5 Tips for Moving During COVID-19
Amidst social distancing rules, stay-at-home orders, and widespread travel bans, thousands of Canadians have needed to adapt to the changes. Many events have been either cancelled or postponed, but for those who were planning a big move, waiting may be out of the question. If you’re one of those people, you can still move comfortably with a little extra planning and foresight. Check out these 5 tips to help make your move as safe and stress-free as possible. DIY if you can Although hiring a moving company can reduce stress and physical labour, it’s safer to manage the move on your own. Reducing the amount of people you come in contact with – and the amount of people who come in contact with your furniture – will greatly reduce the risk of COVID-19. If you still think you need help, first ask close family and friends if they can lend a hand if they’re healthy. You can always pay them back by offering to buy dinner or helping them out with a move in their future. Reduce contact If you do ultimately end up working with a moving company, get your quote virtually and see if the company offers fully contactless service. There should be information on their website regarding how they handle moving operations during the pandemic, so if these protocols are on par with your safety expectations, you’re good to go. On the moving day, avoid handshakes for obvious reasons. A smile and a generous tip (sent through e-transfer) are a great substitute. Make extra sanitary measures During the move, make sure you wear a mask and gloves, as you never know what has been touched in your new dwelling. If you hire a moving company, make sure they bring similar supplies for their workers and consider having hand sanitizer and extra masks and gloves available. Try your best to disinfect high-traffic objects and surfaces, paying particular attention to doorknobs and handles. The Coronavirus has been found to live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, so it’s not a great time to be borrowing boxes from your local LCBO or grocery store. It’s an extra expense, but you should try to buy brand new boxes if you can. Be transparent and flexible Before your moving date, reach out to your neighbours – especially if you’re in a condominium – and let them know when your moving date is. This makes sure everyone in your general vicinity can be aware and avoid unnecessary contact in the hallways and elevators. If you think anyone you’re living with is sick, try your best to postpone the move. Some landlords are being extra lenient during these times and they’ll likely understand the seriousness of the situation if you approach them in advance. Rescheduling can certainly be a pain, but the health and safety of your neighbours comes first. Help those in need and lighten your load Chances are, your cupboards are filled with non-perishable food items that you can easily replace once you move into your new place. Before you move, consider taking those items and donating them to your local food bank to lighten the load on your move. As COVID-19 forces school closures, layoffs, and soup kitchen shutouts, the need for help is greater than ever. No matter what’s going on in life, moving is a difficult thing to do both emotionally and physically. But, by taking extra precautions, you can get through with relative ease and safety for everyone.
6 Budget-Friendly Staycation Ideas for Families
Staying home doesn’t mean staying bored. There are a ton places your kids would nominate as a vacation destination this summer, and staying home likely isn’t one of them. So how can you convince them that staying home can be exciting without spending a bunch of money on expensive technology? Fill it with fun and adventure! Check out these 6 staycation ideas that will go easy on your wallet and still satisfy the little ones. Have A Campout In Your Background Grab the tent, the marshmallows and some hot dogs; it’s time for some backyard camping! This is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with the family telling scary stories, roasting food on sticks, and looking up at the stars. The best part? If it gets too cold you can just go back inside! (Also, the indoor plumbing.) Have Some Fun In The Kitchen A great way to entertain the kids and get them interested in cooking at the same time is to hold a competition in the kitchen! Organize a “Top Chef” style competition by introducing a mystery ingredient and letting them incorporate it into one of their favourite dishes. If competition isn’t popular in your household, head to the grocery store and pick out a unique ingredient to cook with. We suggest dragonfruit, as it’s an odd looking fruit that’s sure to spark your imagination! Host A Family Fair It’s family fair time! Set up your backyard or public space with classical carnival games and foods! Bust out the ring toss, corn hole, and balloon darts and finish off the day with corn dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy. The perfect way to end a carnival night? Hang up a sheet, bust out the projector and watch a movie under the stars. Build A Fort A few bed sheets, some sticks, and a bunch of pillows are all you need to build the ultimate staycation fort! If you’re feeling extra ambitious, create a mini fort-village with tunnels and separate rooms. You’ll be surprised how fun it is to put your architecture abilities to the test. To add some extra fun to the night, hang some fairy lights and have a sleepover if your new kingdom. Arts and Crafts Bust out the old arts and crafts kit and get those creative juices flowing! Try your hand at making a birdfeeder, tie-dye some t-shirts, or make some good old fashioned slime by mixing cornstarch and water together. You’ll be shocked at the amount of stuff you can create with ordinary household items. Not much of a crafter? Pull out the paint set and let your inner artist out! Who knows, maybe it’ll be the beginning of a long and passionate relationship with the fine arts! Plan A Treasure Hunt Set up a string of clues for your kids to follow that lead them all around the house, yard and even the neighborhood. Make up your own clues or check online for clever rhymes or location ideas. End the hunt with a fun prize, which can be anything from a chest full of faux gold coins, a long-desired toy or trinket, or a plate of fresh cookies or cupcakes. Add a dash of extra fun by dressing up as pirates or explorers. Whether you have a lot of free time or a little, a chunk of change to spend or a limited budget, there are plenty of fun staycation ideas to make your summer special for the entire family.
4 Ways to Make Your Home Office Work For You
With working from home being the new normal for a large majority of Canadians, it’s easy to understand why many are having problems with productivity. The constant distractions caused by the lack of a true office space can have a lot to do with feeling unproductive. Here are four tips for taking your home workspace to the next level– even if it’s your living room table. Pick A Spot and Stick To It Since most of us don’t have a home office – especially those of us with condos – it’s important to designate an area for working in your home and stick with it. Doing so will create a routine that helps you get into the working mindset. Whatever area you choose, make sure it has ideal lighting, a comfortable chair with back support, and a seamless tech set up that allows you to jump on video calls without having to mess around with plugs or wires. It also helps to have an overall lack of clutter on your desk and surrounding area to help with the feeling of being overwhelmed. Clean Up If you thought your desk at the office was messy, I’m sure your kitchen table is the same – if not worse. With piles of mail, car keys, kids toys, and groceries, there’s no lack of things that can accumulate on our makeshift desks. Now’s the time to make a change. Throw out garbage, put all your pens into a mug, and make sure you have all of your workday essentials close at hand. Anything that you deem a distraction – get it off the table. Also, if you’re on video calls all day, you may want to think about what your colleagues are seeing behind you. A big pile of laundry or a line of empty wine bottles can be a little unsightly and may give the wrong impression. Plus, if you have the capability, why not show off your style a bit? Some good background options might be a piece of art, some interesting souvenirs or a nicely filled bookcase. Lastly, remember lighting: Your space should be well lit, or it’ll look like you’re calling in from a Russian war bunker. Create an Inspirational Wall Now that you’ve picked a spot and de-cluttered your area, it’s time to find some inspiration to stay focused. The wall that’s directly in front of you has a lot to do with how productive you are, because let’s face it, you’ll be staring directly at it a lot. One way to jazz your wall up is by creating an inspiration board. Fill it with things that make you happy from pictures of your family and friends, to pictures of your future goals or vacation spots you’ll be heading to (likely not until next year). You can also put your to-do list and important reminders up there, but try to keep things fun and uplifting to help get you through the day. Personalize Your Workspace Most of us have always dreamed of having that perfect office, with a window view and inspiring decor. Well – now’s your opportunity to make the work space of your dreams. Think of all of the things you weren’t allowed to bring into your normal office: aromatherapy diffusers, sound systems, and food that your fellow employees would rather you not microwave. Now you can make your space smell exactly how you want it, have your music playing in the background instead of directly in your headphones, and microwave that leftover fish and broccoli that you’ve been wanting to eat for lunch. You want your home office to feel like your home, so don’t be shy about customizing it and making it your ideal workspace!
Local COVID-19 Champions
Amidst all of the negative news surrounding COVID-19, it’s important that we take the time to highlight some of the local businesses in Burlington that are doing their part to help bring a sense of normalcy into our lives during such uncertain times. However, we would be remiss if we failed to recognize the first responders, health-care workers, bus drivers, and all other workers deemed essential who are keeping Burlington safe, fed, and ticking. It’s no surprise that the inspiring businesses below are helping out these first responders, so it’s clear their contributions aren’t going unnoticed. West End HBA The West End Home Builders Association is doing their part during this pandemic by getting involved in an initiative alongside local Burlington businesses Utter Morris Insurance, The Leggat Auto Group, and John Trim Group at Scotia Capital Wealth Management. As a gesture of thanks and support to our front-line workers, they’ve been delivering lunches provided by local restaurants to essential employees who continue to work during this pandemic across the Burlington, Oakville, and Hamilton areas. The idea originated when Jim Thorpe, President of Utter Morris Insurance Brokers, and Glenn Marshall at Greening Media were looking for something unique they could do to make a difference. With assistance from sponsors Leggat Auto Group, the John Trim Group at Scotia Capitol Wealth Management, and the West End Home Builders Association, they were able to collaborate with multiple local BBQ restaurants who were all excited to help. Thousands of meals have been delivered, with more coming every week! A special thanks goes out to restaurant partners Camp 31 BBQ, Thirsty Cactus Cantina and Grill, La Piazza Allegra Hamilton, and Denninger’s Food of the World. Businesses and organizations interested in joining the cause can help by sponsoring a lunch delivery. Check out the article here! Caffé Demetré Caffé Demetré owner, Amer Kassem, and members of his staff handmade and delivered 100 crepes and waffles for the staff at CAMA Woodlands long-term care home in Burlington. “We’re in it together, and together we can really fight it,” Kassem said. “If we reach out to others maybe we will put on a smile, and satisfaction in our own hearts as well.” Kassem plans on delivering desserts once a week throughout the pandemic to ensure everybody’s spirits remain high – and sweet-tooth’s well-fed. Stitch-It Alan Baird, owner of a local dry-cleaning and alteration business called Stitch It, has refused to run and hide due to COVID-19. Instead of waiting it out, he came up with an idea to use his sewing machines to create non-surgical face masks at a time when supplies are dwindling. This also meant he didn’t have to lay-off all 400 members of his staff. “We have the capacity and we have the skills and we have the passion for doing it, so that’s what we’re trying to do,” he said. So far, Alain and his staff have shipped out 14,500 masks to various locations all across the GTA. They are Eco-friendly, water and droplet repellent, and washable. For more information and to order your own masks click here: https://zcu.io/ox7w This is only a small collection of Burlington businesses going out of their way to make a difference. If you know any other local businesses stepping up for the cause, feel free to leave a comment on Facebook! We’re all going to get through this together, as is evident by the way people across the world are lifting each other up. Perhaps once everything has calmed down and life gets back to normal, we’ll all remember the compassion and togetherness that has become the foundation of our new daily lives during this pandemic.
COVID-19 and Keeping Your House Germ Free
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we’ve all had to alter our day-to-day lives in order to keep ourselves and our families safe. With the news of COVID-19 changing and evolving every day we at the Molinaro Group are hoping you’ve all been educating yourselves on the virus and have been taking measures to social distance, disinfect, and keep your homes germ free. Today, we’re going to reveal 3 high-traffic areas in your home that should be sanitized regularly that some homeowners may overlook. Hand-Railings If you have a staircase in your home, chances are you subconsciously touch the hand railings multiple times a day. This area can be a hotbed for germs, especially if your handrails are made of stainless steel or metal, which can harbour germs for up to 72 hours. While we’re on the subject of surfaces, be aware that viruses can live on plastic, and glass surfaces for four to five days, and could persist for up to nine days depending on temperature and humidity. It’s unclear how long viruses can live on fabric, but one study found that natural fabrics like wool and cotton are more likely to contain larger amounts of bacteria and fungi compared to silk and synthetic fabrics. To properly disinfect surfaces, make sure you’re using alcohol-based cleaners that are at least 70% alcohol for hard surfaces and washing fabrics in water that’s at least 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Computers Did you know that research has proven there to be 5X more germs on your computer keyboard than on your toilet seat? That seems like a good reminder to disinfect our electronic devices whenever we’re done using them, as this ensures they’ll be germ-free for the next user. The same goes for iPads, tablets, and cellphones. We touch these devices over-and-over again through the day, so they’re bound to be hubs for germs. Make sure you research the best and safest way to sanitize your electronics! Some disinfectants are more water-based and shouldn’t be used near your phone’s speaker or mic. Door Handles Whether your front door, bedroom door, or refrigerator door, make sure you’re wiping down the handles throughout your house. Fridge handles can get especially germy, and since we’re usually touching ingredients when we’re in the kitchen it’s best to be extra cautious. Pay special attention to the front door of your home, as this is the entry point for germs. And if you live in a condo or apartment, be extra cautious with elevator buttons. Either sanitize your hands immediately after use or wipe down the buttons if it’s not too much trouble. We’re hoping these tips will help you stay vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, maybe even inspiring you to look out for more high-traffic areas in your own home. As long as we all stay prudent with social distancing, sanitizing, and washing our hands, we can continue to flatten the curve in our communities, and Canada as a whole. Stay safe and stay healthy.
Vince Molinaro Inducted Into West End Home Builders’ Association Hall of Fame
On February 13th, Molinaro Group President Vince Molinaro was recognized by the West End Home Builders’ Association (formerly Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association) as an inductee into the organization’s Hall of Fame. Vince is a past president of the WEHBA, and of the Ontario Home Builders Association. His role within the association saw him take charge of the Condo Act legislation reform, while at the same time sitting on the Land Development Committee, Tarion Liaison Committee, and By-Law Review Committee where he was a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Board of Directors. Vince Molinaro (left), is presented the recognition by VP and sales manager Anthony E. Franciosa (right) By consistently creating and delivering premium quality products, Vince and the Molinaro Group have set the standard for intelligent, respectful, and high value real estate that enhances the already enviable lifestyle Burlington has to offer. Aside from the bricks and mortar, the Molinaro Family has also contributed to the success of Burlington through charitable efforts, and by being impassioned advocates of the city they’ve helped build for decades. Since their humble beginnings in 1963, the Molinaro Group has developed over 10,000 residential units and more than one million square feet of commercial real estate. Their developments transcend their material value and ultimately take on a personal and unique meaning. Which is why, from land use to architecture, from amenity designs to suite finishes, they focus on delivering excellence in every aspect of their projects. Read the full article about Vince’s induction on page 4 of Portfolio of NewHomes and Condominiums here.
Eco-Friendly Home Tips
We all try our best to be friendly to the environment – after all, the Earth is our home. But do you ever find that being eco friendly can be costly or inconvenient? We’ve put together a list of must-know eco-friendly home products that will both preserve the environment and make your life a little easier. Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bags If you pack lunches for work or school, you can save an enormous amount of money by switching from single-use plastic to reusable silicon bags. Think of all the plastic that goes into our landfills after holding a single sandwich for a few hours! Silicone bags are easy to stash, can withstand the effect of microwaves and freezers, and are extremely easy to clean. Here’s a link to a great starter set that you can purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2SsHMbF Stainless Steel Straws If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve seen the war on plastic straws reach a whole new level. Starbucks even announced that it would be banning plastic straws completely by the end of this year. Get ahead of the curve by carrying stainless steel straws with you! Here are the recommended straws from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3biExMB Re-usable Everlast Notebooks Did you know the average Canadian uses the equivalent of 7 trees worth of paper every year? Multiply 7 by the population of Canada and … that’s a lot of trees. So what are some ways we can reduce this? If you take notes at work or home, try Rocketbook! They’ve released a reusable note-taking product that provides an authentic writing experience – and one that doesn’t smudge! Just add water and the marker comes right off. This might just be the last notebook you’ll ever need. Check them out here: https://bit.ly/2OCwksP We hope that these great, reusable products can kickstart your environmentally friendly journey and kickstart your eco-friendly 2020!
2020 Interior Design Trends To Watch For
It’s the start of a new decade! That means we’re opening up to the roaring 20s. It’s time to define what will become classic 2020s style. With a little help from Forbes, we’ve identified 3 design trends that could do just that. Check out these soon-to-be classic styles that are on the forefront of 2020 interior design. Sustainable Materials The trend of eco-friendly materials won’t surprise many. Keeping this in mind, designers have taken heed and moved toward green-living. Repurposed materials and energy saving appliances are sustainable products you can easily add to any design. Some sustainable products can even save money. Going green is a no-brainer! Colors Will Become The New Neutrals Fashion is a pendulum – always swinging from one extreme to the opposite. Because of this, you can expect the neutral colours of the 2010’s to be replaced by warm colours, saturated hues, and jewel tones. “Tiles, cabinetry, and walls all serve as opportunities for more colour” says Christina Coop, co-founder of Hygge & West. Pink, peachy corals and earthy tones will start to appear on fabrics like velvet and leather. Golden Yellow, Champagne, Navy Blue, Olive Green, and Dark Red are other colours expected to make an appearance in 2020. Handmade Goods Designers have noted a market for handmade, unique, one-of-a-kind goods. Consumers are leaning toward products with a story and away from mass-made items that sometimes feel lifeless. In 2020, companies like Etsy will really shine. Here, you can find a wide array of distinctive and personal accents and artwork, furniture and other fun, quirky goods. Can’t find the perfect handmade decor items online? Head to your local antique store. You’ll be surprised at the number of hidden gems you’ll come across. Better yet, make something yourself! Clay, paint, and a little creativity can go a long way. This decade is definitely not about keeping up with the Jones’. Let your personality shine bright, just like the colours that will define the generation.
GOING LIVE: Burlington Condo Project Sees Advantages in New One-Stop Shop Approach
Modern technology is allowing for more interactive experiences at presentation centres for prospective buyers, but making those various tools available to the consumer is not always the most convenient process for builders. The Molinaro Group, however, believes it has solved the puzzle with a new platform for its upcoming Illumina condo project in downtown Burlington. Seven years in the making, Neezo Studios’ LiveSite interactive sales experience is being launched in conjunction with Illumina. The package includes supplying the usual project model and brochures, but steps it up when it comes to the tech side, with an in-house image- rendering farm, aerial photography and 3D interactive experiences. In order for the marketing story to remain relevant throughout the year and so that purchasers could relate to the building during the time of year they were looking to purchase, Neezo incorporated visual effects to emulate all four seasons in the interactive application so homebuyers could see how the condo will look against Mother Nature’s varied canvas. From a homebuyer standpoint, the offerings include dozens of condo floor plans, with the option to compare units side by side and to zoom in on a particular plan to read its measurements more easily. Users can filter units by inventory, floor, bedrooms, square footage, orientation, floor plans, building amenities and features/finishes. The software also provides the sales staff with back-end knowledge, real-time stats and reports of what has been sold and how much inventory is left to be sold. Users can also explore transit routes, as well as the distance to get to various local amenities. “Our renderings sell the lifestyle, but it’s our 3D interactive technology that sells the product,” says Neezo Studios founder Marvin Maalouf, whose software benefits from his company’s video and visual effects division gaming engines. Sam DiSanto, Chief Financial Officer at Molinaro Group, loves the one-stop shop aspect of the format. “It’s very convenient for us—as a marketing tool, as a tool for our sales staff, for consumers or clients coming in, the reality of seeing what a unit will really look like, the 3D imaging, seeing the different seasons and different times of day. It’s soup to nuts,” says DiSanto, who worked with Neezo on Molinaro’s Paradigm project. And the reaction of those walking in off the street? “Everyone loves it,” DiSanto says. “It’s very easy to use. You have a model to look at and 2D brochures, but then you also get the 3D visualization. People become really engaged. It clarifies any questions they have, like, ‘What’s my view going to look like?’ ‘Where’s the road?’ ‘Where’s the front door?’ If you have an educated consumer who understands, it makes the sale process easier.”
Project Showcase: Strata
As you stroll down Maple Avenue on your way to downtown Burlington, you’d be hard-pressed not to notice Strata, one of the Molinaro Group’s crowning achievements, and the subject of this month’s Molinaro Project Showcase. Featuring an indoor rooftop pool with breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, a chic shared bar space on the 24th floor, and a 5,600 ft square Meditation Garden, Strata is the epitome of indulgence and provides luxury living for the hip, fit, and green. One of Burlington’s first condominiums to apply for LEED certification, Strata features a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system, a green roof, and water efficient features that reduce water consumption by as much as 40%. Strata boasts an enviable location in the downtown Burlington core, and provides it’s tenants with magnificent views of Lake Ontario and only a short walk to Spencer Smith Park and many area restaurants and local hotspots. With Burlington’s most popular bars and pubs, a wide selection of gourmet restaurants, and upscale boutique shopping mere steps away, this neighbourhood has everything to suit your lifestyle. From the moment the fireplace welcomes you into the sleek, contemporary two-story lobby, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special. The units are bright and airy, and are filled with striking modern finishes and fixtures. Indulge your social side in a home you’re proud to show off, or head up to the rooftop bar lounge. The condo also offers its residents other great amenities such as a Gym / Exercise Room, Pool, Concierge and a Party Room. With luxury suites designed to suit every lifestyle, Strata is modern condo living that aims to exceed your expectations. With suites ranging from one bedroom to spacious three bedroom penthouse units, it’s no wonder Strata has become the most in-demand residences in downtown Burlington. With a youthful and energetic vision for the future, Molinaro Group continues to set the standard of condominium quality and innovation here in Canada’s best mid-sized city.
