is upon us, the weather outside is frightful and the holiday décor is delightful. We hope everyone is excited for the upcoming festive season.
 

 

 

We would like to take a moment to remind everyone, that unfortunately during the holiday season and the cold winter months, there is an increase in apartment fires.

Every winter season, the leading cause of apartment fires is faulty wiring of Christmas lights that can easily spark a fire on any tree or curtain.

 

 

 

Remember to always turn off your tree when no one is home, and never leave your tree on overnight. As well, never leave any candles burning unattended and always place lit candles in candle holders.

 

 

If you use an electric heater or electric fireplace in your apartment, be sure to never leaving it running for long periods of time. Always ensure items are at a safe distance from the heater, and be sure to inspect the wiring before use.

Please make sure that all string lights and electric heaters are in good condition and have no frayed wiring.

 

Remember when searching for your next apartment in the Toronto area visit www.flagshipcorp.ca and be on your way to stress free renting

Mirror Mirror On the Wall

Mirrors are a great way to spruce up a place, plus they work wonders in creating the illusion of more space. The way the light shines off a mirror, adds such an elegant flare to any room. Here are six unique ways to use mirrors to accentuate your apartment's best features, doesn't matter if you live in a bachelor or three bedroom unit these tips are great for every apartment size.

 

1. As a Gallery-Style Wall 
Use mirrors instead of art, hang in a gallery-style setting for added interest.
Mirrors as a Gallery-Style Wall

2. Above a Mantel or Bed
Hang an oversized mirror above your fireplace or head board to add drama and light to a room.
Use a Mirror Above a Fireplace


3. Between Windows
Strategically placed between two windows a mirror creates the illusion of a third window.
Mirror Between Windows

4. On Furniture

Attach mirrors to furniture such as wardrobes and dressers for instant glamour.
Mirrored Furniture



5. Behind Art
Hang art in front of large mirrors for an unexpected twist.
Hang Art in Front of a Mirror


6. Inset a Fireplace
Have a non-functioning fireplace? Attach mirrors inset to the fireplace to bounce light and color around the room.

Inset a Fireplace

Remember, when searching for an apartment in Toronto, be sure to visit www.flagshipcorp.ca with 11 buildings accross the city we have all your budgets, sizes and ideal locations covered! Visit our website today, its never to early to start apartment hunting!


Domino Magazine and Yahoo had these great suggestions on how to use mirrors in any space to create the illusion of more space.

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.

 

Ways to Make Your Kitchen Eco-Friendly

Kitchen has always been the heart of a home, and it’s also one of the most important areas in your apartment to make eco-friendly. From the amount of water wasted while doing dishes, to the harsh chemical cleaners, the kitchen is the first place to start is you want to be living green in your new apartment. Follow these simple suggestions to reduce your carbon foot print, and live an eco-friendly lifestyle.

 

   
Recycle…
 

This sounds like the obvious step towards green living, and most of you probably do recycle but are you sure you’re recycling correctly??  Make sure you’re aware of what can and cannot go in the blue bin; the City of Toronto has great posters that will list the acceptable items for you. For example, plastic bags may seem like an obvious thing to recycle, but wrong these must go in the trash! However, some stores like your local drugstore or supermarket will have a plastic bag recycling bin where you can rid of your grocery bags.

Feel free to toss things like corrugated cardboard, office paper, magazines, newspapers, cereal boxes, phone books and dairy/juice cartons in the recycling bin without the lids and straws. Wax paper, takeout containers with black bottoms or tops (such as for roast chicken) and plastic over-wrap on pop/water cartons, toilet paper, paper towels need to go in the trash can.

Reduce Waste

Cutting down on the amount of garbage you create depends on the food you consume. Avoid items with extra packaging like fruits on Styrofoam trays wrapped in plastic and if you need to purchase packaged items check to see if the packaging can be recycled. When you’re cooking, try to not make an overabundance of food, or you’ll be tossing the leftovers in the trash. Cook enough for one meal, and some extra if you take leftovers for lunch.

  

Reusable Containers

Keep a good stock of reusable containers, whether it’s for storing food, or taking lunch buy containers that are durable, glass containers are great as they’ll never change colour. Remember if you’re taking lunch from home buy reusable food containers, and avoid plastic and paper bags.  Try to ditch the take out, as most of the containers can’t be recycled; if you’re a coffee lover buy a thermos to take to your local coffee shop instead of using those carton cups.

 

 

Go Local

Purchase fruits and vegetables from farmers markets and local stores that don’t put their goods in plastic containers. Make sure to bring along a reusable bag to the market so you aren’t picking up a bunch of plastic bags for your purchases.

 

Ditch the Chemical Cleaners

Harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia aren’t good for your body or your home. Once you spill the rest of your cleaner down the drain, it can go into local rivers, lakes and oceans. Your indoor air quality is compromised when you are trying to get your apartment spic and span! There are plenty of green kitchen cleaning products on the market that you can choose from, but it’s also incredibly simple to make your own. If you have baking soda, white vinegar, lemons, olive oil and aromatic plant oils like lavender or eucalyptus, you can make your own all-purpose cleaning scrub and floor disinfectant.

 

So it doesn’t matter whether your renting a fancy apartment with energy efficient appliance or an older apartment you can still make your kitchen more eco-friendly by keeping these simple suggestions in mind while you shop. Remember when you’re searching for your next Toronto apartment visit www.flagshipcorp.ca

Home Gym Ideas for a Cozy Apartment

Remember back to January 1^st, when you made a resolution to eat healthier and visit the gym to get into shape. Well, that didn’t last long, did it? After a few weeks at the gym, several failed attempts to those starvation diets you give up. Well, September is here and the last crunch to get into shape starts now. With going back to school and work, having a fit schedule means fitting in a workout into you routine is easier.

Gyms are expensive, intimidating and sometimes smelly (who needs them!?). Don’t go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a gym membership or heavy equipment you will never use. Instead, you can use a home gym to stay fit and healthy in the comfort of your own apartment. Invest in some inexpensive gym equipment that can be stored easily in your apartment to create the perfect home gym. Don’t have a lot of space? Don’t worry; we have some great advice to help you reach your goals. Working out at home can be simple and doesn’t have to take up a lot of room.

 

Work out videos

There are many video options available, whether you purchase one from those infomercials or search for free videos on YouTube, there is a video out there catered to you. Avoid those videos that are over an hour in length, as you’ll easily get tired of your new routine. Try to keep workouts to around 30 or 45 minutes, this will be easier for you to commit. Keep in mind, the great thing about owning your own work out videos, many of the come with a workout schedule that will help coordinate your work out. Plus, you can play the DVDs on your TV in the living room or on your laptop. This is the simplest home gym option available, as you don’t need too many gadgets, it’s easy to store, and takes up virtually no space in your apartment.

Outdoors

September is still a relatively warm month, so workingout in the outdoors is easy. Go out for a jog around your neighbourhood, do some yoga in the park or do some streches in your living room. Your apartment may be small, if you keep in mind those trails that are just around your building, your workout space is endless. So, just because you live in a city apartment doesn't mean you can't make use of the outdoors. With many "green gym" options around, sign up for an outdoor gym class and make the most of the warm weather.

 Get the Equipment

Your apartment may not have the space to set up that fancy treadmill or elliptical you saw in the store, its ok- all you need is some small inexpensive workout accessories. Purchase some weights, a yoga mat, an exercise ball, a foam roller, some resistance bands and a jump rope. Most of these items can be easily stored at the bottom of your closet or under your bed for easy clean up. Keep in mind, it’s easy to come up with excuses to not workout when you don’t have the necessary equipment, so don’t even give yourself the opportunity to have these thoughts. Consider buying items that are versatile and can be used for various exercises.

Storage Solutions

If you have a spare bedroom or den that doubles as an office, you can also turn this into a small home gym and break a sweat without being interrupted by your roomies. Creating a home gym may seem impossible if you don’t have a spare room–especially if you live in a small apartment. Now that you’ve made the commitment, invest in some versatile storage pieces that do double duty in your living space. Whether it’s a storage ottoman where you can toss in your accessories after a workout or a few bins, it helps to have storage options. Try not completely hiding your gear; keep something in sight to serve as a reminder to workout!

Remember, that when your searching for your new place visit www.flagshipcorp.ca with 11 buildings in Toronto we have your checklist covered. We also have floor plans online, so designing that versitile spare room into a guestroom and gym can be easier.

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.

Renting with Roommates

With September just around the corner, that means many first time renters are just about ready to leave the nest and live on their own.  With rental prices so high, many have considered taking on a roommate, and are looking forward to living with friends. However, sharing an apartment with friends isn’t as easy as many think, here are few tips on how to make the transition smooth.

Noise

As many first time renters are usually students or recent grads, they’re usually under strict schedules and lots of stress. If this is your case, you probably don’t want to be up all night because your roommate decided to throw a party in your new apartment. Be sure to set up ground rules, best thing is to have a white board calendar setup so you and your roommates can keep each other posted with study times, parties, tv times etc. You can also write when you’re on late night shift or early shifts, so your roommates will know when to keep the noise level down.

 

Chores

In addition to splitting the cost of rent and utilities, roommates also share the responsibility of keeping the apartment clean.  So be sure to discuss all the chores that need to be looked after, from taking out the trash to vacuuming. Be sure to establish what “clean” means so you’re all clear with what has to be done, by when and how. Sometimes it’s best to go room by room to create your chore list, this way you won’t forget anything. Once you have a list of chores divide them up, try to split the chores as evenly as possible, and establish a schedule for when chores must be done. Also, set up a rotating schedule, so either every two weeks or every month you switch chores. Be sure to set up a chart for everyone to follow and keep track of the chores. If you know you or your roommate won’t keep up with the chores list, then come up with a set of consequences to impose when someone fails to do their chores. This will help you from slacking off and will make sure you keep your apartment clean.

 

 Conflict

Are you having difficulties agreeing or find yourselves always arguing then it’s time to set ground rules. Talk thru whatever the problem is; don’t keep it bottled up as this isn’t helping anyone solve the issue. Try to bring things up as you notice them; don’t wait for weeks to go by before you bring it to your roommates’ attention that you don’t like them borrowing your things.  Most importantly, to avoid conflict set up rules, like no people over on study nights, no borrowing without asking, if you finish the milk then add it to the grocery list, or if you finish the toilet paper then put a new roll etc. etc. These simple rules will help prevent the little things from turning into a big issue.

 

Guest

Make sure your roommate and you agree to notify each other if you’re having company, especially if your guests are going to be spending the night. Be sure to establish that each one of you is responsible for your guest along with the mess they may create and any damages they cause.  This is important as you don’t want to be cleaning after your roommate’s guests.

 

Responsible

 

Remember you’re no longer living at home, so no one will be looking or cleaning up after you. So be responsible, clean up after yourself, tidy your apartment, and manage your time and money wisely. Don’t forget, you just signed a 1-year lease so you’re legally-bound to your new place and your roommate.

 

If you’re still searching for that perfect new place in Toronto, that is close to work or school be sure to visit www.flagshipcorp.ca for complete list of availabilities, floor plans, pictures and property videos. With 11 buildings around the city, renting couldn’t be easier!