Downtown Toronto, Downtown Toronto Condos, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Condos

5 Ways You Can Stay Productive While Working Remotely

July 30, 2020

working from short-term rentals in toronto

Whether you’re working from home as a result of the lockdown across Toronto, or you have just started a new remote job, adjusting to life without an office can be trickier than you initially imagine.

While the idea of rolling out of bed at 8:20 a.m. and starting work at 8:30 a.m. sounds like a dream come true to many, after a few days or weeks of remote working, you may find yourself struggling to stay productive.

Here are five ways you can increase your productivity levels and stop procrastinating as you continue to work remotely.

1. Schedule Breaks in Your Day

If you’re struggling to get work done from a remote location, you may think that adding more breaks to your day would be counterproductive. However, studies have shown that carefully scheduled work breaks can actually improve the quality of the work you produce.

The Pomodoro Technique is a pretty extreme, regimented version of this concept. In this technique, you. Break your day into 25-minute work periods separated by 5-minute breaks. After four rounds, you will get a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes.

While you may find this structure a bit too intense, it’s still helpful to schedule in breaks. This way, your day will feel more purposeful. Because you have set break times, you’ll stop feeling aimless as you work. Instead, you’ll begin working towards mini-deadlines throughout the day.

2. Set Up an “Office” in Your Home

Whether you’re working at home, or you’re staying and working in one of our downtown Toronto apartments, it’s inevitable that your workspace and your living space will somewhat overlap. Many remote workers make the mistake of getting a little too comfortable when working at home. While you may love the idea of grabbing your laptop and typing away while still in bed, this can be a seriously unproductive setup.

In order to trick the mind into feeling productive, you need to feel like you are in a work environment. Set up a well-lit, organized desk in your home that will serve as your office. Be vigilant about using this area for work and only for work. This way, your muscle memory will get in the habit of treating this home office as a special place of productivity, and you should find it easier to get stuff done.

3. Turn Off Your Phone

The modern world is filled with constant distractions — and most of them originate from our smartphone devices. In 2017, a shocking study revealed that Americans tend to check their phones once every 12 minutes on average. No wonder we find it so hard to concentrate and keep our levels of productivity up!

To keep your mind focused on what you’re doing, remove this major distraction by turning off your device, or, even better, by sticking it in a drawer. This way, you won’t be tempted to absent-mindedly open Twitter or Instagram every few minutes throughout the day.

4. Use Video Conferencing to Maintain Contact With Colleagues

If you’re used to working in a close-knit team, you may be finding remote working conditions pretty tricky. Working alongside colleagues can help us to feel inspired and motivated. When we get stuck, we can bounce around ideas; when we get bored, we can have a quick chat, then get back to it.

In order to maintain a sense of teamwork and community, try to schedule a few Zoom sessions a week with your colleagues. This will break up the monotony of at-home working, plus, it will give you a much-needed boost in energy so that you can finish off your week with high levels of productivity.

5. Get Outside

When we commute to an office every day, we are forced to spend at least a few minutes in the fresh air. However, many remote workers find that they can go days on end without seeing the sun. Aside from the dangers of developing a vitamin D definitely, a lack of outdoor time can be pretty stifling for the mind.

Try to find time to get outside for a daily walk. The fresh air and change of scenery can help you to rethink problems, while the exercise will boost your energy levels for the rest of the day.

Our downtown Toronto apartments are all perfectly situated near some of the city’s best parks so that you can step out your door for a quick stroll, and find yourself in a green oasis in just a few short minutes.

Discover Toronto Short-Term Rentals With DelSuites Today

Are you looking for short-term rentals in Toronto? Our downtown Toronto apartments are perfect for students and professionals alike. Whether you need to work from your new home, or you need a base in the downtown area, DelSuites has you covered.

We can help you find the perfect place to call home. Get in touch with our sales team today by calling 647-370-4313.

Family Vacations in Toronto, Toronto Condos, Vacation Travel

Toronto – A Pet-Friendly City

September 20, 2019

Although Toronto is one of the largest, busiest and densest cities in Canada – it is surprisingly pet-friendly.

In fact, Torontonians love their animal friends. According to city planning staff, there are three to five dogs per floor in Toronto condos. There’s a growing number of dog-friendly establishments in the downtown area, and the general attitude to canine companions is a welcoming one.

In fact, Toronto condos are beginning to build in pet-friendly features to attract a clientele with canine companions – such as dog grooming services, dog parks, pet shops and pet-friendly cafes.

The Livmore is a great example. On the fifth floor of this chic, stylish downtown Toronto apartment building you will find a convenient dog-friendly area – which is home to a pet spa and an outdoor play area known as the “Bark Park.” This area, lined with artificial turf, features fire hydrants, benches and even a mini obstacle course for dogs to play on.

The pet-friendly aspects of the Livmore are just one of the many examples of how Toronto offers our furry friends a warm welcome.

What Makes Toronto Pet-Friendly?

Let’s take a look at some of the other aspects of the city that make Toronto a great place to hang out with your canine companion.

Welcoming Shops

Many of the boutiques and shops between Bathurst and Gladstone are dog friendly and won’t mind if you bring your pooch in with you while you look around. They might even offer water and treats for your furry friend.

Laid Back Breweries

If you want to enjoy a local beer, there are many places where you can bring your four-legged companion. For example, at local craft brewery Henderson Brewing, they host monthly dog friendly events and dogs are always welcome whenever you stop in for a tasting.

Green Spaces

There are many great parks and wilderness areas scattered throughout the city where you and your dog can get some exercise and fresh air. For example, downtown Toronto borders Lake Ontario to the South, so you can head down to the waterfront to take a stroll along the boardwalk.

There’s also Trinity Bellwoods park, which features a Dog Bowl off-leash area, where you and your pooch can hang out with many other dogs of Toronto and their owners.

Pet-Friendly Transport

Dogs are allowed on the Toronto transport system of buses, streetcars and subways – as long as it is outside of rush hour. So, you can bring your pooch on public transport and explore the city with them!

Canine-Loving Eateries

While most cafes and restaurants in Toronto will not allow your dog inside due to health and safety laws, there are still plenty of dog-friendly places to eat. For example, at Lick It Gelato on Queens Quay West, your pooch is welcome and they even sell a “doggie gelato” that is dairy and sugar free.

Planning a trip to Toronto with Man’s Best Friend?

If you are heading to Toronto and are looking for a convenient and pet-friendly place to stay, the Livmore is an ideal option. For more info, contact us today.

Food & Recipes, Toronto Entertainment, Vacation Travel

5 Top Restaurants to Dine At in Downtown Toronto

August 16, 2019

One of the delights of visiting Toronto is the opportunity to partake in its incredibly diverse and high quality food scene.

With such a multicultural population, there is a varied culinary landscape – you can take a trip around the world every time you go out to eat. Toronto’s pubs and bars have also been elevating their menus, in order to attract drinkers with a discerning palate. In other words, there’s something for every appetite and taste in this great city.

Here are a few great restaurants in downtown Toronto to check out during your stay at the Livmore:

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

10 minute walk from the Livmore

When you are craving a big, steaming, satisfying bowl of noodles – this is the place to go. This restaurant originated in Japan in the 1980s, when founder Hitoshi Hatanaka made a goal to create delicious ramen and dedicated himself to perfecting the recipe via trial and error. Santouka serves up rich, fatty broth with fresh, springy noodles and delicious pork cheek that just melts in your mouth.

Richmond Station

13 minute walk from the Livmore

This unique restaurant only buys whole animals, so the kitchen is always coming out with creative uses for the variety of off-cut meats. They are committed to local ingredients and they also make most things by hand. They do all of their butchery, curing, aging, fermenting and baking in house.

This means that everything they serve is delightfully fresh and expertly made. Stop by for lunch on a Saturday or Sunday and you can enjoy the Slow Roast – a mouth-watering joint that the team has left in the oven overnight.

Eggspectation

8 minute walk from the Livmore

After you’ve enjoyed the Toronto nightlife, you’re going to want to treat yourself to a delicious late brunch the next morning. Head to this stylish chain which serves classic American breakfast fare.

It’s a great way to start your day off right – with hand-squeezed juices and real-fruit smoothies and a mouthwatering selection of breakfast dishes. Their menu includes Breakfast Poutine with smoked bacon, homemade gravy and cheese curds, Maritime Lobster eggs benedict and more. Or, why not try a Montreal bagel with cream cheese and wild salmon?

Kathmandu Restaurant

21 minute walk from the Livmore

Treat yourself to flavourful and spicy Nepalese and Indian cuisine at this local favourite. They have a Tandoor oven that gives the meat that irresistible smoky, oven-baked taste. Try the Goat Curry – cooked with ginger, garlic, tomatoes and hot spices. Or, share an “Everest Feast’ with your friends. This is a huge platter that includes everything from Chicken Tikka to Tandoori Prawn to Naan, Basmati Rice and Dessert. It’s perfect for parties.

The Elm Tree

3 minute walk from the Livmore

This family-run modern Mediterranean restaurant prepares classic pasta and meat dishes with fresh and high quality ingredients. It’s also known for its cocktails and craft brews.

The Elm Tree is one of the most highly ranked restaurants in Toronto on TripAdvisor and it has a Certificate of Excellence. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a special meal – it’s a good bet.

What are your favourite restaurants in downtown Toronto?

Let us know in the comments below – we always love getting new recommendations!

About me, Announcements, Lifestyle talk, Medical Stays, Relocation, toronto toursim

Delsuites New Location – The Livmore

October 16, 2018

Adding a new building to our collection of locations throughout Toronto is always a thrill, and this one is no exception. Recently launched, The Livmore captures all of the best aspects of life in urban Toronto.

With a range of studio, one, two and three bedroom floor plans, these “refined residential rentals” have everything you need for a comfortable, convenient and chic stay in Toronto.

About The Livmore

The Livmore will cater to young professionals, business travelers and anyone who is seeking temporary housing in Toronto with a condominium lifestyle for stays of 30 nights or longer. The suites sizes range from 388 Sq. Ft (Studio) up to 1100 Sq. Ft (3-Bedroom) and are designed to let plenty of natural light in – creating a bright and spacious atmosphere.

The building is designed with a range of high quality amenities – including a two-storey sky lounge on the 26th floor, an outdoor terrace with barbeques and fireplaces on the 5th floor and a gym and fitness area. Residents can admire the view, or stretch out and relax in the yoga and aerobics studio.

The party room is a space ideal for hosting private functions – with kitchen facilities and plenty of space. There’s also a theatre/screening room and a game room (it’s hard to be bored during a stay here!).

The Livmore has been designed with sustainability in mind. Everything is modern and high quality – from the furnishings to the appliances to the bathroom fixtures. Staying in a furnished apartment like this means that you’ll have all of the luxuries of a high end hotel (such as fitness facilities, media room, sky lounge, etc.) yet you’ll also enjoy the space and added comforts of home (such as your own kitchen and living space.)

Why We Love The Livmore

There are so many reasons why we are thrilled to announce this new building. First of all, there’s the location. It’s right on the corner of Bay & Gerrard in downtown Toronto, located in the heart of some of the city’s best nightlife, shopping and dining.

You’ll be within walking distance from some of the best attractions in the city, including the Toronto Eaton Centre, Yonge Dundas Square and Toronto Hospitals. This is also a prime location for business travelers, as it is centrally located.

Secondly, there’s the fact that the Livmore is pet friendly. So, if you travel with your furry friend you’ll be welcome here. There’s even an outdoor green space, known as the “Bark Park,” where dogs can come out and play. How great is that?

Want to learn more about the building? Check out our Livmore page, or contact us with your questions – we are happy to help!

Downtown Toronto, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk, Toronto History, toronto toursim

Toronto Neighbourhood: Little Italy

November 17, 2017

Little Italy

Also referred to as College Street West, Little Italy is known for it’s superb Italian-Canadian restaurants. During the weekends the streets are buzzing with visitors and locals dining on the outdoor patios. The Italian trattorias have a casual, family-friendly vibe and they are all about good, traditional recipes cooking with fresh ingredients.

Little Italy isn’t a 100% Italian neighbourhood – while there is a strong Italian community there is also a significant Portuguese population located around the Portugal Village shopping centre and the First Portuguese Canadian Cultural Centre.

Must Visit Spots in Little Italy

La Forchetta Ristorante is the classic Italian dining experience, with pasta and meat dishes originating in the Old Country. Plus – they have a superb wine list to pair with your entree.
If you are into live music there are a lot of great places to check out in Little Italy, including the Mod Club or the basement of Nightowl.
Check out Cafe Diplomatico. Known as “The Dip” by locals, this coffee shop and restaurant has become an institution for caffeine fiends in Toronto. It also serves up all of the Italian classics including paninis, pizzas and more. If it looks familiar to you, it’s because filmmakers often use it as a set.
Rita’s Italian Ice serves up delicious frozen treats in a ton of different flavours – the ultimate treat for a warm day.
Check out the Italian Walk of Fame – where stars line the sidewalk with the names of famous Italian Canadians.

History

Large numbers of Italian immigrants came to Toronto in the early 20th century, settling in the area around College Street in the affordable Edwardian homes there. Most found work on the railways or in road construction and many started businesses in the area.

It was during the 1920s that Little Italy really became recognized as the commercial and residential centre of the Italian community in Toronto. These days the area is home to the largest Italian community that is located outside of Italy and it is a popular area of the city for visitors to explore.

How to Get There

It’s quite simple to get here via the TTC. You can arrive from Queens Park or start from College Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line. Then, from there you can catch the 506 Carlton streetcar towards High Park traveling west on College Street. You can disembark anywhere between Bathurst Street and Ossington Avenue.

You can also travel from Bathurst Station on the Bloor-Danforth Line. When you exit, catch the 511 Carlton Towards Exhibition streetcar traveling south on Bathurst Street. You can disembark at College Street West. Exploring this street on foot is a delight, give yourself plenty of time to dip into the little shops and cafes to sample what they have to offer.

What’s your favourite Little Italy spot? Let us know in the comments below.

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