Founded by Lori Moscone, this virtual full-service brokerage is designed for the homeowner who wants to save money by selling privately. For a flat-fee, homeowners can purchase a basic package*, which includes a property posting on MLS.ca®, showing bookings, market evaluation, for-sale sign and social media advertisements, or an upgrade to a Premium Service Package*. While this may seem like more work, ISell Realty Inc. is for individuals motivated by the idea of not having to pay out a hypothetical five per cent commission, which can amount to as much as $25,000 on a $500,000 home.

[View with PicLens]

Homeowners unable to successfully sell their property with the flat-fee service have the opportunity to hire ISell Realty Inc. as full service representatives. There are many ways to sell your home.  With ISell Realty Inc., the choices are conveniently placed on your doorstep.

www.isellrealtyinc.com
416-588-7355 (SELL)
www.1feesale.ca

With a progressive approach to traditional business, L’Oro has been placed in a favourable position within the jewelry industry. Among its exclusive brands, Chopard is one of the elite jewelry names partnered with L’Oro. “They are one of the few family owned companies left in the watch industry, and the Chopard family has built an incredible enterprise,” says Derian. “The brand is known to have the ability to be at the forefront of fashion in premium luxury, but still timeless.” Since it was founded in 1860, Chopard has been leaning towards classic and elegant designs. A hands-on approach was taken when L’Oro visited the Chopard factory in Geneva, Switzerland, before introducing the entire collection to its loyal client base in Toronto.

[View with PicLens]

Linde Werdelin is another high-end watch collection that manufactures one-of-a-kind products for a niche market. It features sports watches with a sophisticated design and embedded technology for skiing and diving. As the sole retailer of this brand in all of Canada, L’Oro continues to build a reputation that relies on exclusive jewelry in an inclusive environment.

Proposing rings of various styles, L’Oro also carries a bridal collection by Scott Kay. Standing out as something different, this company developed a unique alloy known as cobalt or BioBlu™27. “Cobalt is the most versatile of the contemporary metals used in jewelry manufacturing,” says Derian. “It is an amazing and durable material that has become a choice for many new grooms.” Scott Kay adds even more value to L’Oro’s already strong bridal assortment, with modern, vintage and classic designs.
www.loro.ca

“We believe women should love what they wear and feel confident and empowered, as well as looking fashionable. We help our clients be stylish and classy with their look but we also want to help them be smart with their fashion choices and not get caught up in trends that won’t take them from season to season,” says Meikle.

Assessing a client’s look using their own personal style, body type, age and lifestyle while introducing current up-to-date fashion into their wardrobe in an intelligent way is La Closette’s calling. “By working with multi-functional pieces and accessories that help build a wardrobe, and not just a single item, our clients are given options that they may not have had before,” says Amlani. www.laclosette.com

[View with PicLens]

Three Things You Need For Fall
1. The Multi-Functional Blazer
2.  Great Accessories and Jewelry for layering
3. A Perfect Pair of Jeans

Q&A with Vivian Risi
Here’s what you need to know when purchasing your first home:

Q: What key factors should first-time newlyweds pay attention to when making a home purchase?
A: The key is to consider their lifestyle for the next three to five years.  If they decide to stay in the home longer, they need to pay attention to whether or not the home will suit their future lifestyle.  If they decide to have a family, for example, then they must take into consideration whether the area will be suitable for children. Are there schools or parks around?  Will the home provide accommodating space for children?

Q: What are some common mistakes new homeowners often make?
A: Quite often, new homeowners don’t thoroughly research the area. They do not take into account factors that may affect the value of the home they are purchasing. Hiring a realtor that is knowledgeable in his or her market is an essential step. Lack of thorough research and knowledge of the market could result in a financially stressful situation.

Q: What are the factors to consider before one buys?
A: Location. It doesn’t matter how you turn it: Whether it is your decision to be close to work, family or your children’s school, proximity with respect to your current lifestyle is key in our busy and demanding society.

Q: Is it better to buy a less expensive house in a more expensive neighbourhood, or the opposite?
A: Generally speaking, you will see greater return and a lower risk in buying a less desirable home in a desirable neighbourhood.

Q: How can a buyer secure a quality mortgage product? Is it important to look beyond the interest rate to the true cost of the loan, both now and in the future?
A: The best way a buyer can secure a quality mortgage product is to hire a qualified mortgage broker. They will search all the available mortgage products and match your needs to a suitable mortgage product. In addition, a buyer must ask questions in order to determine the true cost of the loan.  Rate is an important factor in selecting a mortgage product.  In addition, the pre-payment terms and conditions are equally important. It is important to be aware of locked mortgage loans and potential penalties if they decide to sell prior to the mortgage maturing. Being informed regarding this will save the buyer thousands of dollars.

Q: What are three reasons to purchase a home in 2011?
A: The cost of borrowing is at a historical low. The real estate market in general is strong – different areas will display this differently; and long-term real estate is a great equity builder. Canada, internationally, is a safe destination that is driving foreign investors. This attracts more buyers into our marketplace, therefore affecting our supply and demand, and ultimately, driving our prices up.

First and foremost, the wood must be prepared. If your deck and fence has seen a few winters and you’re looking to recoat the lumber, cleaning is crucial. “It removes any mould, grime and dirt from the wood, and gives the finished product a more pristine look,” says Claudio Grisolia, owner of Steeles Paint.

If this is the first season for your timber, you’re in luck: no cleaning is required. However, if you just recently built your deck and fence, Grisolia highly recommends sanding the wood. “This removes the mill glaze – the polish left by the saw from the mill – and opens the pores to allow the stain to soak deep into the wood.”

[View with PicLens]

Weather and temperature also play key factors when applying stains. The wood needs to be completely dry, but if it is too hot outside the product won’t properly penetrate, either. “When the sun is beating down on the surface, it’s actually heating the wood,” says Grisolia, who first opened Steeles Paint in 1988, and has over 30 years in the paint business under his belt. “What happens is the stain will start drying the minute it hits the wood and won’t soak deep enough in.” The ideal time to apply a stain is early in the day or later in the evening when the sun is away from the deck.

For the environmentally conscious consumer, Steeles Paints also carries a variety of eco-friendly, waterborne stains from companies such as Timber Pro Coatings and Benjamin Moore. These biodegradable products give a spectacular look, while remaining gentle on the environment.

If you’re still apprehensive towards the process, Steeles Paint’s more than knowledgeable staff can guide you step-by-step, as Grisolia concludes, “We won’t sell anybody anything unless we walk them through it.”
416.743.4040  www.steelespaint.com

Society’s most vulnerable now have a second chance at redemption because of Vivian Risi, owner and founder of real estate firm Royal LePage – Your Community Realty. As chair of Yellow Brick House (YBH)’s Second Shelter, Second Chances capital campaign, Risi’s tireless efforts to house abused women and children have finally paved the way to a much-needed second shelter in York Region, where up until now, there have been no services for abuse victims.

Realizing that women and children have nowhere to run from perilous environments, Risi knew that something must be done. “A house is not a home unless it’s safe,” says Risi, a YMCA Peace Medallion Recipient.

[View with PicLens]

At a The Power Within Toronto speaker forum event, Risi met with a transformational leader who is also revolutionizing the future for others. As millennium icon Sir Richard Branson’s spaceflight company Virgin Galactic will soon send passengers to suborbital space, Risi’s advocacy has women and children over the moon. “He has no barriers or restrictions as to what he can do or where he can go. He has great vision,” says Risi, who has successfully raised three quarters of the capital campaign’s goal of $4 million, which includes the costs of constructing, purchasing, building and furnishing a crisis shelter.  “We’re almost at the finish line,” says Risi, who hopes for a third shelter once the goal is fulfilled. “I remain focused on my vision and do not allow obstacles to get in my way.”

A leader who reaches for the stars without hesitation, she quickly scrolls through her Blackberry calendar to see when she’s available to book her trip to the Earth’s natural satellite.

With her feet planted firmly on land for now, Risi takes comfort in helping to rebuild lives for women and children who have little options but to remain in abusive situations. A beacon of light in the dark world of abuse, the second shelter will accommodate 24 individuals by early 2011.

YBH provides protection and counseling services for battered women and their children to help them regain confidence while on the road to rebuilding their lives. This enables them the strength, guidance and tools to begin a violence-free life.  According to YBH representatives, 4,000 lonely, fearful, and displaced women and children received emergency shelter and outreach services from YBH in 2008, yet 547 women and children were turned away due to lack of space. Sadly, most of these women return to their abusive relationship until space becomes available. With seven per cent of Canadian women assaulted by their spouses every year – a person they love and trust the most – Risi remains steadfast in safeguarding a sturdy foundation full of opportunity and peace for abuse sufferers. “As long as women and children are valued less and subjected to violence in the home, the potential for the family to create a peaceful, prosperous society will not be realized,” she says.

Executing a stellar performance over the years that has led to a constellation of 11 successful offices in southern Ontario and over 700 realtors, Risi knows that a house is not a home without love, respect and the undeniable right we all have to a bright future. “I will continue to stand up for those who are most vulnerable – women and children.”

To learn more on Yellow Brick House, go to www.yellowbrickhouse.org or call 905.709.0900
www.yourcommunityrealty.com

Industry innovator Vivian Risi is a Broker of Record and the Founder of Royal LePage – Your Community Realty, Canada’s No. 1 Brokerage. Her expertise in market trends, mortgages and real estate management spans over 30 years. To contact Risi or one of her realtors with your questions or to locate the nearest Royal LePage – Your Community Realty, visit www.yourcommunityrealty.com 1.888.9LEPAGE(53-7243) For more real estate information, follow Vivian Risi on Facebook and Twitter, or go to her website and send her a question under “Ask Vivian.” www.facebook.com/royallepageyourcommunityrealty, www.twitter.com/VivianRisi

CORRECTION

In the April/May issue of City Life Magazine, an article on Vivian Risi and the Yellow Brick House titled “Aiming Higher” misstated York Region to be the location as to where there have been no abuse shelters for women and children up until now, when in fact, it is specifically the town of Markham in York Region. York Region currently offers three shelters that assist abused women and children. Apart from Yellow Brick House, ETA Vaughan (Empowerment Through Achievement) Women’s Shelter, and Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region, are committed to sheltering, counselling and supporting women and children of abuse. A shelter alerted City Life to the error on April 21, 2011.

www.etavaughan.com
www.sandgate.ca

Many allergy sufferers resort to treating their symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medications. While these medications may address and relieve symptoms temporarily, many of them can lead to undesirable side effects and sometimes even worsen certain symptoms with prolonged use.

If you have suffered from allergies chronically, adding some natural therapies to your arsenal may prove to be helpful. It is wise to see a naturopathic doctor to identify, address and treat your allergies, as well as to ascertain any potential interactions with other medications.

The Food Connection
Identifying food allergens and removing them from your diet will go a long way to modulating your immune response towards common environmental allergens. As an example, it is not unusual for an individual who is allergic to birch to also have intolerances to apples, celery and some nuts.

Dairy, wheat, corn and soy are common allergens that are mucus-producing and can trigger or amplify allergy symptoms.

Foods and supplements containing plant sterols and antioxidants are also important to quell allergy symptoms. Quercetin is one such substance that is abundant in red wine, grapefruit, onions, and apples. It is available in supplement form and acts directly to inhibit histamine release.

Botanical Boosters
A variety of herbs and herbal formulas have been shown to be effective against symptoms by inhibiting mast cells from releasing histamine, decreasing inflammation, soothing mucus membranes and essentially enhancing immune function. Among these are herbs such as chamomile, stinging nettle, butterbur and eyebright (euphrasia).

Homeopathic Helpers
Other natural therapies involve the use of acupuncture, nasal flushing and major dietary and lifestyle modifications. With the help of your health-care provider or naturopathic doctor, you can “stick it to your allergies” this spring and summer and make the most of the outdoors!

HealthWise Wellness & Rehab Centre
Dr. Faryal Luhar, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
4250 Weston Road, Suite 101, Toronto, Ont. 416.742.7246 www.healthwisecentre.ca

Eleanor Welsh, owner of Skin Vitality.

They say perfection is impossible, but that’s because they haven’t been to Skin Vitality. It starts with a feeling, and that feeling is confidence. “Confidence is the single-most important trait a woman can have. Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent,” says Eleanor Welsh, owner of Skin Vitality. Skin Vitality offers the best cosmetic technology in the world today, with a special emphasis on non-invasive procedures. Some of the more popular non-invasive procedures offered include FDA-approved Vela Shape and Skin-Tightening treatments, as well as Fotofacials. Skin Vitality may not have the fountain of youth, but it does have a cascade of transforming procedures at your disposal.

While expanding Skin Vitality into five luxurious locations – with two more coming soon – across southern Ontario, Welsh became familiar with the daily stresses that can bring a person down. Today, she has made it her life’s work to help people achieve the glow and strut of a confident person with safe and effective treatments. Understanding the demographic because she represents the demographic, Welsh applies her positive energy into helping everyone achieve their full potential. “I am motivated to help anyone change the reflection in the mirror and help them build the courage to make changes and feel better and live happier lives,” says Welsh, whose first Skin Vitality opened in Ajax, Ont. with two employees.

Now, her clinic boasts a staff of 110 people, headed by Dr. Lori Martyn and a team of 10 registered nurses, including Lori Pollock, RN.  “We deliver the best results in the shortest amount of time by the most qualified injectors in Canada,” says Welsh, adding that Skin Vitality is one of the top 10 providers of Botox Cosmetic and Juvéderm in Canada. “My staff is definitely my company’s greatest asset. My team at Skin Vitality performs more Botox injections than 99.5 per cent of the doctors in Canada,” says Welsh, who visits her clinics to speak with patients and support staff daily. One of the best parts about many of the cosmetic procedures Skin Vitality offers is that they’re quick and inexpensive. Take Botox for instance: the injections can start from as little as $75, take less than 10 minutes, and the results can last up to four months. There is not one second of recovery time and there is no discomfort, bruising or swelling. You can be walking out of the clinic in less than 15 minutes and your frown lines and crow’s feet will have flown away. You might lose half an hour of your lunch break, but you’ll be eliminating the last 10 wrinkly years of your life.

Men are also taking advantage, making up 30 per cent of the total revenue at Skin Vitality. Popular procedures for men include Botox and laser hair removal. With “reshape your life” as her motto, Welsh is changing the way we look and feel about ourselves.

www.skinvitality.ca
1.877.356.7776

For 20 years, Dr. Gail Nield has provided local residents with comprehensive and caring service at her Woodbridge Dermatology & Laser Centre. The first to offer laser hair removal in the area, Dr. Nield is an expert in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Utilizing modern techniques and procedures, such as the Soft Lift makeover – a combination of Botox and Juvéderm treatments – Dr. Nield has the abilities to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. “I think everyone is very concerned about how they look,” comments Dr Neild. “If they look good they feel good, and this is possible without the use of surgery – a little does a lot in dermatology.”

Woodbridge Dermatology & Laser Centre also presents a broad range of treatments, which include mole, skin tag and growth removal; vein treatments, Juvéderm injections and the always popular Botox. It also offers the brand new Latisse solution, which is the first prescription drug for growing longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. These range of treatments take years off your appearance, giving a youthful look that reflects the resounding beauty within.

[View with PicLens]

Although these procedures alter your appearance, providing you with a natural look is Dr. Nield’s aim. “With filler, it’s immediate. With Botox, it takes up to a week. These are simple procedures and yet I do not want others saying, ‘Oh you had Botox or filler.’ I want, ‘Oh did you get your hair done, or have you been away?’ I don’t want it to look like you’ve had something done,” explains Dr. Nield.

Through rigorous medical background checks and one-on-one interviews, the always-cautious Dr. Nield uncovers the treatment that best fits your desires.

Well aware of the societal pressures men and women endure, Dr. Nield is extremely cautious when it comes to appearance, extending a sympathetic hand in the hopes of providing a service that makes customers look as good as they feel in a safe and effective way.

“We’re not aggressive and the important thing is we have integrity. I’m a dermatologist and a woman, and I think I understand a lot of needs that other women have,” says Dr. Nield. “And when they get Botox or Juvéderm or another procedure, they have it done by someone who knows what they are doing.” For the best in medical and cosmetic dermatology, head over to the Woodbridge Dermatology & Laser Centre for an honest discussion about what is best for you.

www.woodbridgedermatology.ca
905.851.1436

For an agreed fee and with the aid of a realtor, a homeowner now has the opportunity to post his or her property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a member-based database that manages 90 per cent of Canada’s residential housing market. At a glance, this appears to be empowering for a homeowner. “When one carefully investigates the process, it is clear that homeowners need to approach this with caution,” says Vivian Risi, Broker of Record and Founder of Royal LePage – Your Community Realty.

Risi sheds an interesting perspective on this issue for homeowners to take heed before committing. “Homeowners, with the intent of saving money, may be putting themselves in a vulnerable situation,” says Risi. A recent heading in a Canadian Business magazine story reads: “Estate Sale: Travel Agents and Stockbrokers are Nearly Obsolete Thanks to the Internet. Are Real Estate Agents Next?” Most certainly not, says Risi. Full-service real estate is here to stay, and here’s why: The buying and selling of a home is nothing like buying and selling stocks or booking a holiday. Our home is our most valuable asset.

“When I put myself in the position of a homeowner,” says Risi, “I would be focusing on the best in the industry – someone who can provide expert advice to maximize my equity through proper pricing, home-staging concepts and a strategic marketing plan that will create a demand for my home, increase showings and expose my property to the most amount of qualified buyers. Hiring a professional will save a homeowner from potential legal challenges as well, and will yield them more money for their home. One would have to ask themselves what’s most important: saving commission, or ensuring that the transaction of one of the biggest investments I will ever make is handled with solid professional advice? In my opinion, you get what you pay for!”

The fact that a homeowner has options with respect to the manner in which they choose to sell their home can be positive. Homeowners must have a clear understanding of all the facts, prior to deciding on what level of service best suits their needs.

Industry innovator Vivian Risi is a Broker of Record and the Founder of Royal LePage – Your Community Realty, Canada’s No. 1 Brokerage. Her expertise in market trends, mortgages and real estate management spans over 30 years. With over 650 realtors and 10 offices across the GTA, Risi is a recognized voice and reliable authority in the real estate industry. To contact Risi or one of her realtors with your questions or to locate the nearest Royal LePage – Your Community Realty, visit www.yourcommunityrealty.com 1.888.9LEPAGE(53-7243)

For more real estate information, follow Vivian Risi on Facebook and Twitter, or go to her website and send her a question under “Ask Vivian.” www.facebook.com/royallepageyourcommunityrealty, www.twitter.com/VivianRisi