Tori Floyd

Editor at Yahoo Canada

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What a $1 million home looks like this week in Canada - October 13 edition

Whether it's a custom home in Calgary, Alta., a cottage-like retreat in Barrie, Ont. or a farmstead of your own Mill Bay, B.C., there's bound to be something to suit your tastes if you've got $1 million to spend on a house in the Great White North.

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Calgary, Alta.

1904 50 Av Sw, Calgary, Alta. Location: Calgary, Alberta List Price: $989,900 (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Calgary, Alta.

1904 50 Av Sw, Calgary, Alta. Located in the Altadore neighbourhood of Calgary, this home is located near welcome amenities like the beautiful River Park. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Calgary, Alta.

1904 50 Av Sw, Calgary, Alta. This home has been custom designed by local millinery experts Creative Innovations & Design Inc., boasting high end and unique finishes throughout the house. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Calgary, Alta.

1904 50 Av Sw, Calgary, Alta. Here you’ll find 3,500 square feet of functional living space. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Calgary, Alta.

1904 50 Av Sw, Calgary, Alta. The home has four bedrooms. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Calgary, Alta.

1904 50 Av Sw, Calgary, Alta. It also features 3+1 bathrooms. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Calgary, Alta.

1904 50 Av Sw, Calgary, Alta. The master bedroom spans the entire top floor, making it a perfect sanctuary to get away from life’s stresses. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Barrie, Ont.

11 Crestwood Dr, Barrie, Ont. Location: Barrie, Ontario List Price: $998,900 (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Barrie, Ont.

11 Crestwood Dr, Barrie, Ont. You’d be forgiven if you mistake this home for a mountain retreat in B.C., but it’s actually located just an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Barrie, Ont.

11 Crestwood Dr, Barrie, Ont. Located in Barrie’s east end, this home is situated on a 0.39 acre lot, and surrounded by trees. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Barrie, Ont.

11 Crestwood Dr, Barrie, Ont. Hand-hewn beams and exposed woodwork make this home feel like a cottage retreat. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Barrie, Ont.

11 Crestwood Dr, Barrie, Ont. The granite fieldstone fireplace runs the full height of the home. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Barrie, Ont.

11 Crestwood Dr, Barrie, Ont. This home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Barrie, Ont.

11 Crestwood Dr, Barrie, Ont. No matter where you are in the home, you’ll be greeted by gorgeous natural views. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Mill Bay, B.C.

612 Kilmalu Rd, Mill Bay, B.C. Location: Mill Bay, British Columbia List Price: $999,900 (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Mill Bay, B.C.

612 Kilmalu Rd, Mill Bay, B.C. This rural home is located a scant 40 minute drive from Victoria, B.C. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Mill Bay, B.C.

612 Kilmalu Rd, Mill Bay, B.C. Follow your aspirations of getting away from it all and becoming a farmer: this property is zoned for agricultural use and is fully fenced. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Mill Bay, B.C.

612 Kilmalu Rd, Mill Bay, B.C. The original 1975 home was moved to its current location eight years ago, and was rebuilt with a new foundation. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Mill Bay, B.C.

612 Kilmalu Rd, Mill Bay, B.C. The home features four bedrooms. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Mill Bay, B.C.

612 Kilmalu Rd, Mill Bay, B.C. It also has three bathrooms. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week in Mill Bay, B.C.

612 Kilmalu Rd, Mill Bay, B.C. A huge 1100 square foot deck overlooks the property. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

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What a $1 million home looks like in Canada this week: October 6 edition

This week’s million dollar homes are perfect for those who dream of moving to the mountains. We’ve found properties in The Blue Mountain, Ont., Three Sisters Canmore, Alta. and Mission, B.C. this week, all on the market for $1 million. Which one will be yours? All photos courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Blue Mountain, Ont.

146 Aspen Way, The Blue Mountain, Ont. Location: The Blue Mountain, Ontario List Price: $999,999 (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Blue Mountain, Ont.

146 Aspen Way, The Blue Mountain, Ont. Take the whole family for a vacation to this ski resort community, with this uniquely-designed home. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Blue Mountain, Ont.

146 Aspen Way, The Blue Mountain, Ont. The floors are hand-scraped hickory. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Blue Mountain, Ont.

146 Aspen Way, The Blue Mountain, Ont. The modern kitchen features quartz countertops and an induction cooktop stove. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Blue Mountain, Ont.

146 Aspen Way, The Blue Mountain, Ont. There are seven bedrooms on the property (including bunk beds for the little ones). (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Blue Mountain, Ont.

146 Aspen Way, The Blue Mountain, Ont. You’ll find plenty of entertainment here: billiards table, hot tub, and plenty of space indoors and out. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Blue Mountain, Ont.

146 Aspen Way, The Blue Mountain, Ont. Improvements like a recently updated roof and siding makes this an easy home to move into. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Three Sisters Canmore, Alta.

201 Casale Place, Three Sisters Canmore, Alta. Location: Three Sisters Mountain Village, Alberta List Price: $999,000 (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Three Sisters Canmore, Alta.

201 Casale Place, Three Sisters Canmore, Alta. On the other side of the country is another rustic mountain retreat, perfect for permanent residents to the area or weekend warriors. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Three Sisters Canmore, Alta.

201 Casale Place, Three Sisters Canmore, Alta. Cherry hardwood floors are found throughout the main home. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Three Sisters Canmore, Alta.

201 Casale Place, Three Sisters Canmore, Alta. New stainless steel appliances are in the kitchen, beside the rustic wood cabinets. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Three Sisters Canmore, Alta.

201 Casale Place, Three Sisters Canmore, Alta. The move-in ready home has huge vaulted windows at the back of the home, perfect for overlooking Grotto Mountain. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Three Sisters Canmore, Alta.

201 Casale Place, Three Sisters Canmore, Alta. The home has three bedrooms plus a den in the main home, and a one bedroom walk-out suite, ready for rental income. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Three Sisters Canmore, Alta.

201 Casale Place, Three Sisters Canmore, Alta. The home has a gas pit, hot tub and BBQ station, with over 600 square-feet of deck. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Mission, B.C.

34651 Gordon Road, Mission B.C. Location: Mission, British Columbia List Price: $998,888 (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Mission, B.C.

34651 Gordon Road, Mission B.C. A list of mountain retreats wouldn’t be complete without a stop in beautiful B.C., and it doesn’t get much prettier than Mission. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Mission, B.C.

34651 Gordon Road, Mission B.C. You’ll have plenty of space in the open-concept main floor. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Mission, B.C.

34651 Gordon Road, Mission B.C. The kitchen has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Mission, B.C.

34651 Gordon Road, Mission B.C. The home has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Mission, B.C.

34651 Gordon Road, Mission B.C. The master bedroom has its own fireplace, and a private balcony. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

What a $1 million home looks like this week – Mission, B.C.

34651 Gordon Road, Mission B.C. This custom built home is in a gated subdivision. (Photo courtesy Zoocasa)

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What you could buy for the price of a Toronto home

Housing prices in the Toronto area rose 20.4 per cent in September, reaching a staggering $755,755 for the price of an average home. (And if you want a detached home, that will run you an average of $1.29 million.) Ever wondered what you could do with all that money? Here are ten things you could buy instead of spending $755,755 on a home in Toronto.

A construction worker works on a new house being built in a suburb located north of Toronto

A construction worker works on a new house being built in a suburb located north of Toronto in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada on June 29, 2015. REUTERS/Mark Blinch/File Photo

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – House in Detroit

15 houses in Detroit, where the median home value is $50,374. (Getty Images)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – iPhone 7

840 iPhone 7s ($899 each for base model) (Digital Trends)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – Blue Jays Postseason Tickets

244 sets of 100-Level seat tickets to every Toronto Blue Jays postseason game at $3,090 a strip. (Getty Images)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – Lamborghini

One-third of a Lamborghini Centenary Roadster ($2.5 million) (The Drive)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – Louboutins

703 pairs of ‘Bianca’ shoes by Christian Louboutin ($1,075). (The Canadian Press)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – Birkin Bag

One Himalayan crocodile leather Birkin bag ($396,751, the most expensive handbag ever), with some money leftover to buy more accessories. (Reuters)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – House in San Francisco

Half a house in San Francisco, where the median home value is $1,459,881. (Business Insider)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – Big Macs

143,953 Big Macs ($5.25 each) (IB Times)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – Gold

456 ounces of gold, at today’s market value of $1,658 per ounce. (Reuters)

What you could buy instead of a home in Toronto – Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey

3,778 Toronto Maple Leafs custom jerseys ($199.99). (The Canadian Press)

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What a $1 million home looks like in Canada this week: September 29 edition

Whether you're looking for a home straight out of 'Downton Abbey' in Halifax, N.S., a bed-and-breakfast "castle" looking for new owners in Peachland, B.C., or a quaint home in Toronto, Ont. with an honest-to-goodness backyard,  there's something for you in this week's Million Dollar Homes. All photos courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Halifax NS

Location: 1206 Robie Street, Halifax, N.S. List Price: $949,000

What a $1 million home looks like: Halifax NS

1206 Robie Street, Halifax, N.S. While this is not an officially designated heritage home, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for one. It was built in 1872. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Halifax NS

1206 Robie Street, Halifax, N.S. Start off your journey into the past with a spot of tea in the drawing room. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Halifax NS

1206 Robie Street, Halifax, N.S. Multiple working fireplaces are found throughout the home. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Halifax NS

1206 Robie Street, Halifax, N.S. The kitchen has many amenities, but preserves the country kitchen feel you’d expect from a home set in this period, including a gas range. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Halifax NS

1206 Robie Street, Halifax, N.S. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and laundry facilities. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Halifax NS

1206 Robie Street, Halifax, N.S. The home also has one full bathroom and one powder room. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Peachland BC

Location: 6239 Renfrew Road, Peachland, B.C. List Price: $989,000

What a $1 million home looks like: Peachland BC

6239 Renfrew Road, Peachland, B.C.If these walls could talk. Peachland Castle B&B was formerly known as Castle Haymour, brain child of Eddy Haymour. He originally owned Rattlesnake Island across from where Peachland Castle now stands, but was forced to sell after being arrested by the RCMP for making threats, convinced he was being conspired against for his plans to build an Arab theme park in the Okanagen Valley. In retaliation, he seized the Canadian Embassy in Beirut, and eventually was tried in B.C., where the courts awarded him $250,000 in damages and he used the money to buy the land for and build Peachland Castle. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Peachland BC

6239 Renfrew Road, Peachland, B.C. Peachland Castle is now licensed as a B&B/hotel, sitting on just under one acre, overlooking the waters of the Okanagen Valley. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Peachland BC

6239 Renfrew Road, Peachland, B.C. There are eight bedrooms and ten bathrooms on the property. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Peachland BC

6239 Renfrew Road, Peachland, B.C. The property has everything you need to entertain guests: a 1,250 square foot patio, commercial kitchen and caretaker’s suite. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Peachland BC

6239 Renfrew Road, Peachland, B.C. Zoning regulations support up to a 5-storey development on the property. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Peachland BC

6239 Renfrew Road, Peachland, B.C. Whether you opt to run the property as an inn yourself, or want to just spread out in this spacious castle, for $1 million, it’s a bargain either way. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Toronto ON

Location: 9 Tufton Cres, Toronto, Ont. List Price: $999,900

What a $1 million home looks like: Toronto ON

9 Tufton Cres, Toronto, Ont. This family home is located in Victoria Village, a quiet neighbourhood to the northeast of Toronto. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Toronto ON

9 Tufton Cres, Toronto, Ont. While the bungalow is relatively modest in square footage, it packs a lot into a small space. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Toronto ON

9 Tufton Cres, Toronto, Ont. The living room/dining room space includes a fireplace and walkout to the back patio. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Toronto ON

9 Tufton Cres, Toronto, Ont. You’ll find three bedrooms upstairs, and an in-law suite in the basement. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Toronto ON

9 Tufton Cres, Toronto, Ont. The home includes two bathrooms. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like: Toronto ON

9 Tufton Cres, Toronto, Ont. The best part? A spacious backyard, and a covered deck from which to oversee it. Photo courtesy Zoocasa.

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Artist Robert Bateman's cottage sells for $300K over asking

Nature lovers would be hard-pressed to find an artist who captures wildlife as well as Canada's Robert Bateman. Bateman's cottage in Ontario has most likely served as a great source of inspiration, nestled in the forests of Haliburton and surrounded by rivers, trees and local wildlife. That very cottage has sold for $800,000, after being listed initially for $520,000 in August. According to The Toronto Star, Bateman, 86, hopes to arrange visits to the cottage after it has changed hands. Click through to see why "The Lodge," as it's known, drew so much interest.

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

Robert Bateman has received international acclaim for his work as a wildlife painter and naturalist. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

Bateman has been cottaging in the Haliburton area since 1939. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

The Lodge has complete privacy, surrounded by trees and waterfalls. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

He discovered the land the cottage sits on by accident in 1981, while painting by the nearby waterfall. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

The following year, Bateman commissioned The Lodge to be built. It’s constructed out of white pine logs, with a cedar shake roof. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

The name comes from the original neighbours: beavers in a local pond. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

The property covers a total of 6.3 acres. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

There are four bedrooms on the main floor. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

Another one of The Lodge's bedrooms. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

A massive granite stone Rumford Fireplace sits at the heart of the cottage. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

The kitchen stove utilizes the fireplace, allowing for a rustic cooking environment. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

Bateman says the fireplace provides ample heat in the cottage, making it a cozy getaway all year long. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

Bateman designed the chandelier that hangs in the centre of The Lodge. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

If you need more space, the second-floor loft also has bunk beds for the kids. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

Bateman has a studio in The Lodge, which afford a beautiful view of the trees. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

Rustic touches can be found throughout the 33-year-old cottage. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

Plenty of storage, whether you're spending the whole summer or coming up with friends for a short visit. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

Robert Bateman cottage The Lodge

The quiet stream on which The Lodge sits is perfect for swimming. (Team Haliburton Highlands at RE/MAX)

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What a $1 million home looks like in Canada this week: September 22 edition

Whether you're looking for a cozy home and daycare combo in Surrey, B.C., a swanky condo in Halifax, N.S. or an upscale home in Ottawa, Ont.,  there's something for you in this week's Million Dollar Homes. All photos courtesy Zoocasa.

surrey1

Location: 9286 132 Street, Surrey, BC List Price: $999,800 Photo courtesy Zoocasa

surrey2

9286 132 Street, Surrey, BC This home plays double-duty as a bustling daycare. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

surrey3

9286 132 Street, Surrey, BC The finishes in the living space of the home are all bright and airy. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

surrey4

9286 132 Street, Surrey, BC Updates to the home include a new kitchen, new appliances, new flooring, new roof, new windows and more. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

surrey5

9286 132 Street, Surrey, BC The daycare is fully licensed and is booked solid throughout the year. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

surrey6

9286 132 Street, Surrey, BC You'll find a welcoming play space in the massive yard, alongside three large sheds for storage. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

surrey7

9286 132 Street, Surrey, BC The home is located close to schools, shops and restaurants. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

halifax1

Location: 1601-1550 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS List Price: $999,000 Photo courtesy Zoocasa

halifax2

1601-1550 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS This condo in the heart of downtown Halifax is 1,558 square feet of open-concept luxury. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

halifax3

1601-1550 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS This penthouse suite features a large living and dining room, a chef's kitchen, and a breakfast nook. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

halifax4

1601-1550 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS It features two bedrooms, both with breathtaking views of the harbour. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

halifax5

1601-1550 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS Both bedrooms feature their own ensuite, with an additional powder room located in the main living space. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

halifax6

1601-1550 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS The patio/terrace of the penthouse suite is one of the largest in the building. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

halifax7

1601-1550 Dresden Row, Halifax, NS In addition to the beautiful views, you'll be only steps away from all the nightlife that Halifax has to offer. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

ottawa1

Location: 464 Briar Avenue, Ottawa, ON List Price: $988,000 Photo courtesy Zoocasa

ottawa2

464 Briar Avenue, Ottawa, ON Relax in front of the luxurious wood fireplace in this warm and spacious home. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

ottawa3

464 Briar Avenue, Ottawa, ON Watch the world go by from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the sunroom. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

ottawa4

464 Briar Avenue, Ottawa, ON The home also featured a kitchen with beautiful finishes, and a fully finished basement. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

ottawa5

464 Briar Avenue, Ottawa, ON The home has four bedrooms, with the master including an ensuite and walk-in closet. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

ottawa6

464 Briar Avenue, Ottawa, ON The home also has 3+1 bathrooms. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

ottawa7

464 Briar Avenue, Ottawa, ON When you're not relaxing in the home, you can head outside where you're only six blocks from the regional hospital. Photo courtesy Zoocasa

[torifloydyahoo]

Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt have potential $120 million in real estate to split

When you rack up titles like humanitarian, lecturer, director, actor -- and your soon-to-be-ex-husband has twice been voted People's Sexiest Man Alive, you can accrue quite a bit of property over the years, too. News of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt parting ways after two years of marriage has quickly taken hold of international attention, and that includes real estate experts who are now musing about just how much property the couple will now have to split. According to real estate site Zoocasa, the couple has a rumoured $400 million in assets, about $120 million of which is in real estate. Click through to see the kind of real estate the couple will have to split. All figures in U.S. dollars.

Los-Feliz

Loz Feliz, United States $9,886,103 (total for all four homes) When the Jolie-Pitt family is in Los Angeles, this compound of four houses is home. Pitt purchased the estate from Elvira for $1.7 million in 1994, and it is now valued at more than $5.6 million. The couple also added an additional house to accommodate their growing family. It isn't protected in their prenuptial agreement (like Pitt's Malibu home is), there's a good chance it will be part of the divided assets. (Zoocasa)

Chateau-Miraval

Chateau Miraval, France $60 million This historic home in Provence, France was purchased through a lease-to-own agreement in 2012. It was the site of the Jolie-Pitt wedding in 2014, and prior to their occupancy, served as a recording studio for musicians like Sting, Pink Floyd and The Cranberries. (Zoocasa)

New-Orleans-home

French Quarter Mansion, United States Pitt is no stranger to New Orleans: the home served as filming location for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and inspiration for his character Louis in "Interview with the Vampire." The couple purchased this 1830s home in the city for $3.5 million in 2007. It went on the market for $6.5 million in 2015, and remains there today at $5.65 million. (Zoocasa)

Villa-Costanzq

Villa Costanza, Italy $40 million There's no better place to relax with a glass of wine than in your own Italian vineyard in the heart of wine country, like this home purchased in 2010 by the couple in Valpocella. It includes 15 bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a vineyard, a stable and a movie theatre. (Zoocasa)

Santa-Barbara

Santa Barbara Getaway, United States $5 million Nestled next to Gaviota State Park, this 11-acre beach-front home was intended as a vacation residence by the Jolie-Pitt brood. (Zoocasa)

[torifloydyahoo]

Thu, Sep 15: A Markham, Ont. family says their flight to Peru in June had a rocky start before it even started. The issue: one of their passports was rejected by an Air Canada agent who claimed it had water damage. As Sean O'Shea reports, the family got really upset when the airline didn't keep a promise.

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Three-wheeled electric car makes its debut

When you're too big for a tricycle, and want to zip around while saving the environment, it's hard to find just the right car. Vancouver-based Electra Meccania Vehicles Corporation (EMV) thinks they've found a solution, however, in their new 2017 SOLO electric vehicle (EV). "It has appeal for driving enthusiasts, practical commuters and the environmentally conscious," said Henry Reisner, President of Intermeccania Inc. "We believe the SOLO will become the commuter vehicle of choice for the masses. The vehicle is non-polluting, very economical to operate and people will have a heck of a good time driving it too." If you're skeptical of three-wheeled vehicles due to the inauspicious reputation of the Reliant Robin, you can relax a little: the single wheel is in the back of the SOLO EV, not the front. The company is accepting pre-order deposits now. The car will retail for approximately $19,888. Click through the gallery to check out the car, or read more about it here.

12795737

This Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, photo provided by Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. shows the 2017 Electra Meccanica Solo, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The three-wheeled, electric one-seater could soon go on sale in the U.S. and Canada. (Jeff Vinnick/Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. via AP)

12795739

This undated photo provided by Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. shows the Solo, a one-seater made by the Vancouver, Canada-based company. The three-wheeled electric car could soon go on sale in the U.S. and Canada. (Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. via AP)

12795743

This Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, photo provided by Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. shows the 2017 Electra Meccanica Solo, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The three-wheeled, electric one-seater could soon go on sale in the U.S. and Canada. (Jeff Vinnick/Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. via AP)

12795761

This Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, photo provided by Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. shows the dashboard and steering panel of the 2017 Electra Meccanica Solo, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The three-wheeled, electric one-seater could soon go on sale in the U.S. and Canada. (Jeff Vinnick/Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. via AP)

12795763

This undated photo provided by Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. shows the Solo, a one-seater made by the Vancouver, Canada-based company. The three-wheeled electric car could soon go on sale in the U.S. and Canada. (Christoph Koch/Electra Meccanica Vehicles Corp. via AP)

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What a $1 million house looks like in Canada this week - August 25 edition

This week’s offerings include a bungalow in Toronto, Ont., a rancher's dream in Red Deer, Alta. and a ready-to-suite home in Burnaby, B.C. Listings and photos courtesy of Zoocasa.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

Location: Toronto, Ont. List price: $999,000

What a $1 million home looks like this week

This south-facing bungalow is located in a neighbourhood filled with new developments.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

This 3+1 bedroom, 2 bathroom home includes a bedroom in the basement with potential for an in-law suite.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

All appliances in the home are sold as-is (including the basement dryer that doesn't work).

What a $1 million home looks like this week

Whether you choose to live in the home or eventually replace it with your dream home, it's an ideal location.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

The lot is bordered by mature trees, and is located minutes from the subway.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

Location: Red Deer, Alta. List Price: $1,075,000

What a $1 million home looks like this week

This four bedroom, two bathroom home is located four miles west of Red Deer.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

It features a bright, open floorplan with hardwood floors throughout the main floor.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

The kitchen has granite countertops with an eating bar, and doors that open to the deck with a hot tub.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

The master bedroom includes a five-piece master suite behind a pocket door.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

The home sits on a 66-acre lot with a barn, workshop (both heated), garage, cattle shed and corrals.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

Location: Burnaby, B.C. List price: $1,048,000

What a $1 million home looks like this week

This move in ready is located on an ideal lot, nearby major highways and the Skytrain.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

The home has original hardwood floors and oak kitchen cabinets.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

With two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, and two bedrooms and a bathroom downstairs with a separate entrance, this lower part of this home could easily be converted into a suite.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

One of the bathrooms in the home has recently been remodeled.

What a $1 million home looks like this week

You can enjoy the beautiful B.C. weather on your private deck with hot tub nearby.

[torifloydyahoo]

Cineplex attempts to pop popcorn with lightning in marketing stunt

Cineplex’s Lightning Popcorn experiment located in Tilbury, Ontario

In what may be the most bizarre marketing gimmick we’ve seen all week, movie theatre company Cineplex Entertainment is attempting to pop a bag of popcorn using lightning.

Located in a field in Tilbury near Windsor, Ont., a 20-foot popcorn bag stands with a lightning rod extending from it, in an attempt to draw lightning and spark the popcorn kernels inside the bag.

Canadians can vote whether they think the popcorn will actually pop by visiting Cineplex.com/Popcorn, and watch a 24/7 livestream of the action (or lack thereof). The stunt is part of Cineplex’s #WeatherorNot campaign, running this summer to remind potential movie-goers that the theatre is the perfect place to hide when the weather isn’t ideal.

“Lightning is an extremely complex phenomenon that strikes 44 times per second across the planet,” said Mark Robinson, meteorologist at The Weather Network, in a press release. “The Cineplex Lightning Popcorn bag is located right in the heart of Canada’s lightning alley, a likely spot for a strike to touch down!”

Windsor holds the title of the Canadian city with the most days of lighting in a year, seeing 47 days of lightning in 2006.

The bag will sit in the field until September 2. There are several days with potential lightning forecast over the next week, so if you really, really want to see a giant bag of popcorn pop, keep an eye on the skies.

[torifloydyahoo]

What it costs to spend a day at the CNE

[Taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the midway at the CNE. (Tori Floyd)]

For those in the Greater Toronto Area, the unofficial end of summer begins when they start to hear that familiar ad refrain: “Let’s go to the Ex!”

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) 2016 began on Friday, opening its gates to shoppers, ride go-ers, game players, show watchers and every other kind of fun-seeking individual.

ALSO READ: Weekend at the Calgary Stampede: what it will cost you

If you’re in the area and want to check out Canada’s 138th National Exhibition, here’s how much you should be setting aside for a day of fun and excitement.

Transportation 

If you’re driving to the Ex, be prepared to park further and walk, or pay a premium for convenient parking. Parking in the lots on side costs $30 this year.

The TTC streetcar or GO Transit are affordable alternatives to get to the CNE, and both drop you right at an entrance. Depending on how far you’re coming from, you could be paying $3 for a TTC fare, up to $21.75 for a one-way GO Train ride from Niagara Falls to Exhibition (fares vary based on how far you’re coming from.

Getting in

First things first, it’s not cheap to get in those gates. If you haven’t bought discount tickets already through local GO Transit stations, you’re going to be paying full price for your entry (but pre-buying tickets, even now, will still get you in faster). Adults are $18, seniors (65 and over) are $15, children (13 and under) are $15, and you can buy family packs to save: two adults and two children, or one adult and three children cost $56 for the group.

If you’re into rides, you’ll want to consider the Ride All Day pass, which gets you access to all rides on the midway until it closes at midnight (or 9 p.m. on Labour Day). Entrance plus ride wristband is $60 for adults, and $57 for kids and seniors.

The free stuff

Once you get inside, you could get by without having to spend another penny all day (although there’s a good chance you’ll want to). The CNE has free entertainment throughout the grounds: you can watch either Olympian Joannie Rochette or Elvis Stojko skate at Ricoh Colesium in the Hit List! Aerial Acrobatic and Ice Skating Show; take in some talented pups at the always-popular Superdogs! agility show; or learn a recipe from your favourite celebrity chef at the At Home Pavillion, where a different chef takes to the central stage each day.

All of that says nothing about the street performers making music or performing feats of acrobatic excellence all throughout the midway. You can even enjoy some spooky entertainment after dark, by taking a CNE Ghost Walk around the grounds.

Enjoying a bite to eat

The shows may be free, but you’ll undoubtedly end up spending when your stomach starts to rumble. As with every year, food at the CNE runs the gamut from cheap and simple, like the 99 cent spaghetti, to the strange and gourmet, like the Philly Steakclair, which will run you $13 including tax.

Chocolate Steakclair ???? #CNE2016 pic.twitter.com/FOWilKTGCH

— 102.1 the Edge (@the_edge) August 17, 2016

If you’re looking for more traditional fairground fodder, you can enjoy a “bloomin’ onion” for $10, or a bag of freshly made Tiny Tom’s Donuts for $6 (your choice of flavour, of course).

[Bloomin’ onion at the CNE in the Food Building, before and after the deep-frying process. (Tori Floyd)]

Other deep-fried delicacies abound at the fairground, including old favourites like deep-fried Oreos (three for $6) and funnel cake ($7 for a basic or $9.50 for all the fixings), and new additions like deep-fried cookie dough at Cookie Dough Me! ($2.75 for one piece, $6.75 for three or $8.75 for five).

[Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough balls with chocolate sauce from Cookie Dough Me! at the CNE. (Tori Floyd)]

For the truly brave, there’s always the selections at Bug Bistro, a new stand in the Food Building this year that offers grub made with… well, grubs. Try crickets in a Bug Dog or Key Lime Pie with cricket base, or enjoy a smoothie with powdered mealworms.

If you’re thirsty, you can pick up a bottle of pop for $3, get a fountain drink in a collectable cup at the Coke Freestyle stand for $5.99 (refills $2.99) or go all out and get your fruit juice in a fruit for $10.

[Fruit juice served in a piece of fruit — with a jaunty umbrella. (Tori Floyd)]

Let’s play some games!

No visit to the midway is complete without trying your hand at a couple of games of chance (or no chance). Whether your game is skill based like darts or throwing balls, or you’re looking for something with a guaranteed win like the ‘pick a duck’ games, you’ll find the right one for you.

[Try your hand at a skill-based game on the midway. (Tori Floyd)]

Prices for games run from 25 cents for a game of precisely rolling a bowling ball, up to $5 for many of the other attractions.

Shopping

It’s certainly not an obligatory part of the CNE experience, but chances are if you’re on the grounds, you may want to do some shopping while you’re there. Prices vary greatly depending on what you’re looking for: you can get small trinkets for under a dollar in the Arts & Crafts building, or a hot tub or Persian rug for your home in the At Home and International Pavilions. While most of the games and food vendors are cash-only, many of the retailers throughout the Ex welcome plastic.

Adding it all together

If you’re heading to the CNE before it closes on September 5, here’s what a day there will cost you:

Admission for one adult, plus wristband for rides all day: $60 Parking: $30 Four games on the midway: $20 Churro Burger: $11.95 Pop in a collectable cup: $5.99 Skating show: Free Dog show: Free Shopping: Sky’s the limit (but browsing is always free!) Bloomin’ onion: $10 Bug dog: $6 Outdoor concert: Free Total: $144

[torifloydyahoo]

See inside America's most expensive home

The most expensive home in all of the United States can be found in Manalapan, Florida. It’s currently listed for $195 million (which is pricey even for Florida). See what the inside and outside of the Gemini estate looks like by clicking through the gallery. To read more about the home, visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

America’s Most Expensive Home

The home was originally built in the 1940s for the Lambert pharmaceutical family. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

The property sits on 16 acres, with 1,200 feet of Atlantic Ocean beachfront on one side and 1,300 feet of the Intracostal Waterway on the other. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

The full property includes several buildings: the main mansion, Mango House, a managers house and two four-bedroom cottages. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

You'd never guess it from the private tree cover, but the main mansion actually measures a staggering 62,220 square feet. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

The current owners, the Ziff publishing family, bought the home in the 1980s and spent four years expanding and restoring it. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

Florida's natural beauty can be found inside and out. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

The highest quality materials were used in every room when the home was restored.(Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

The estate features a seven bedroom home called Mango House. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

The Gemini estate has 47 bathrooms in total. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

In 2003, a tunnel was built under the neighbouring highway to access the guest house and boat doc on the opposite side of the island. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

It doesn't get much more Florida than this estate. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

Survey your 16 acres of land from your covered porch. (Mint julep, anyone?) (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

If you want to brush up on your golf game, there is a practice course with two greens. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

The sports complex includes a half basketball court and a tennis court. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

Recline by the pool, and enjoy your private oasis as you're surrounded by jungle trees. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

When you're sick of the pool (probably never), you can explore the treehouse or miniature golf course. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

There are over 1,500 varieties of tropical trees on the property. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

America’s Most Expensive Home

You'll get nearly year-round perfect weather, and when it's not, there are plenty of luxurious indoor spaces where you can hide. (Premier Real Estate Properties)

[torifloydyahoo]

Summer of Purpose: Toronto gives back

Yahoos in the Toronto office were eager to get involved with local community groups again this summer. At our summer kick-off party, Yahoos picked which of the five community events they wanted to get involved in.

First, we had three groups serve lunch at Evergreen Centre for Street Youth, part of the Yonge Street Mission here in Toronto.  Volunteers helped prepare lunch at the centre, then serve it to the dozens of teens and young adults that use the facility.

Belinda, Mariam and Chris take a break from lunch service to pose for a photo.

“The program at the Evergreen Youth Centre is really impressive,” said one of the volunteers. “The staff there made us feel very welcome, and seemed very appreciative to have our help with the lunch program.”

Mariam and Belinda get ready for a busy lunch service.

Another group helped to sort food at a local food bank, Second Harvest. A perennial favourite of the Toronto office, volunteers sorted and packed food for an afternoon to help food bank users in the local community. No photos from this event unfortunately -- everyone was busy working!

Later in July, we had two groups visit Black Creek Community Farm, an organization with a mission to bring inexpensive, healthy food to one of Toronto’s at-risk communities and teach Torontonians about sustainable gardening.

Steve, Trevor, Alfie and two of Black Creek’s staff plant trees for a new butterfly garden.

Like with any farm, there was plenty of work to be done: one group weeded and prepped the farm’s “food forest” for growing new plants, while the other planted a butterfly garden to help attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and beetles.

“It is the largest urban farm in Toronto, and it is only able to sustain itself through the help of volunteers,” said one of our volunteers after the event. “The farm grows organic produce and sells it at affordable prices, giving low-income families the opportunity to buy fresh food. They are also a source of engagement and inspiration in the community, running events for kids, families and senior citizens all year long.”

Admiring our handiwork: all the plants by red flags were planted by one of our teams!

For those who were unable to get out of the office, we had an on-site Missing Maps event. The program was developed in connection with Doctors Without Borders, and volunteers help support first responders in developing countries by improving the maps they use. After a short training session, the volunteers helped to mark roads and buildings on maps, helping people around the world get paramedical services when they are most needed.

Example of the Missing Maps interface, via the Missing Maps Facebook page.

Our final event of the summer took place August 16 at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Volunteers got to learn a bit about the work that CAMH does for its clients, then got to join clients in the popular Sports Day program.

This year, our volunteers played basketball with some of the CAMH clients, and while the clients did go easy on the visiting Yahoos, a great time was had by all!

Yahoos celebrate a great day of basketball at CAMH.

In total, we had 41 Yahoos participate in this year’s Summer of Purpose volunteer events. It was a great opportunity for people to try something new, support the local community and get to know their co-workers a little better! We’re already brainstorming ways we can keep that volunteering spirit alive all year long.

Thank you to everyone in the Toronto office who volunteered this summer, and I hope you’re looking forward to our next volunteer experience as much as I am!

--Tori Floyd, Toronto Summer of Purpose Volunteer Co-ordinator

[torifloydyahoo]

Disney princess gets her own LEGO mini-figure

If you just can’t get enough of your favourite Disney characters and need to carry a pocket-sized version with you everywhere, you’re in luck: some of Disney’s most iconic figures just got the LEGO treatment.

Launching May 1, a new collection of 18 LEGO mini-figures (a.k.a. “minifigs”) will feature iconic Disney characters, ranging from the Genie in “Aladdin” to Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story” and, of course, include one of our favourite Disney princesses, Ariel, in all her mermaid-tail splendor. Previously, LEGO has released other Disney princesses, but they were in Duplo and LEGO Friends mini-doll formats, making Ariel the very first princess to be made as a traditional minifig.

"Little Mermaid” fans can also pick up Ursula to reenact all their favourite aquatic scenes. And if you’re of the camp that Alice from “Alice in Wonderland” also counts as a Disney princess, you can add her to the collection too.

Of course, since they’ll be sold in blind bags like all other series of LEGO minifigs, you’re just going to have to try your luck in picking up all your favourites (or trade with me -- I’m gonna be looking to make an army of “Toy Story” Pizza Planet Aliens).

While this is currently the only series of Disney minifigs announced, previous branded series (namely “The Simpsons” set) proved so popular they did a Series 2, so chances are good we may eventually have more Disney minifigs on the horizon.  

Ariel, “The Little Mermaid”

Mickey Mouse

Genie, “Aladdin”

Maleficent, “Sleeping Beauty”

Alice, “Alice in Wonderland”

Captain Hook, “Peter Pan”

Ursula, “The Little Mermaid”

Pizza Planet Alien, “Toy Story”

Stitch, “Lilo and Stitch”

Mr. Incredible, “The Incredibles”

Donald Duck

Aladdin, “Aladdin”

Minnie Mouse

Peter Pan, “Peter Pan”

Cheshire Cat, “Alice in Wonderland”

Buzz Lightyear, “Toy Story”

Syndrome, “The Incredibles”

Daisy Duck

Minifigs on display in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

[torifloydyahoo]

Five cooking ‘no-nos’ from real Italian Nonnas

[You don’t really know how to make pasta until you’ve made it with Nonna -- and it doesn’t even have to be *your* Nonna. Here, Nonnas Clara (centre) and Rita (right) explain how it’s done. / Tori Floyd]

You’re never far from a delectable meal when there’s an Italian Nonna around.

I had the recent pleasure of making pasta with four lovely real-life Nonnas, and they agreed to share their secrets for making fabulous Italian food at home.

Here’s what not to do when you want to cook like a real Nonna.

1. DON’T use only raw egg in your lasagna’s ricotta mixture.

In most traditional lasagna recipes, the cheese layer is made of a blend of Italian cheeses (typically ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella) and a lightly beaten egg. But Nonna Clara says you might be missing out on some rich flavour if you leave it at that.

“When I put the eggs, it’s hard [boiled] eggs, and I cut them up,” says Clara Tersigni. “Sometimes I grate it, sometimes I cut it. Put in Parmesan cheese, and lots of sauce.”

And of course, homemade noodles are always best.

“The kids, when I make it myself, they really like it,” says Tersigni. “You can really taste the difference between the ones I make and the ones at the store.”

2. DON’T be scared by ‘complicated’ dishes

Nonna Rita, who hails from the northern part of Italy, doesn’t always make her own pasta -- instead, she focuses on some of her region’s specialties, like gnocchi.

“It depends how the sauce comes out, but otherwise it’s quite easy,” says Rita Venier of her homemade gnocchi, a dish favoured by her children and grandchildren.

For Venier’s gnocchi, all you need is potatoes that have been mashed, egg, flour and salt. Make the dough into a ball, then cut it into the individual gnocchi pieces. To shape, you don’t even need a fancy gnocchi board: Venier says she just uses a fork.

“My little guy who’s 13, he’d like to be a chef, so he’s just learning how to do it,” says Venier proudly.

[Nonna Rita and I team up to make the pasta-making go faster. Unfortunately, her chef-in-training grandson was not here to help. / Tori Floyd]

3. DON’T leave your veggies completely raw when stuffing them

Whether it’s stuffed eggplant, stuffed zucchini or stuffed peppers, your final product will be that much more delectable if you cook it slightly beforehand, according to Nonna Lisa.

“Not too much!” cautions Lisa Bruch.

By just barely baking, steaming or boiling your empty vegetable before stuffing it, you’ll soften it slightly, to help let the flavours of your stuffing seep in -- which you should keep simple.

“Bread crumbs, meat, parsley, Parmesan... salt, of course,” lists Bruch. “You mix, stuff the zucchini, stuff the eggplant, put it in the oven. Or if you want, put it on top of the stove with tomato sauce.”

[Nonna Giuseppina Pansonato rushes by to make sure no one goes hungry. / Tori Floyd]

4. DON’T add your pasta directly into the sauce

If you’re preparing the classic spaghetti and meatballs, it can seem like a straightforward endeavour, but there are plenty of different ways you can change up the recipe.

To do it classic Nonna style (at least, Nonna Lisa style), cook your meatballs directly in the tomato sauce, but don’t add your pasta into the sauce once you’ve cooked it.

”Cook [the pasta] separately, not too soft,” says Bruch. “More al dente. Then you put the pasta on the plate, and then the sauce with meatballs.”

5. DON’T forget the sugar

When thinking of savoury dishes like pasta with sauce, it’s easy to overlook the sweetness that is sometimes needed. Venier recommends adding a pinch of sugar to help balance the tomatoes.

“You add a little bit of sugar so it won’t be so acidic,” explains Vernier.

Vernier’s sauce recipe is simple, start with a little bit of olive oil, and saute your garlic and onions in it for a couple minutes. Add your tomatoes and that all-important sugar, a bit of basil, and then let it simmer for two hours to get all of the flavours to meld.

“It’s very good!” Vernier assures.

[Nonna Rita serves up some hand-cut pasta. / Tori Floyd]

[torifloydyahoo]

Live: From inside the courtroom at the Ghomeshi trial

[Ghomeshi arrives for his first day of court, alongside his lawyer Henein, in Toronto / The Canadian Press]