I posted my complaint on the Toshiba Canada facebook page……here’s how it played out:

Their response: 

Hi LoriAnn – We’d like to look into this for you. Can you email details of your issue, full contact info and case number (if you have it) to Melissa@toshiba.ca.

I’m not getting excited at this point as I’m not the only one on their page that has received this response.  However, here’s my email (unfortunately its all true!!):

From: LoriAnn Toplak 
Sent: January-23-12 11:42 AM
To: Melissa@toshiba.ca
Subject: toshiba computer

Urban Nirvana Thai Massage and Yoga is hosting a Grand Opening Showcase Week Jan 16-22, featuring a variety of classes: yoga, pilates, dance and martial arts for $5 per class!

Classes range from restorative and gentle relaxation to more vigorous practices for everybody. The idea is for the community, thru their feedback, to help us decide which classes to keep on the schedule! The class schedule is here:
http://urban-nirvana.ca/classes/

The place is located at 895 Yonge Street on the 2nd floor. It’s a rooftop studio that looks over some of the Toronto skyline and it’s truly an awesome place. The teachers come from various backgrounds and all have amazing energy.

Multidisciplinary movement studio in Yorkville, Toronto | Thai Massage and Yoga Studio – Urban Nirvana

Taken from my BMO Smartsteps blog:  Many first time buyers prefer condo living – its affordable, maintenance-free, and there’s the possibility of having lots of amenities right in the building. $500,000 can buy you into a 700 to 1,000 sq.ft one to two bedroom unit, even once in a while, a two bedroom + den unit. Choices in area can range from The Beaches to Bay/Bloor, Entertainment District to King West, or St Clair/Bathurst to Yonge/Eglinton. And yes, this price can include parking. Expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $600 per square foot depending on location. But luxury and waterfront buildings can go as high as $700 to $1,000 psf.

When looking at condo buildings, consider your needs. Do you want amenities a short elevator ride away, or do you like walking around the neighbourhood? Would you use any of the facilities offered, or will you be paying for maintenance you’ll never use? Do you love having lots of people in your building, or do you prefer fewer units?

Larger tower buildings are in high density areas and usually offer smaller units in lieu of an array of conveniences. The area should keep you so busy you only need your room to sleep in. Tower buildings can offer such amenities as a concierge, exercise room, games room, guest suites, gym, media room, indoor or outdoor pool, party room, rooftop terrace, sauna, and even bowling.

Smaller buildings are more frill-free, and may only have a few amenities such as visitor parking and a rooftop terrace. The focus is on the neighbourhood where you’ll find everything you need a short stroll away. Usually the maintenance fees are lower and the building can have more of a community feel to it.

Older buildings generally have higher maintenance fees, however the units are usually larger and the buildings are most likely are equipped with security, pools, gyms, and more.

Consider your lifestyle when making a list of what you must have in a home, and what you’d like to have. Toronto home ownership is like a relationship – it’s all about compromising.

Taken from my BMO Smartsteps blog post:  Not every first time buyer wants to live in a condo – so with a cool $500,000 here are some other options to explore in Toronto.

Townhouses under $500,000 can be found in many locations across the city and range in size from 650 to over 1,000 square feet. There are great locations to choose from: Little Italy, Leslieville, The Beaches, Liberty Village, and King West. In addition to the usual row house style townhouses – growing in popularity are the trendy and more affordable stacked townhouses, these are multi-unit buildings with their own private entrance placed on top of each other vertically. Townhouses are great options for home ownership, with usually lower maintenance fees than condominiums. Expect no amenities, with the exception of possibly some green space (hooray for dog owners), so make sure the neighbourhood has the coffee shop or gym that you need.

So where can you buy a detached home for $500,000 in Toronto? You’ll be looking in pockets known as The Junction, Earlcourt, Leslieville and The Upper Beaches. Depending on availability, you can still find a three-bedroom renovated semi-detached home at this price, however it won’t always be in the area you prefer. And not all come with that coveted parking spot, some may need a bit of work, but you’ll have your own home in the city – which is a reward in itself.

Toronto living is about give and take – determine what on your wish list you can do without, and what you just have to have to call a place your “home.”

Services include manicures, pedicures, waxing and facials.  All you need is a bit of space, and you’re all set.  The mobile spa is great for busy professionals, weddings, mothers…..and everyone else!

Most clients live in Toronto, however The Urban Beauty Bar has travelled as far as London for spa parties…..call Nina to inquire about travel fees.

And you can be sure that the products are chemical free; even the nail polish.  Nina focuses on local, Canadian based organic products.

Contact Nina today:  nina@theurbanbeautybar.com or call/text 641-232-6826.

 ****Questions?  Need additional information?  Contact LoriAnn Toplak today.  She is here to help any way she can with your real estate needs.***

  Here are the links to all the new HOME listings that have come on the market in the last 7 days in Central Etobicoke/Markland Woods:

 > Up to $400,000 (none this week….)
> $400,000 to $600,000 (http://bit.ly/ymxK9g)

> $600,000 to $800,000 (http://bit.ly/AE9Q3M)

> over $800,000 (http://bit.ly/wvbmgP)

 Here are the links to all the new HOME listings that have come on the market in the last 7 days in Etobicoke/Lakeshore:

 > Up to $400,000 (http://bit.ly/yAvr59)

> $400,000 to $600,000 (http://bit.ly/A63FF7)

> $600,000 to $800,000 (http://bit.ly/y3qOMs)

> over $800,000 (http://bit.ly/AiSTrA)

If you’d like to see any of these homes, contact LoriAnn directly:
email: loriann@lorianntoplak.com
call/text: 416-899-5785 

Here are the links to all the new CONDO listings that have come on the market in the last 7 days in Central Etobicoke/Markland Woods:

 > Up to $400,000 (http://bit.ly/AdMJpT)

> $400,000 to $600,000 (http://bit.ly/wDQv9i)

> $600,000 to $800,000 (none this week….)
> over $800,000 (none this week…)

 Here are the links to all the new CONDO listings that have come on the market in the last 7 days in Etobicoke/Lakeshore:

 > Up to $400,000 (http://bit.ly/xHamuT)

> $400,000 to $600,000 (http://bit.ly/zTIHb9)

> $600,000 to $800,000 (http://bit.ly/zqP3ph)

> over $800,000 (http://bit.ly/xNRG25)

If you’d like to see any of these condo’s, contact LoriAnn directly.

North American International Motorcycle Supershow 2012 – This is North America’s largest motorcycle show and runs January 6, 7 and 8 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road, Toronto).  Admission is $18 for adults, youths 6-12 are $5 and kids under 6 are free.  Parking is also FREE!  Buy your ticket here  today and save $2.00.   I’ll be there, so if you see me, come over and say ‘Hi’!!

Toronto Raptors – This Friday, January 6th, catch the Toronto Raptors vs. New Jersey Nets at the Air Canada Center  @7pm,  Tickets can be found on Ticketmaster.ca, or outside the ACC thanks to your favorite scalper.

Toronto Maple Leafs – This Saturday, January 7th, catch the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Detroit Red Wings at the Air Canada Centre  @7pm.  Tickets ?  See above. 

Toronto Rock - after missing out on my high school graduation Gym award due to Lacrosse, I’ve never had the desire to get near the sport.  However, should you be so inclined, you can catch the team this Sunday,January 8th at the ACC @7pm. 

American Idiot - If you like Green Day, you’ll love this broadway show.   I L-O-V-E musicals and am very disappointed to miss this one (I also love cheap tickets and this short-run play did not offer any).  You can see American Idiot at the Toronto Centre for the Arts (North York, ON M2N 6R8) until January 15, 2012.  Tickets run between $62.00 – $180.00. 

Next Stage Theatre Festival - For those who like something a little different, check out these Fringe plays.  Running until January 15, 2012, plays can be seen at the Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst Street  Toronto, ON M5V 2R2).  Tickets run between $10 and $15 and discount passes can be purchased for multiple performances. 

Canada’s Bridal Show - Running January 6, 7 and 8, 2012, this event is hosted at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the North Building (255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6).  The price of admission is $15, however, if you’re looking to go Saturday evening, click here for a $5.00 off coupon.  Tickets can only be purchased at the door.

Movies – well its a no-brainer and sitting is involved.  However, you’ll at least have to leave your home…..

Open houses – what a great way to spend a few hours on a weekend.  Not sure whats open this weekend, or you’d like a private house tour?   Contact me today! 

Have a great weekend!

> Up to $400,000 (none this week….)
> $400,000 to $600,000 (http://bit.ly/s7BSjd)

> $600,000 to $800,000 (none this week….)

> over $800,000 (http://bit.ly/ueuPB8)

Here are the links to all the new HOME listings that have come on the market in the last 14 days in Etobicoke/Lakeshore:

 > Up to $400,000 (none this week…)

> $400,000 to $600,000 (none this week….)

> $600,000 to $800,000 (http://bit.ly/sTV3Q6)
> over $800,000 (http://bit.ly/vabZgM)

If you’d like to see any of these homes, contact LoriAnn directly:
email: loriann@lorianntoplak.com
call/text: 416-899-5785

Here are the links to all the new CONDO listings that have come on the market in the last 7 days in Central Etobicoke/Markland Woods:

 > Up to $400,000 (http://bit.ly/t48Ywn)
> $400,000 to $600,000 (none this week….)
> $600,000 to $800,000 (none this week….)
> over $800,000 (none this week…)

 Here are the links to all the new CONDO listings that have come on the market in the last 7 days in Etobicoke/Lakeshore:

 > Up to $400,000 (http://bit.ly/tVO1SI)
> $400,000 to $600,000 (http://bit.ly/v7JsfX)

> $600,000 to $800,000 (http://bit.ly/t6golR)

> over $800,000 (none this week….)

If you’d like to see any of these condo’s, contact LoriAnn directly.

 I’ll be back next week with all the new listings.

 ps. If you want to chat right now, give me a call at 416.899.5785

EEEEEEEEEEK!  I’m very excited to see this movie!!!  I am not a movie buff at all and usually find it difficult to sit for such a long period of time.  Therefore, knowing this movie has a length of 2 hours and 38 minutes, I must believe it will be as good as the book, ’cause that’s a darn long time!  I happened upon this trilogy sometime last year and picked it up.  Since I’m a fast reader, I like when an author has a few books I can read, and a 3 parter fits the bill perfectly.  What a great series. 

That being said, after the 2 amazing Dan Brown books (The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons), the movies were tres disappointing to say the least.  I definitely wouldn’t pick Tom Hanks for the Langdon role, or cast in either movie at all!!  Wasn’t his last big role….BIG??  (alright now I’m aging myself a bit…..but he was good in that movie).

Anyways, I’ll sneak in some licorice (which will keep me occupied through the first trailer), and will hope for the best.   As the main character is played by Daniel Craig, I’m sure to be entertained!!   (If you’ve seen it, I’d love to hear your review….)

Plot:

Disgraced financial reporter Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) finds a chance to redeem his honor after being hired by wealthy Swedish industrialist Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to solve the 40-year-old murder of Vanger’s niece, Harriet. Vanger believes that Harriet was killed by a member of his own family. Eventually joining Blomkvist on his dangerous quest for the truth is Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), an unusual but ingenious investigator whose fragile trust is not easily won.

Showtimes:

Meet Farhad Nargol-O’Neill, one of Toronto’s Artists who does sculptures, murals and drawings.  Most clients want to meet Farhad and discuss their needs.  He loves engaging with everyone to ensure his art is relevant and speaks to the people.   All work is one of a kind and you can commission his work as well.

 Farhad is one of the most interesting people I’ve spoken to.   I’m sure after reading this blog, you’ll agree as well.

He has a past of art history classes, a music degree, has taught piano classes and has worked in metal and steel.  

 He moved to Belfast, Ireland for 10 years after university (Farhad’s background is 1/2 Irish and 1/2 Parsi), and worked with community groups doing sculptures.  Farhad has completed murals in Cyprus and Tunisia, and created sculptures for the Jordanian government for Expo.

Looking for pieces of art for your home?  Farhad also works with architects, interior designers, engineers and landscape designers. 

Hosting a party or rave?  Farhad works with musicians and lighting designers to present live projection art.

Although additional shows will be booked, Farhad will be found in 2012 in Rome, Todmorden Mills as well as other locations in Toronto.

 To see Farhad’s work and find out more about his upcoming shows, visit  http://www.farhadsculpture.com or contact Farhad at farhadnargoloneill@gmail.com.