What I've Been Up To Lately - Winter 2024

The busy fall market came, and it definitely had me busier than usual this year (which is why this newsletter is a little late). We had SO many amazing properties come out this fall and some even luckier buyers who snatched them up.

I’m going back to the usuals, eating delicious food (especially for Thanksgiving), visiting some of the highest balconies in the city, taking selfies at our listings, dressing up for Halloween, dog walks in the leaves, and buying more fall flowers. You know. All of the good fall stuff.

What I Ate

The last 2 months have been full eating some of my favourite foods.

First up, Thanksgiving! This year, I had a craving for Molly Baz's vinegar grilled turkey. I've always made very traditional turkeys in the past, and this one had great reviews and with the mild weather, I thought it was a great option. I also made Sister Pie's Salted Maple pie inspired by our trip to Detriot the month before, and I must admit I think my pie-making skills are finally getting there. Making a pie dough has always been a challenge for me - it's SO much harder to get it right than it looks. But I think it's coming together, and this pie was INCREDIBLE.

No breakfast is complete without Masa Deli's burrito. It has tallow fried has, pastrami, and fluffy eggs. Plus, they serve it with their hot sauce, which is just perfection.

Heating to St. Lawrence Market is always a highlight for me on the weekends. This time, we stopped in for lunch, too, and got the usual fried calamari and clam chowder soup from Buster's Sea Cove.

Next, I was in the east-east end and stopped by Holi Taco. It's located in the original Burgers Priest. There is limited seating inside, but if you're lucky, you can grab one of the spots there. I loved this place because they have 4-5 different salsas, onions, cilantro, and lime that you can top your tacos with. Something you don't see too offten in Toronto.

Then, after a manicure at Fix Nail Bar, I stopped in for a quick patty at When The Pig Comes Home. This was a limited special of oxtail and chees,e and I have to say it was probably the most delicious patty I've ever had. And for $5 - you can't beat that deal!

And finally, our friends invited us to a pop-up for a new canned fish brand, Nice Cans - from Chef Charlotte, who started Scout Canning. She had a limited menu showcasing her new tinned fish and how to use it in multiple ways and paired them with wine too. If you're interested in checking her out, she's at the MOCA in the Junction Triangle for a few more weekends this year.

What I Did

I'm enjoying every second of the beautiful fall leaves before they disappear for the next 5 months, so I'm heading out to High Park with my dog Winston for some hikes as many times as we can. Plus the weather has been very mild so it's been enjoyable for everyone ;)

My clients bought a stunning home with so much original Toronto charm and a backyard FILLED with the biggest trees I've seen. Even thought we hadn't been looking for too long, they knew that they had found the one. I mean, look at this stunning door knocker - the hands holding a heart with a crown! What's not to love?

We've had a few properties go up on the market (and sell!) this fall and one thing about Brott&Co - they love a mirror. Which means there is ample opportunity for lots and lots of selifies in some of the most beautiful homes in Toronto. Call me lucky!

Speaking of clients - sometimes you have a client who wants a stunning view and heading up to the 50, 60 or 70th floor of the building gives you some of the best views in the city. We managed to head out to the rooftop patio just as the sun set. It was truly picture-perfect.

I've also been heading to The Well, enjoying the Sweat & Tonic that is there, along with the food court on the lower level. I was slightly skeptical of The Well when they first launched it, but I have to admit, it's a very fun space to visit. With the indoor/outdoor space in such a central part of Toronto, there's always something happening to check out.

And finally, I headed to London to celebrate Halloween with my niece and nephew this year. It's always fun to dress up and stay out late, eat too much candy, and watch Ghostbusters together.

Summer may be over, but the fall blooms are still coming out strong. The mums at The Wild Pansey were some of the most beautiful - and well-priced ($12!) flowers that I bought this fall. They also lasted for a while on the counter too. Talk about a win/win!

What I Read

In case you missed it, our listing on Gore Vale ended up in Toronto Life last month!

Toronto rent prices have been falling - it's true! It is also a good time to try to negotiate with your landlord or find a new place! Send me an email if you want more help.

Is the market going to get hot, just as Ontario realizes that we've been falling dangerously behind in our 1.5 Million new homes being built? The future looks a little unpredictable.

See you all in January 2025!