QUICK BREAKFAST Burrito
Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 3 min | Makes: 2
INGREDIENTS
• 4 eggs
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) green chilies, diced
• ¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cumin
• ½ tsp (2 ml) hot pepper sauce
• 2 large unsalted flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) salsa
DIRECTIONS
STEP ONE: Spray a medium-size skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
STEP TWO: In a bowl, beat eggs with green chilies, cumin and hot sauce.
STEP THREE: Pour eggs into skillet and cook. Stir 1 to 2 minutes until eggs are done.
STEP FOUR: Heat tortillas for 20 seconds in microwave or in a separate skillet over medium heat.
STEP FIVE: Place half of the egg mixture on each tortilla and roll up burrito style.
STEP SIX: Serve each burrito with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) salsa. ◆
Not only do these simple combinations provide you with fuel to manage your busy day, they also help you meet your needs for fibre, protein, and fruits and vegetables. They also provide micronutrients, vitamins and minerals that help prevent deficiencies that are common in chronic kidney disease. Balancing your meals in this way can improve your blood sugar control, heart and digestive health. It can also provide more opportunities to keep our muscle mass intact.
Discover more tips and recipes to make your mornings easy and nutritious at kidneycommunitykitchen.ca.
22
Queen Mary’s Dr.
Situated on The Kingsway’s most coveted Queen Mary’s Drive, designed & built by Home Smith & Co. circa 1931, it is noticeably grand, quaint & filled with charm. Boasting 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, sunken living room with original stone hearth, wide-plank floors, leaded windows & a large family room that opens to a majestic, professionally landscaped English garden. The generous primary bedroom wing includes 2 walk-in closets, a glamorous ensuite bath & a secluded den/ library for when peace & quiet is in order. This is one of those special opportunities not to be missed & is a sound lifetime investment. www.22QueenMarys.com
177 The Kingsway
Move-in-ready Kingsway charmer that meets everything on your wish list with fresh style, high-end finishes & comfy design. The open concept main level features a brand new chef’s kitchen overlooking a sun-filled family/entertainment room opening to the secluded garden. The primary retreat includes an ensuite bath, 2 double closets and a cozy, contemporary den/office (which can easily function as a 4th bedroom with small change), vaulted ceiling and walk-out to a deck with a view. This is a walker’s paradise and an opportunity to live in one of Toronto’s finest neighbourhoods. www.177TheKingsway.com
31 Kenway Rd.
Attention young families & builders! Welcome to this solid, move-in ready charmer on a premium 50’ x 120’ lot, making for a smart lifetime investment. Featuring 3 +1 bedrooms and 2 baths, a modern eat-in kitchen for family gatherings, a spacious living room providing plenty of room for relaxation and entertaining and a family room in the basement for kids to play. The convenient location is unbeatable. Etobicoke is one of the finest neighbourhoods for raising a family, with its array of family programs and proximity to daycare, parks, playgrounds and rec centres. Wellpriced & a very happy place for a growing family so make sure not to miss! www.31Kenway.com
21 McClinchy Ave.
Shouting out to young families searching for their fall-in-love forever home! This super-stylish Kingsway custom-build by Seven Oaks Homes, checks all the boxes. The main floor is a showstopper with its high ceilings, spacious & elegant dining room, open-concept great room/kitchen with centre island & top shelf appliances, butler pantry & powder room for guests. Upstairs to the four bedrooms, including the amazing primary suite with a walk-in closet & glamorous 7-piece bath. The lower level is finished with a cozy family room, 5th bedroom/office, gym & bath. Parents & kids alike will absolutely love it here and will develop lifelong friendships. www.21McClinchy.com
4 The Kingsway TH 2
Welcome to 4 The Kingsway TH 2, the ultimate in elegance, privacy and comfort. Boasting almost 3,000 square feet of luxury, one of the best features you will come to love is the privacy offered by your direct entrance from the outside and from the garage, with three parking spaces right at your doorstep. Soaring 13 ft. ceilings, and beautiful arched floor-to-ceiling triple-pane windows bringing in sunlight. A short stroll to Old Mill subway, eclectic shops and dining of The Kingsway and Bloor West Village. Walking/cycling paths take you along the Humber River to the lakefront and beyond. 20 minutes to financial/theatre districts, airports and near some of Toronto’s best golf. This is an enchanting, one-of-a-kind townhouse with so much to fall in love with. www.LindaTickins.com
19 Bromley Crescent • Chestnut Hills
19 Bromley Crescent is a fabulous 4 +1 bedroom, 5 bath custom home, situated on a very private, park-like, 60 x 181 foot landscaped lot. It is located in a truly prime spot on a quiet child friendly street across from a parkette. The millwork and custom finishes are state of the art. This kind of property and location rarely comes available!
This home has an excellent spacious floorplan with approximately 4000 sf above grade and 10 foot ceilings on the main floor. It features an open concept gourmet kitchen and family room with dramatic 2 storey windows, letting in great light. A walkout to a covered outdoor terrace overlooking the expansive back gardens creates an extra outdoor room sitting area and makes you feel like you are sitting in a park. The main floor formal living, dining rooms with servery are perfect for more formal entertaining. Also on the main floor is an office overlooking the back, along with a very functional mudroom/ laundry room with direct garage access.
The second floor features a very luxurious primary suite with vaulted ceilings, gorgeous 8 piece ensuite, his and hers walk-in closets and a walk-out to a balcony overlooking the back gardens. The other bedrooms are all good sized. A walkout lower level with rec room, gym area, entertainment room, bedroom, lots of storage and 3 piece bath complete the home.
This is truly a beautiful, well designed home, built to maximize it’s private setting. It is perfect for family living and entertaining. The schools are excellent - Humber Valley School, Etobicoke Collegiate Kingsway College School. It is steps to shopping. TTC, golf clubs and all amenities
33 Mill Cove • $2,499,000
The Kingsway, Humber River Ravine! Fabulous Renovated 2 and 1/2 Storey, 4 Bed, 4 Bath Home On Peaceful Muskoka Like Cul De Sac. Spectacular Views of The Humber River, Ravine and Park from all 4 Floors. Open Concept Kitchen and Living Space with Walkout to Large Deck Overlooking The River. Mudroom. Private Primary Suite W Dramatic Vaulted Ceilings, Walk in Closet, 5 Piece Ensuite. Large Third Floor With Family Room, Office Area. Lower Level Walkout to Terrace, Hot Tub O/looking Park and River. Lots of Storage. Professionally Landscaped Gardens with Outdoor Lighting, Sprinkler System. Walking and Biking Paths of Humber River at Your Doorstep. Steps to Shopping, Lambton Kingsway School and all Amenities. An Incredible and Unique Offering!
90 Madison Ave • $5,859,000
Architectural Masterpiece Of Urban Design On One Of The Most Coveted Streets, In The Heart Of The Annex. Located On A Large 40 x 127 West Facing Kot, On A Premium Block. Retaining Its Turn Of The Century Character This Home Was Rebuilt To Reflect Modern Design And Traditional Warmth. A Spectacular Over 3700 sf New York Style Loft Was Seamlessly Added To A Traditional Annex Home Creating Approximately 7000 sf Living Space. This lightfilled contemporary space with its soaring 3 storey west facing windows brings the outside into the inside of the home, and features fabulous Catwalks Connecting The 3 Levels And Spaces. An Elevator From The Lower Level Garage Connects The 4 Levels. The Space Is Open Yet There Is Privacy In The 4 Bedrooms. A Fabulous 2 Bedroom 2250 sf Separate Unit With a Walkout Lower Level Plus A 2 Bedroom Third Floor Unit Allow For Extra Income Or Extended Family Space. 4 – 5 Car Parking, Private Drive, Built In Garage. Exceptional Urban Living, Just Steps To Yorkville, Subway, Royal St Georges, U of T.



Sofa
By Gaurav Nijhawan | Candace & Basil
For us, a sofa isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s an investment in comfort, style, and durability. It’s where we unwind after a long day and host friends and family. But what makes a good sofa stand out from the rest? From the frame to the cushions, every detail plays a crucial role in its functionality, appearance, and lifespan. Understanding the anatomy of a sofa and the process behind crafting a high-quality piece can help you choose one that perfectly suits your needs.
THE FRAME: THE BACKBONE OF COMFORT
The foundation of any great sofa lies in its frame. This is the structure that supports the entire piece, and its quality can significantly impact both comfort and longevity. A well-made sofa starts with a 100% solid, kiln-dried hardwood frame
(typically maple) with corner-blocked joinery for durability. The sturdier the frame, the longer the sofa will last and maintain its shape.
THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM: THE KEY TO COMFORT
Once the frame is in place, the suspension system comes next. This is the network of springs and/or webbing that provides support to the cushions and ensures comfort. The suspension system provides support to your seat— premium sofas use a 12-gauge sinuous spring system with anti-creak clips, while luxury options feature coil springs with webbing or an 8-way hand-tie for superior longevity and balance.
A good suspension system ensures the sofa remains comfortable, offering both resilience and softness. It distributes weight evenly and prevents the cushions from sagging prematurely.
Design matters—consider the right size based on the style and your space. Ensure seats are no less than 23” wide and 21” deep, depending on comfort preference.
THE CUSHIONS: WHERE COMFORT MEETS SUPPORT
The cushions are arguably the most important part of a sofa, as they define its comfort level. A well-crafted cushion strikes the perfect balance between softness and support. Opt for high-density foam seats with a ▹
minimum of 2lb per cubic foot for durability. A down-feather or down-alternative wrap around the foam adds plushness to your seat. Similarly, back cushions with down or alternative fill offer better support and durability than the more cost-effective poly-fill option. The filling material plays a significant role in this:
Foam: High-density foam is commonly used for cushions, as it is durable and maintains its shape over time. Softer, lower-density foams may feel plush initially but can lose their firmness and shape faster. High-density foam, whether soft or firm, offers better long-term support.
Feather-down: Softer and more luxurious, feather-down or down-alternative cushions offer a plush feel. However, they require more maintenance through regular fluffing as the filling shifts with use.
Polyester fiberfill: For a more economical yet still comfortable option, polyester fiberfill is used. The low-density helps fill out a back cushion without requiring maintenance; however, it may not maintain its shape over time and could require re-filling.
UPHOLSTERY: THE FINAL TOUCH
The upholstery of a sofa plays a significant role in its appearance and durability. It’s important to consider fabric types, colors, and patterns to ensure that the sofa complements your living space. High-quality upholstery options include:
Performance fabric: Fabrics that are washable and durable to withstand the test of time. Premium performance fabrics will be composed primarily of a natural fiber such as linen or cotton. Tighter woven fabrics, such as velvet, chenille, and microfiber, are often the most durable and pet-friendly.
Leather: Look for full-grain leather, as it is the highest quality, most durable, and ages beautifully over time. When considering top-grain leather, check for consistency in texture and color, and ensure it feels soft yet sturdy without visible imperfections or cracks. Avoid low-quality options like bonded leather, leather-match, and split leather.
The choice of fabric can dramatically affect both the aesthetic and practical aspects of the sofa. Make sure the upholstery aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences and look for details like properly cushioned frames and clean stitching that follows the frame’s contours.
THE FINAL PRODUCT: A SOFA BUILT TO LAST
The process of crafting a good sofa requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. From selecting the right materials to assembling the frame and attaching the upholstery, every step in the process contributes to the final product’s comfort, durability, and style. A well-made sofa doesn’t just provide a place to sit—it enhances the overall ambiance of a room.
Choosing the right sofa means shopping with experts. Visit Candace & Basil’s showroom to experience the difference firsthand! •
GAURAV NIJHAWAN is the Principal and Creative Director at Candace & Basil, a family-owned Canadian business known for exceptional craftsmanship and custom furniture. Their bespoke designs transform spaces into something truly unique. www.candb.ca • @candaceandbasil