"Real Estate Bits - 2"

March 2003

Money Matters...

Presented By: Martin Gladstone - Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Intelligence

1-866-799-2799

E-Mail: gladstone.m@mortgageintelligence.ca

Martin's last article appeared in my January Newsletter. I would like to thank him for the valuable contributions he has made to Money Matters. Glen Travers at Scotiabank will now be a monthly contributor to Money Matters.

Interior Perspectives...

Presented By: Linda Makins BAAID, ARIDO, IDC

Partner

Makins+Ladna Design

(905) 602-6800 E-Mail: mldesign@infinity.net

Window Coverings - it's all in the details ...

One of the most difficult challenges in residential design is doing window coverings "well". Looking at any decor magazine, one finds that the most successful interiors handle the window coverings in such a way that they do not overpower, but enhance the setting. In this industry it is best to work with a well-established, quality driven Fabricator. Also, working with an Interior Designer you can be assured a finely detailed, well thought out finished product.

In the initial stages of design, an interior designer will help guide you through the process of selecting a particular approach to your window treatment. Through sketches and fabric swatches the concept is developed and presented to the client. Budgets can also be determined based on this conceptual work. The fabricator will have specific questions that need to be worked out with the interior designer. It is in these fine details that a successful finished product is achieved.

The Process:

The first step is to establish what the goal is in designing a window treatment. The interior designer asks the client some key questions:

• Are you trying to control privacy?
• Is there a problem with glare or afternoon sun?
• Is the view desirable or undesirable?

Based on this information the Interior Designer provides a solution , taking into account the following:

• Architectural limitations.
• The scale of the surrounding environment and its furnishings.
• The setting (is it formal or informal).

When everything is ready to go, the interior designer places the window coverings on order. During the time of fabrication, both the interior designer and the fabricator are in communication with one another. The interior designer may, at times, also visit the workroom to see the work in progress. All of this goes on "behind the scenes" so to speak. But when the "day" finally arrives, the successful installation says it all. Another well designed & well executed job?

Are your windowes in need of some help? Please contact us at (905) 602-6800 or E-mail us at - mldesign@infinity.net.

Regards,

Linda.

Okay, Oaky - Here's "The Joke"

Ask An Expert?...

As promised this space is reserved just for you. Please send any questions you have to my e-mail. You get to have a free telephone consultation with the "Expert" of your choice. If you subsequently choose to establish a business relationship with that person/company then you should define the specific details of any business contract with that person or company!

mail@rosemarywright.com  and I will get you an answer or connect you with the Appropriate Expert.

• Ask A Lawyer?
• Ask A Painter?
• Ask A Surveyor?
• Ask A Designer?
• Ask An Accountant?
• Ask A Tradesperson?
• Ask A Home Inspector?
• Ask A Financial Adviser?
• Ask A Colour Specialist?
• Ask An Insurance Broker?
• Ask An Interior Decorator?
• Ask A Web-Site Designer?
• Ask A Kitchenware Retailer?
• Ask A Landscape Designer?
• Ask An Employment Lawyer?
• Ask A Banker/Mortgage Broker?
• Ask A Firecode/Retrofit Specialist?
• Ask A Garden Sculpture Specialist?
• Ask A Basement Waterproofing Specialist?
  

Guest Columnist..

Guest Columnist - Barb Ackerman

"The Cook's Place"

Bus: (416) 461-5211 488 Danforth Avenue, Toronto

www.the cooksplace.com

Knife Care:

The purchase and care of the best quality knives that you can reasonably afford is one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen. Not only do quality knives make cooking easier and more efficient, they can also make meal preparation more enjoyable. When shopping for knives, consider comfort, weight, balance and your own cooking style when making a decision on what to buy, rather than on a particular brand. Good quality knives are precision tools and should be treaterd with care.

Following Are Some Tips For Knife Care:

Cleanliness:

Always check with the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your knives. Although most new knives can be put into the dishwasher, chemical cleaners can be hard on a knife. It is always recommended that quality knives be washed by hand. Older knives with wooden handles, knives with blades of carbon steel and some others must be washed and dried by hand. When putting knives into the dishwasher, ensure that they will not come into contact with other knives or cutlery, which can nick or dull the edge. Also ensure that they will not slip and fall into the heating element which may melt the handle. It is a good idea to use a special knife rack that comes with some dishwasher models.

Storage:

Wooden knife blocks offer the safest storage, both for yourself and your knives. Magnetic bars work well for those with limited counter space, but care must be taken when putting knives away, not to damage the knife-edge. Let the cutting edge lag behind when placing the knife on the storage bar. Knives should never be kept loose in a cutlery drawer. They are a danger to anyone fishing through the drawer and will almost certainly be dulled or damaged by banging against other items.

Sharpening:

Looking after your knife edge requires just a few seconds a day with a honing steel. All fine edge knives have microscopic teeth on the blade's edge. When a knife gets dull, these "teeth" have become misaligned. To hone a knife means to realign these teeth to their original position. Hence, no steel is removed from the knife, as is the case with sharpening. To hone your knife:

1. Grip the knife with one hand and the honing steel in the other hand. For right handed people the knife should be in the right hand.
2. Set the tip of the honing steel down onto a tea towel that has been placed on top of a wooden cutting board. The honing steel should make a right angle with the board.
3. Place the heel of the knife's edge at the end of the honing steel nearest the handle and align it to approximately a 20 degree angle.
4. Run the knife down the length of the honing steel slowly drawing the knife toward the tip of the blade. You start heel to heel and end tip to tip.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other side of the knife blade - always alternating sides.
   Repeat, alternating sides from 6 to 8 times.
6. With practice this should become second nature and it only takes a few seconds every time you use your knives.

Every so often, when honing no longer recreates a sharp edge, you should consider having your knives sharpened professionally. What has happened is that some of the microscopic teeth have been broken off and a new edge needs to be created. If you prefer to sharpen your knives yourself, rather than using a honing steel, you may use a knife sharpener. This will keep the edges sharp, but you are removing a small amount of steel from your knife each time you do this.

Cutting Surfaces:

For the best care of your knives, choose wood for your cutting surface. Wood offers the best traction for your knife, as well as the softest cutting surface, which is important for maintaining the edges of your knives.

Well - there it is! Looking after your knives may seem daunting initially, but in reality it is based on common sense, takes only a few seconds and will protect your knives, your investement and you!!!

Please drop in to the store for a visit or call me with any questions.

Regards,

Barb.

Great Photo Sessions - "Tip Of The Month"

Courtesy of Hugh McLaren - (416) 738-8477 or E-Mail:

info@greatphotosessions.com

"What Do You See When Looking Through The Viewfinder Of Your Camera"?

It may seem obvious but people miss it all the time! Consciously inspect each area of the photo you are about to take. It only takes a second or two longer, and in the end you will have more "takes" than "outtakes".

For example - have any of the followign ever happened to you:

• There is a plant growing out of the top of Aunt Ethel's head. If so, correct it unless she looks better this way!
• Half of someone's head is missing - but their kneecaps look great.
• The beautiful landscape looks like The Leaning Tower Of Pisa.
• The flash on your camera is reflected in the mirror or window behind your group shot.

So remember, Pause - Look - Think ... Then press the shutter. You'll be glad you did.

The above article(s) provide information that is of a general nature only and is never intended to be a substitute for advice specific to your particular concern. No one should act upon such information without appropriate advice and/or consultation.

Please Call Me With Any Real Estate Questions.

I’m Always Here To Help!!!

-Rosemary Wright...

Business Referrals:

Client & Networking referrals are the foundation of a successful real estate agent’s career.  Over many years in this industry I have enjoyed the confidence & repeat business of my clients.  I appreciate your on-going support and want you to know that I will always look after friends & colleagues you refer to me with professionalism, care and respect.