Krystle Ng-A-Mann is a Toronto-based fashion, lifestyle, and food blogger. She writes for her website, www.dineandfash.com, and is also well known for her Instagram, where she has over 27,000 followers! Before her journey into blogging, Ng-A-Mann spent close to a decade as a corporate lawyer at some of Toronto’s best firms. She now works full-time as a blogger.

Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and how you went from law to blogging?

I’ve been blogging full time since June of last year. Prior to blogging, I practiced law for nine years. I first got into blogging through Instagram. Whenever I went out, I would take pictures of my food for my Instagram account, and I officially started “insta-blogging” around November or December of 2015. Originally, my Instagram was a personal, private account, and I wanted to transition into a public account, but was a bit nervous to. Once I figured out a better name to change my account to, I decided to make it public and post more frequently on it. I began posting consistently, and the account began to get some traction. A few months later, in February 2016, I launched my actual blog—Dineandfash.com. By about November/December 2016, I began to generate income from my blog and Instagram account.

Once I really got into blogging, I felt like I was working two full-time jobs. I put all my spare time into my blog, whether it was shooting and editing photos, writing blog posts, or answering emails. It all got a little hectic, and I burnt myself out once or twice. I was also doing this while planning my wedding!

I always thought that it would be nice to leave law to blog full time but told myself to see where it might be able to go first. By May of 2017, I realized I was working way too much and had a wedding coming up—I needed to be present. At this point, I had had about three months’ worth of steady income from blogging and saw it’s possible to earn a full-time living from blogging, if it continued on that way. So I decided to make the jump and leave law.

I didn’t plan my exit or have a financial plan. I took a leap of faith and now I hope I never have to go back to law. I’ve been running my blog full time for a year and a bit, and it has really been busy. It’s getting to a point where I’m looking to expand and take on additional writers or an assistant to keep up with everything.

Photo by Krystle Ng-A-Mann

What are some of your favoruite places in Toronto?

This is actually a tough question to ask a Toronto food blogger! In no particular order: KOST Toronto, Lavelle & Hotel X Toronto for great rooftops; Buca for Italian; Kiin, Pai & Sukhothai restaurants for the best Thai in the city; Café Cancan, Oretta, SoSo Food Club, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen for cutest/prettiest restaurants interiors; Grand Electric, La Carnita & Playa Cabana restaurants for good Mexican food; Electric Island for awesome music festival; Diner en Blanc is one of my favourite yearly events; Sofia Yorkville for a pretty patio and good food; Dineen Outpost for cutest coffee shop; Her Majesty’s Pleasure for a beautiful place to get your nails done and sip champagne; and Bacchanal for good French food and a pretty interior.

Where did the name Dine & Fash come from?

The name Dine & Fash is a play on dine and dash. I wanted something that was witty and had to do with eating. I thought about a play on Latin terms in law, or possibly combining “lawyer” and “foodie” somehow. But then I decided on Dine and Fash: dine for food and fash for fashion, which is another of my interests. When I thought of the name, I was on the subway on my way to work. As soon as I got off the subway, I checked to see if it was available and jumped on it!

Among the photos on your Instagram and blog, which one had the craziest story behind it?

Earlier this year, I was working with Presidents Choice. I’d done a few campaigns with them and they’re really great to work with, so I wanted to go above and beyond. This campaign focused on al fresco dining, and I went all out. I orchestrated a whole Bohemian picnic in the park in less than a week, including food, décor and little details to make it special. It involved so many aspects that I had to juggle on my own (something a team of people would normally put together for a print advertising campaign).

I had to get additional food and materials, plan the location, line up a friend and a photographer. I personally picked up and arranged table cloths, lavender, plates, napkins, and flowers. All the food was then prepared by me the night before, and on the day of, I packed it all into suitcases and headed to the park.

The way it came together, I was really proud of it. As mentioned, normally a stylized shoot like this would need a whole team. You’d have food stylist setting up the food, makeup teams, photography teams etc… But when you’re a blogger, you have to wear all these hats, yourself.

Photo by Krystle Ng-A-Mann

How would your blog change if money no longer mattered?

If money didn’t matter, I don’t think it would change the direction of my blog. I’m really happy with where I’m at. Three years ago, I would have never imagined that I could make a living off of this. The blog is about my life and what I do, and that’s why it’s such a privilege for me to do this.

In your career as a blogger, where you need to document almost every moment of your life, is there such a thing as work-life balance?

Believe it or not, I work more now than when I worked in law. It sounds wild, but it’s true. In certain situations, most people would put away all their work to enjoy their personal time. However, I still feel the need to work because of the nature of what I do. I do my best to not impede on enjoying my personal life too much. Although I work around the clock, because I enjoy doing it, it doesn’t feel like work.

How did your parents react when you told them that you were leaving law to pursue blogging full time?

My parents kind of knew that my jump to full-time blogging was coming. I had been thinking about it for a while, and when the blog was gaining a lot of traction, it was a light at the end of the tunnel. I have a good relationship with my parents, and I kept them informed about how I was feeling. My parents just wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t run into any financial issues if I were to leave my job.

Initially, they were worried, especially since blogging isn’t something they’re used to. My parents are used to the traditional approach of getting a good education and then a good (‘professional’) job. But in this day and age, there are so many ways to make a good living, while also feeling fulfilled in your career. I think there’s been a real shift, whereas for our parent’s generation, you had to be in a profession and make a good amount of money to be happy.

When they saw me working with different brands like Tim Hortons, which my dad loves, that was their idea of ‘making it’. And when they saw I was able to pay all my bills and live comfortably in this career, they came around. They could also tell I’m really passionate about it; and I think ultimately, they just want all their kids to be happy.

Photo by Krystle Ng-A-Mann

Did you find any challenges going from legal writing to blog writing?

Yes and no.

Out of all the bloggers I know, I probably write in the most formal way—I can never really divorce that part of myself because of all my years in law. I’m so used to writing that way (i.e. a bit more formally). However, when you have a blog or Instagram account, you should also write in a genuine way, in your own unique voice and also in a way that is relatable to your audience. I’m still learning to do this and I think part of the blogging journey is finding your unique voice.

I am thankful for my professional background, though. I’ve been told by several clients and brands that they are really impressed by my professionalism and they enjoy dealing with me.

What skills did you learn as a lawyer that helped you in your career as a blogger?

One thing that law taught me was to treat everything with professionalism and to prioritize. I treat my days like a workday. I’ll wake up at a certain time—at 6:00am or 6:30am—and go to the gym. I’m in front of my computer by 8:30am or 9:00am answering emails and writing blogs.

Contract negotiation and contract reading are two important skills I learned as a lawyer, as well. Probably 90%-99% of bloggers don’t understand all the contract terms or fully read their contracts. I don’t say this to make myself seem super intelligent, but it’s just that most people don’t encounter contracts in their daily lives in the same way I did when practicing corporate law.

There have been many situations where I have had extensive negotiations, whether that relates to exclusivity, or other important contract terms. I’m really happy to have my legal background, which has assisted me greatly in terms of formalizing agreement with brands.

AZ00EL

Rent-to-own contracts for major household equipment such as hot water tanks and HVAC systems (furnaces and air conditioners) may seem like a good idea initially. Monthly payments to rent can be affordable and lower than the cost of buying big ticket appliances outright. But beware that rental contracts often make it difficult to sell a house to prospective buyers.

This is because people looking to a buy a house don’t want to take on rental contracts signed by the previous homeowner, and there is an expectation that the sale price of a house includes everything in it – from the fridge and stove to the furnace and hot water tank. Trying to convince potential buyers to take over a rental contract on a furnace or other expensive appliance can prove to be a deal breaker. And paying to get out of a rental contract, many of which run for five years or longer, can be costly.

Doing the math

The most common type of equipment rental in a home is a hot water tank. In many instances, hot water tank rental contracts come with newly built houses. Builders rent the hot water tank during construction and then pass the rental contract onto the homebuyer. In rural areas, some gas companies will not provide propane to a residential house unless the homeowners’ rent a hot water tank from them. But be advised that the cost to rent a hot water tank can be expensive over the long-term. Monthly rental costs are typically $30 to $55. And the length of contracts range from 60 months (five years) to what’s known as the “useful life” of an appliance (between 14 and 18 years).

Do the math and the rental fees add up to a substantial amount. Paying $40 a month to rent a hot water tank, for example, will end up costing you $2,400.00 after five years and a whopping $6,720.00 after 14 years. Consider that to purchase a brand new hot water tank at Home Depot costs between $600.00 and $1,000.00, and it becomes painfully obvious that renting a hot water tank is expensive over the long-term. At a minimum, you’ll likely end up paying more than double the cost of buying a new hot water tank.

Other major household equipment such as furnaces and air conditioners can also be expensive to rent. According to the website FurnacePrices.ca, renting a furnace in Canada typically costs between $50 and $90 per month. And the rental contracts usually run for seven, 10 or 15-year terms. Rent a furnace for $75 a month over 10-years, and you’ll end up paying a total of $9,000.00. That’s nearly double the average price of $4,800.00 that it costs to buy a new, high-efficiency furnace. While monthly air conditioner rentals tend to be lower ($25 per month on average), they too can add up over many years.

Even if you don’t do the math yourself, you can bet that cost-conscious house hunters will be doing the calculations on what it will cost to purchase your house. And extra, often unexpected, bills such as equipment rental fees can be a turnoff. House purchase contracts can stipulate that you, the current owner, must get out of any and all rental agreements prior to the house sale being finalized. This too can be expensive.

Breaking a rental contract

Most rental contracts are ironclad and designed to ensure that the rental company gets their money one way or another. This means that, should you want to get out of a rental contract before the term ends, you will have to pay the balance owing in full. In the case of extremely long contracts (10 years or more); you might have the option of breaking the contract after five or seven years. Be sure to read the fine print. At the very least, you’ll likely have to pay the cost of purchasing the equipment outright.

You should also be aware of tricks that rental companies play with homeowners when it comes to breaking a contract. For example, while your furnace may be three or four years old when you decide to get out of a rental contract, the company renting you the equipment may charge the cost of purchasing a brand new furnace. Rental companies may also fail to deduct the cumulative total of the monthly payments you’ve made on a furnace, hot water tank or air conditioner and instead charge a lump sum that’s over and above the monthly amount you’ve paid to rent the equipment.

Many agreements also require homeowners to use the rental company for annual maintenance of a furnace, hot water tank or air conditioner. Miss a scheduled maintenance appointment, and the rental company could use it as an excuse to not allow you out of a contract, or to charge you additional fees should you break the deal.

Pay close attention, as some of these tricks can violate a rent-to-own agreement. Some Canadian provinces, such as Ontario, have passed legislation to prevent rental companies from engaging in deceptive practices that cost homeowners big bucks in fees and penalties. Under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, 2002, unsolicited door-to-door marketing and contracting for water heaters and HVAC equipment is banned. And, as of March 1 this year (2018), suppliers in Ontario are required by law to provide a cover page with contracts for major household equipment that spells out the rental agreement details and penalties involved with breaking a contract.

When in doubt, do your homework and consult a qualified realtor or lawyer concerning a rental contract and the costs involved in getting out of one.

What you can do to protect yourself

The best way to avoid expensive rental contracts for major equipment such as furnaces, hot water tanks and air conditioners is to not agree to them in the first place. Whether you’re purchasing an old or new house, be sure to check and see if it comes with rental agreements. Negotiate to have rental contracts removed as a condition of you buying the house. Even with a new house, talk to the builder and make sure that all the equipment comes fully installed and is included with the purchase price. Don’t let the builder stick you with a rental contract that will become a financial albatross in the long run.

A realtor can help. Licensed realtors are knowledgeable about the building industry as well as the housing market. They understand how equipment rentals and rent-to-own contracts work, and the ways in which they disadvantage homeowners. They also know the tricks that can be played by rental companies and how to avoid losing hundreds or thousands of dollars in unnecessary penalty fees. Remember that a realtor works for you and safeguards your interests when it comes to selling a house. They’re on your side, not the rental companies’ side.

JO00KV

Articles abound for tourists and residents alike about how to experience Toronto like a local. What many of these miss is that each neighbourhood has it’s own quirks and you really need to venture far off the busy streets to find the hidden gems. Riverdale, and its coffee scene, is no different.

There are undoubtedly many cafes to visit along well-known avenues such as Danforth and Queen East, and many of these spots have also been written up in all sorts of neighbourhood guides for years. But if you’re actually looking for a good place to work, relax, and sip some splendid coffee from independent businesses, you’ll have to look further than merely the Insta-famous hotspots. Riverdale itself is not a coffee mecca, nor has it ever pretended to be. If Riverdale is anything, it’s real. Locals aren’t interested in the newest latte fad or any sort of BlogTO hipster trend that graces any number of visitor guides or fleeting social media explosions. What we want is solid coffee, good, friendly people, and a chilled place to read a book or work on an essay. Of course, it never hurts to have an Instagram-ready aesthetic either!

Chances are that if you’re familiar with the east end, you will have heard of our favourites already. If not, get ready to be let in on a local secret. Picking from the offerings in Riverdale is not exactly an easy thing to do, but the fact that we aren’t over-saturated with identical types of cafes is actually what gives us an edge. While there are some similarities to west end, downtown and uptown cousins, Riverdale’s cafes have something unique that just oozes both the comfortable, laid-back attitude of local residents and the constant aim to give people the best experiences (and coffee!) possible, even east of the Don Valley.

Scattered throughout the neighbourhood are Rooster Coffee House on Broadview, Hailed Coffee on Gerrard, and Riverdale Perk Cafe on Logan. Needless to say, there are even more small shops around but these three really seem to encapsulate exactly what makes Riverdale so unique and so beloved.

Rooster Coffee House

Address: 479 Broadview Ave
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-7pm, Sun 7am-8pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram

This is possibly the more recognizable name on the list, partly due to it’s more central sister shops on King East and Jarvis. It’s also the only coffee shop with an overlooking view of Riverdale Park, and the downtown core on a clear day. Opened in 2009, the flagship location still boasts a bustling crowd of regulars and visitors alike, and you’ll be lucky to catch a free table in the gorgeous summer patio season because there is no other shop on Broadview Avenue with a view like this. In fact, there are no other cafes on this stretch of Broadview at all which makes Rooster not only a hot commodity for java addicts but a busy meeting place for locals of all kinds: parents with kids, young 20-somethings, grandmothers, business people, and everyone else in between. It’s no surprise that locals flock to Rooster in great numbers. Ample seating inside and out—including a large table for working groups and huge armchairs for those who are staying a while—accommodate everyone easily. And there are plenty of tables to prop up a laptop or newspaper, all in the vintage-meets-class vibe.

With an expansive coffee bar and spread of all sorts of delectable baked goods, everyone at Rooster looks like they genuinely enjoy what they do. The vibe is immediately welcoming and the whole space is energized but without that overwhelming buzz of fakeness that can come with some coffee shop experiences. The staff know their beans, and can make anything you throw at them. So, it’s not just the great location that has led Rooster to success; it’s also the love for the roasting and brewing craft, and the owners’ sincere love for the neighbourhood and its people.

And why wouldn’t they have love for Riverdale? As owner Shawn Andrews says, “Riverdale is our home.” Not only does she and co-owner Dave live just next door, most of the staff is within walking distance as well and it shows.

We all need a soft place to land once in a while and this neighbourhood has embraced that feeling which we have been able to bring forward to our other shops too.

Keeping it close to home, all the fresh, daily-made baked goods and foods are from Toronto chefs and bakers, like partner Village Juicery who provides Rooster with “organic, cold pressed juices and elixirs along with organic plant-based salad boxes to balance out the brownie-stuffed cookie binges!” Whether you’re after something healthy or something to satiate that sweet tooth, Rooster has anything you could want to go accompany a coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or juice.

Most of all however, the focus is the coffee. In partnership with Toronto-based Pilot Coffee Roasters, Andrews is extremely proud of Rooster’s specialty grade beans and the direct trade model—and the alternatives to the usual caffeinated drinks.

We are very proud of the quality of our coffees. We have a unique partnership with Pilot Coffee Roasters which has us going on origin trips to meet the farmers that produce our incredible coffees that create our signature Rooster blends. When you are just coffee’d out and in need of a healthy boost we created our turmeric “latte” using all organic turmeric, ginger, Himalayan sea salt and cracked pepper which you can have with any of our 5 milk alternatives.

And speaking of signature blends, they’re available for take-home purchase as well.

When speaking with Andrews, it’s hard to imagine Rooster beginning anywhere else because everything she holds dear about the cafe is the same stuff that makes Riverdale itself so charming. The idea to treat people with “down-home human kindness” really comes through in the absolute care put into every drink. It’s not just one of many Toronto neighbourhood’s to Rooster’s owners, staff, and patrons.

What Riverdale means to us is a small town in a big city. Where only minutes from the electric energy of the down town core, you’ll find kids playing ball hockey on the streets—”CAR!”—and neighbours sharing a glass of wine across their porches. It’s really a tight and warm community.

Hailed Coffee

Address: 801 Gerrard St E
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-2pm, Sat/Sun 8am-5pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram

The newest coffee shop on our list, Hailed Coffee on Gerrard Street East, may not be the first place you’d think to find a Western and Middle Eastern fusion cafe. But it’s here and it’s the perfect blend of diversity that Riverdale is known for. Just a few doors down from the corner of Logan and Gerrard, Hailed draws on the modernist aesthetic that asks a visitor to focus first and foremost on the coffee. That isn’t to say that it’s a blank slate; the bright and white walls give off a feeling of freshness and are complimented by a local photographer’s exhibit—which currently is Steven Evans eye-catching industrial offerings. This lightness is a necessity in contrast to the sometimes dreary storefronts of Hailed’s neighbouring businesses, effectively making Hailed a bright haven in an otherwise nondescript row of old East Chinatown shops.

And while many may not think of that intersection as a particularly buzz-worthy space to grab a cup of morning joe, it has a constant flow of happy patrons and plenty of seating to accommodate someone looking to do some work or a parent bringing some kids around for a bite. It’s quickly become one of the best and most popular parts of the more westerly strip of Gerrard East with residents.

It’s specifically this dedication to its Arabic roots that puts Hailed one step above many other places in the area. While you can pick up a regular latte or flat white, the flavourful twist of cardamom is what becomes the “must try” of any visit. It’s so important to the cafe, in fact, that many may be surprised to learn that “hailed” translates to “cardamom”!

General Manager Marjorie McCallum is most proud of this aspect of their shop and vision.

That is our specialty, everything cardamom! An ancient pairing in Arabia in the version of Arabic coffee, infusing espresso beverages with our signature Hailed shot is our signature touch. Try “Hailing” your favourite beverage to get a feel for how this ancient pairing translates into a perfectly prepared cup.

It’s one of only a few cafes in Toronto that provides authentic Arabic coffee, as well as a huge selection of pastries and biscuits, many of which employ the ubiquitous flavours of dates, also a staple of the Middle East and perfectly baked to pair with any number of signature drinks at Hailed. These are not imported treats but carefully crafted locally and with attention to the perfect balance and blend of sweet, spice, and savoury. If dates without all the gluten are more your thing, there is a nice range of unique date varieties to sample.

This corner of Riverdale is, according to McCallum (and many others), “a truly unique spot in the city.” Her suggestion to getting the most out of a visit to the east end, and Hailed specifically is to “grab a couple friends, get a dallah (pot) of Arabic coffee, enjoy it with complimentary dates and sit back and enjoy the beautiful Steven Evans art exhibit on display until December!” Hailed is more than a cafe; it’s a rare experience in Toronto overall.

Like everything else in the Riverdale neighbourhood, community is the most important aspect of life here. After hunting for a long time for the perfect locale, Hailed chose the area for many reasons that locals can attest to.

Riverdale is a rich, vibrant community in Toronto that has historical depth and a warm communal feel. We know our customers and their kids. We love to make them their coffee while we catch up on latest news.

This sense of belonging can happen anywhere but it particularly pronounced in diverse, residential neighbourhoods such as this. Locals already know the secret, and the rest of Toronto has yet to fully catch up on how attractive it really is, but Hailed has got in on the ground floor.

That is what our dream cafe is: a warm, welcoming hub in the heart of a loving community and it makes what we do all worthwhile.

Riverdale Perk Cafe

Address: 633 Logan Avenue
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm, Sun 8am-6pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram

The oldest coffee shop on our list, and possibly one of the first genuine cafes in Riverdale proper, Riverdale Perk Cafe is tucked away on a tree-lined corner of Logan and Withrow, amongst old Toronto homes and just steps from the sprawling Withrow Park. Unless you know where to look, you may miss it altogether because it’s not the sort of place that is known to outsiders. While almost a secret to most of Toronto, it’s incredibly popular with locals, especially nearby residents. So much so that you’re lucky to find a seat at peak lunch times since unlike many coffee shops in the area, it serves up a full menu of soups, sandwiches, hot and cold plates.

Adorned with a cosy yet glamorous sort of ambience, there are sofas, armchairs, tables and chairs to choose from depending on your preference. Outside is an umbrella-lined patio perfect for taking in the occasional passerby or spend an hour dog-watching as the pups make their way to the large dog park just north of the cafe. Or bring your dog along as well! Riverdale loves dogs.

It’s a small shop comparatively, but fits with the overall vibe of being hidden in plain sight—if you know where to look, that is. Staffed in mornings with one highly-attentive barista, often owner and chef Danielle Quayle, it’s exactly what you’d expect to find in the neighbourhood: coffee with personality and a sweets selection, showcased like jewels to water any appetite. For the best selection of local baked goods to choose from, arrive early in the day or you’re likely to be beaten to the delicious punch by those in the know.

Riverdale Perk is truly an example of a “locals only” affair but not out of any sense of snobbery or exclusivity; it’s merely a fact of life when you’re not located on a busy street in Toronto, and it’s something that adds to the warm community feeling. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or 30th time stepping through the door, you’re welcomed as if you’ve been there forever. There are no bustling, angry caffeine hounds on their impatient hunt but just a quaint, yet classy, sense of having a sit in a friend’s living room. You’ll hear conversations all around, friends sharing stories or the gentle clacking of a laptop as someone plugs away on an email.

It is the sort of place that tourists search for: an authentic experience of a local neighbourhood.*

But that’s sort of the feel of Riverdale overall. Each one of these cafes is expressly unique with experiences widely different from each other yet all are inherently Riverdale—which itself may actually be the definition of the neighbourhood. All sorts of people come together to relax, live, and enjoy life. Whether it’s stopping by for a cappuccino and the vista of Toronto at Rooster, taking a much-needed break to savour ancient flavour combinations at Hailed, or grabbing a bite to eat and a brew at hole-in-the-wall Riverdale Perk, this neighbourhood is all about connection with others, no matter who you are or where you’re from. One of Riverdale’s greatest strengths has always been it’s acceptance of vastly different people and cultures, all coexisting in respect and appreciation of one another.

We know where to go, and we know how to support our own. While a visitor may be tempted to play it safe by visiting always-popular Riverside or Leslieville for a latte, or would rather stick close to the subway line on Danforth, you’d really be missing out on the true experience of one of Toronto’s best and most welcoming neighbourhoods. Give one of these independent cafes off the beaten path a try instead. Chances are good that you’ll be won over by the east side.

* Vivian has approached Danielle from Riverdale Perk with questions about the coffee shop, but hasn’t received any response. We decided to publish the article without quotes after all considering Riverdale Perk is indeed a neighbourhood staple, but we were sorry not to hear back from the coffee shop.

VL00KV

For over 40 years the Cabbagetown community has celebrated local artists through one of the longest running festivals of its kind in Ontario, The Cabbagetown Arts and Craft Show. Showcasing the work and inspiration of participants for their innovation is a fantastic way to pay tribute to the vast talent within our Toronto art community. The winners of this year’s Richard Silver Award are Pierre Quesnel and Coraline Allard of Q and A Design. The duo works primarily with wood and metal to make their projects both big and small go from vision, to design, to reality.

Most people don’t think of architecture as a stepping stone into the world of art and design. Can you tell me about the path that led you from architecture towards what you do today?

We worked for two years in architectural studios in France after completing our architectural degrees in Normandy. We decided it was time for us to travel and improve our English, so we picked Toronto, and that is where our path moved towards making. We met John, who needed plans at the time for a project making an aluminum riveted traveling trailer. Soon enough, the plans were drafted, and then John needed help building the trailer. Our first attempt was a mess, but John asked us to rethink the process, and we learned to design things to be made. We quickly moved from the computer to the shop, learning how to metalsmith, and constructed the first two prototypes of the Bowlus Road Chief Trailer.

We instantly loved the tight and bidirectional relationship between designing and building. It was great to design knowing you can make and create from scratch what you just designed. Sometimes it needed to evolve, which involved back and forth steps between drawing pads and the workbench. When this project came to an end for us, we wanted to keep on designing and crafting amazing projects, so we started our own design studio.

How do you decide which art shows to participate in and showcase your work? Why did you select the Cabbagetown Arts and Crafts Show?

We participate in few shows compared to other artisans, five to six per year, and all of them are in Ontario. We favour local shows to optimize connections we make during these events. We heard about the Cabbagetown Arts and Crafts Show from Nahid (a fellow artist) while participating in the One of a Kind Show, and she thought it would be a good fit for us. We were accepted to participate and love the vibes of that show.

Tell me about some of the work you’ve showcased at Nuit Blanche and how it compares to other works displayed at events like the One of a Kind Show?

Our participations at Nuit Blanche have been great experiences. We showcased in the Spadina Museum’s garden, in collaboration with LUBO, building small architectures around fire, and creating space for people to meet, gather, and share stories during that night.

It is much different from exhibiting at the One of a Kind Show, where we offer crafted Christmas gifts such as aluminum lunch boxes, or bird feeders. This is the beauty of participating in such different events, we get to show the full spectrum of our work, from crafted wood and metal gifts to architectural sculptured spaces.

Which artists, designers, architects, and people inspire your work most? How?

We developed a great group of artist friends here in Toronto, ranging from gigantic art projections to wood carving masks, which boost our imaginations, and create a great dynamic of inspiration. We also like to look at old scientists’ research (like Leonardo Da Vinci) and adapt them to create a new project.

We have always been interested in small architecture, and especially architecture made with natural materials, creating curves. We came across Ibuku‘s work in Bali, and dream of going there one day. Also, a BIG source of inspiration is Ibuku’s project explanation process – its simplicity with graphic diagrams – they design it for everyone to understand.

What are your favourite places in Toronto to look for ideas and inspiration?

Our friends LUBO and Scott Eunson share a studio on Dupont. They have been there for years and gather bits and pieces from past projects. The energy there is so inspiring. Then we also like to check out what’s new in the retail shops of local designers. Queen Street West is a good neighbourhood for that. When we have gathered ideas, we love to get out of town and disconnect for a few days at a friend’s cabin in the woods. Cooking over a fire and swimming in the river helps us reconnect with nature, our inner self, and develop a new project.

What’s the most challenging thing about working on projects in such varying size and scope? What’s the best thing about tackling projects that are so unique from each other?

Working on such different projects implies different ways of working, different set ups in the studio. When we prepare for craft shows it must be organized and rational, everything is pre-established like a mini-manufacture, and when we work on commission it can go all over the place. Usually it starts with a big space for the computer and drawing space, but it never lasts, materials and tools end up taking up the entire room.

Good thing is: It is never boring! We like this diversity. We learn things from each project and adapt them for the next one.

Your work is primarily in both metal and wood, how do you find a balance both aesthetically and functionally in using these two differing materials?

We’ve always loved wood. It’s warm, soft and so versatile, even flexible! But is has limits.
Metal is quite new for us; we started working with aluminum when we were working on the trailer. We mostly worked with sheets for the shell and interior furniture, and tubing to build the framing. One of the main reasons for using aluminum is that it’s relative lightweight compared to its strength.

Next, we learned how to work with copper sheeting by helping a friend with roofing on a complex porch that had curves all over. After we mastered the technique, we created a commissioned sculptured mailbox for his client. We directly adopted it, as it worked well with cedar. We like to use materials for their best application, and therefore wood and metal complement one another naturally in a way that enhance or improves them both.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned since launching Q&A Designs in 2014?

Being an artisan is a complex job, besides always being creative and bringing new products to the table, you must get out of the shop, market your creations, and sell them. We have been lucky to meet people that have helped us to move forward with this, and therefore have learned so much since we started Q&A Design. And it is a challenge that we are happy to take on because it also gives us freedom to create and evolve the way we want / feel.

What has been the biggest inspiration towards creating your work?

I think our European / French culture plays a big part in our inspiration. But what we care most for is to create projects that will last physically and in people’s minds, using authentic and quality materials.

Which projects are you most proud of? Why?

In January 2018 we set up a trade show booth for Aya kitchens in Orlando. We worked with them on this design, creating an eye-catching space with the smallest amount of material possible. We used offcuts from the door department of their manufacturer to build a nest between art and architecture, encapsulating the whole 20’x30′ space. It was a great success; visitors were attracted to it and the company really enjoyed it.

What upcoming projects are you most excited about?

We are working with a developer on a permanent Urban furniture / Art installation to celebrate a neighborhood in the process of revitalization where we associate curves and lines to create a welcoming gathering place. Stay tuned for more. 

What surprises people most about your work?

The fact that we craft objects, that we design, build, and setup a custom tent for our shows is something unique. We make wood and metal gifts, but we also build unique tent structures, and this surprises people. We also get noticed for our attention to detail and precision in everything we make.

What’s the best way for people to find out about your upcoming projects and see your work?

We post our most recent works on Instagram and Facebook. We also have a website that showcases all our finished projects, and an Etsy shop where we list all our crafted gifts. For those who’d rather see things in person, we will be at the One of a Kind Winter Show from November to December.

SM00KV

Erin Haas is a new addition to our team at Silver Burtnick & Associates. Born and raised in Toronto, Erin is very familiar with the lifestyle and neighbourhoods of our city which allows her to help both local clients as well as potential international buyers. We’ve interviewed Erin about her relationship with Toronto and her decision to pursue a career in real estate. So read on and meet our Erin!

What was it like growing up in Toronto?

Toronto has provided me a lot great opportunities throughout my life, and exposed me to so many people and places that perhaps I would not have experienced elsewhere. I have so many memories in all areas of the city, and have loved growing up in Toronto with the different seasons, opportunities to be in nature and benefits of the city life. With all the outdoor activities during the summers and winters, and large companies that make their home here providing careers for many, the opportunities are endless.

What is your favourite Toronto memory?

One of my favourite Toronto memories is when I used to sit on The Yorkville Rock on Cumberland Ave with my Father on a hot summer day relaxing and catching up. It so refreshing to be in the middle of a bustling city and find a peaceful place to relax and spend some quality time with your family. Toronto has so many places like that, which I love.

The Yorkville Rock at Village Of Yorkville Park, photo by Toronto.ca

What is your favourite spot/neighbourhood in Toronto and why?

I have more than one favourite spot/location in Toronto. But, I have always loved walking around the Annex, looking at all the old Victorian Heritage Properties. I also love going to the Danforth for some delicious Greek food. I recently moved Midtown, and am loving being surrounded by neighbourhoods of families, restaurants, and parks, which is not what I’m used to living downtown. I certainly love every neighbourhood for their own unique reason.

What is your favourite thing about Toronto?

My favourite thing about Toronto is the diversity. I never find myself bored or without anything to do. With the amount of events, festivals, new restaurants opening and places to see, there is always somewhere to go and something to do. I also value the acceptance and pride our city offers. I truly believe that in Toronto, it is becoming easier for everyone to be themselves. Toronto prides itself on equality and acceptance, and that is easily one of my favourite things about my city.

Why did you decide to work in real estate?

I decided to work in Real Estate because it seemed like a natural fit for me. Being born and raised in Toronto has given me an advantage, in that I am very familiar with the city, and I have an educated insight into the lifestyles and cultures, and the true heartbeat of the city. My background is in sales, and I have always had an appreciation and admiration for Architecture and Toronto boasts some of the worlds most beautiful properties in Forest Hill, Rosedale, Bridle Path, just to name a few. If you love Real Estate, then Toronto is a great market to join!

Why did you decide to join Silver Burtnick & Associates?

When I first received my licence, the first thing I did was call all my Realtor friends to get advice on how to choose my brokerage, team or no team, etc. As a new agent, there are many factors to consider when choosing your new brokerage. I was looking to work with a team, as I enjoy working with others, and to find mentors that I could look up to, who will help me grow and train me to be the best agent I can be. The first time I met with Richard, there was an instant connection. With his wealth of knowledge, charming personality, and years of experience, I knew this would be the beginning of my journey with Silver Burtnick & Associates. The team has welcomed me with open arms, and I am so grateful and honoured to be working alongside Richard Silver, Jim Burtnick, Rizwan Malik and Celia Alves, who are all pioneers in the Toronto Real Estate Industry.

How do you see the future of the city? It’s growing, more and more people are coming here to live and work…but housing supply seems to be problem. What do you think is the solution to this?

With the growing population and limited housing inventory, I certainly think it’s going to become increasingly important to make the best use of our space so we can continue to grow. As an example, on June 28, 2018, City Council adopted the Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments permitting laneway suites in Residential areas in the Toronto and East York District, which will increase the city’s ability to supply the increasing demand for housing in the GTA. I do foresee, that a new generation of condominium owners will be increasing versus freehold home ownership in the future due to increasing prices and lack of supply in the GTA.

What do you think are the current up-and-coming neighbourhoods in Toronto, that will get just more and more popular in the next few years?

With the limited supply and high demand for housing in Toronto, a lot of families and young professionals are moving farther North, East, and West to find affordable housing. New developments are quickly on the rise all over the city to try and meet those demands but some neighbourhoods are still developing and are quickly becoming popular. Riverdale, Upper Beaches, Junction Triangle, Danforth Village, West Don Lands, and Rockcliffe- Smythe, are just a few of Toronto’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods and will become increasingly popular over the next few years.

SK00SK

Buying or selling a home doesn’t come cheap. There are taxes, lawyer and mortgage fees, and not to mention your realtor’s commission. And some fees consistently catch buyers and sellers off guard.

Richard Silver, Senior Vice President – Sales at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, finds that land transfer taxes and the Foreign Buyer’s Tax are usually the ones people don’t see coming:

[The closing costs that catches sellers and buyers off guard is usually] the 2% land transfer tax for the Province and [the other 2%] for the City of Toronto. If they are foreign without their permanent residency, they would also be subjected to a 15% Foreign Buyer’s Sales Tax.

A buyer and seller both have their own closing costs to worry about, but this article explains the fees to expect when you sell your home.

It includes:

• Legal fees
• Taxes
• Mortgage penalties
• Survey Costs

Legal fees

While it’s a relatively minor fee compared to the commision, a real estate lawyer can still cost upwards of $1,000 depending on the complexity of the deal. However, the service is well worth it as a lawyer protects you throughout the transaction, makes sure that all the terms in the offer are fulfilled, and that requirements by the buyer and other third parties are met. Silver confirms the service is worth it:

The lawyer makes sure that the buyer has a clear title on closing. Sometimes this is alleviated by title Insurance but [title insurance] cannot replace good due diligence.

In addition to paying for these services, a lawyer charges you for disbursements, which are fees your lawyer had to pay to other companies on your behalf in the process of selling your home. This can include courier services, postages, photocopies, etc… Your lawyer pays these fees on your behalf due to convenience reasons.

Title Insurance

Title insurance is another part of the legal fee. It’s often part of the disbursements, although it’s a little more complex than photocopies and postages. Title is the legal proof that you provide to the buyer and to third parties to show that you currently own the property being sold. The title shows any registered mortgages, liens, and other important details.

Title insurance, on the other hand, protects you from any errors or misrepresentations on the title that could impact you negatively. The coverage usually costs a few hundred dollars but can save you thousands and protect you from fraud, survey errors, encroachment issues, and much more. And this is usually purchased by your lawyer.

If you discover that your last renovation encroached onto your neighbour’s property because of a survey error, title insurance would pay to rectify this issue.

Prepaid fees

Lastly, a lawyer prepares a statement of adjustments to show any fees that you paid in advance that the buyer would have to pay you back for upon closing. These prepaid fees can include tax or utilities, and the final adjustment statement includes these into the closing price.

If you paid for the full year’s land tax in January and the sale of your home closes at the end of March, the buyer has to compensate you for the April-December portions of the land tax—or ¾ of what you paid.

Taxes

Land transfer tax is a common term you may hear in real estate transactions, but it’s not something to concern yourself with if you’re doing the selling. Land transfer tax is usually never paid by the seller and is usually paid by the buyer.

If you’re selling an investment property, however, you need to consider capital gains tax. If the property isn’t your primary property, it’s considered an income or investment property. When you sell, you’re taxed on the appreciation (how much you bought it for – how much you sold it for). 50% of the appreciation value is taxed as income, and this can also push you into a higher tax bracket for the year.

For example, if you make $100,000 annually and sell your investment property with a capital gain of $50,000 (maybe you bought a condo for $700,000 and sold it for $750,000), then your annual taxable income for that year is now $125,000 ($100,000 + (50% of $50,000)) Suddenly, your income tax for the year goes from $27,860 to $33,286.

Mortgage prepayment/breakup penalty fees

If you have a mortgage, selling your home may result in a mortgage prepayment/breakup penalty or a porting charge. This depends on the contract you signed with your lender when you first got the mortgage.

Mortgage prepayment/breakup penalties occur when you pay off your mortgage in advance of the payment schedule and leave the mortgage contract. When selling your home, this is typically done because a new mortgage at current interest rates can save you more money than the cost of the penalty. Every bank is different, but Canada’s Big Five typically charge a prepayment fee of three month’s interests or the interest rate differential—the difference between current interest rates and the interest rate on your mortgage—whichever one is greater.

Calculating the exact penalty can be complicated, but to give you a taste, if you have $400,000 remaining on your mortgage, the penalty can be over $8,000! If you don’t want to pay the penalty or want to keep your current mortgage rates then porting your mortgage is the better solution.

Porting is moving your mortgage contract from the property that you’re selling to your newly purchased property. The fee associated with porting is usually a lot less than a prepayment/breakup penalty.

Porting may not always be possible, however. Some mortgage contracts don’t have this option, or if you’re upsizing, your mortgage broker may need to confirm that you have the income and debt-equity ratio to maintain a bigger mortgage. It’s best to understand the terms and conditions when you first get your mortgage, so you’re not stuck with more unnecessary fees when you sell.

Survey Fees

Surveying is not done as often as it should be, but is highly important to the real estate transaction. A survey is done by a professional who examines the deed and maps of a property to identify what the seller actually owns. By completing a survey before the sale, the parties can buy/sell with the confidence of what is being bought/sold.

Although issues due to land surveys are usually covered by title insurance, title insurance cannot replace a land survey. This $750-$1,000 expense can save you the stress of your deal falling through after the buyer realizes that there are issues with land ownership.

So how do you know if you should get a new survey? Silver advises,

A new survey is always warranted if the building has been added to and/or if fences were moved or removed since the last survey.

AZ00KV