10.13.22 | Recipes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Overnight oats that taste like a slice of pumpkin cheesecake! Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice give these pumpkin cheesecake overnight oats that cozy fall flavour we love while almond milk makes them nice and creamy.

Ingredients

FOR OATS

  • ½ cup oats
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
  • ½ cup almond milk
  • 1-2 tsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

FOR CHEESECAKE GANACHE

  •  cup plain greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp white chocolate chips
  • 1.5 tbsp cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Add all oat ingredients to a bowl or jar. Stir well and refrigerate while you get ganache topping ready.
  2. Microwave white chocolate in 30 second intervals. Mix in with greek yogurt and cream cheese.
  3. Remove oats from refrigerator and pour ganache overtop. Put back in fridge for 4 hours minimum, or overnight to set.
  4. In the morning top with pumpkin seeds and chopped pecan pieces. Grab and go!

 

An easy peach crisp recipe with oatmeal and walnut streusel topping and juicy fresh peaches. A great recipe and the perfect summer dessert to use your summer peaches.

INGREDIENTS

PEACHES

  • 2 ½ pounds ripe peaches
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

CRISP TOPPING

  • ½ cup soft brown sugar
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup rolled oats (or quick oats)
  • ½ cup cold butter, cubed
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Slice the peaches into ½ an inch (1.3cm) slices and add them to a large bowl. Pour over the granulated sugar and toss to coat. Let the peaches sit in the sugar at room temperature for around 30-40 minutes.
  2. While the peaches are sitting, begin the crisp topping. In a bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, spices, and salt together. Add in the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub it in until you achieve pea-sized pieces. There will be a few dry bits but that’s fine. You can also use a food processor for this.
  3. Stir the oats and the chopped walnuts into the butter-flour mixture. Set it aside in the refrigerator.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F(180°C).
  5. When the peaches have sat, drain them and reserve some of the juice. You’ll need to reserve around ¼ cup of juice. If there is more than that, discard it (or use it in a cocktail perhaps!)
  6. Add the peaches back to a bowl and pour over the reserved juice, flour, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and vanilla, Toss it all together.
  7. Layer the peaches into a baking dish.
  8. Crumble over the topping, so that all the peaches are covered.
  9. Bake for around 45 minutes until the top is a deep golden brown and the peach juice is bubbling at the edges.
  10. Let it cool for around 15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken up. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Peach crisp is great served warm, at room temperature, or cold.

09.7.22 | Milton

Milton In The Fall – Here’s What’s Happening

Change is in the air. The hot days of summer will soon give way to brisk mornings and cozy sweaters. Everywhere you go, there’s a sense of a return to routine as children head back to school. 

There may be a hint of sadness as summer departs, but the Fall brings a spark of festive joy of its own. And for many, the end of the sweltering hot weather brings sweet relief. As we get ready for another Fall season, you may be wondering what’s on the calendar. The good news is there are many things to look forward to and enjoy as the cooler weather approaches.

The Scenery

If there is one thing that Milton is known for, it’s spectacular scenery. Located right on the Niagara Escarpment, you can enjoy the beauty of nature any time of the year. However, in the Fall, it reaches a whole new level. 

One of the benefits to having so much greenery around is that we can expect a feast for the eyes very shortly.

The trees are about to explode into a collage of colour, with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges everywhere. It doesn’t matter that it happens every year. The sight never gets old! Are you looking for some of the best places to take in nature’s fantastic display? Here is a short list:

  • Rattlesnake Point: This breathtaking network of trails on the escarpment is a beautiful place to admire the Fall colours, especially when viewing them from one of the elevated lookout points. Rattlesnake Point is such a popular destination that reservations may be required.
  • Kelso Conservation Area: It’s hard to imagine anything better than hiking through the woods to watch the Fall colours. Now, imagine viewing them over a sparkling lake. You will be hard-pressed to find a more fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon than at Kelso Conservation Area.
  • Mill Pond: Here is another beautiful place to hike, with trees, shrubberies, and wildflowers everywhere. Add in a stunning waterfall, a bubbling creek, and a splash of autumn colour, and you may find yourself hooked for life.

Are you planning a move in the Fall? If so, here’s one event you want to mark on your calendar. Our webinar “The DOs DON’Ts and What Ifs of Buying in a Changing Market” is coming up on September 21 at 7:00 p.m. It’s free, and you can sign up here.

Fall Activities to Enjoy in Milton

The captivating scenery may be the highlight of Autumn in Milton, but it isn’t all about serenity and communing with nature. The coming season will soon bring a host of fun and exciting activities your whole family will love. Here are some events that you do not want to miss this Fall:

Pumpkins After Dark

You have never seen anything like Pumpkins After Dark. Imagine a pathway illuminated by 6000 hand-carved pumpkins. It’s great spooky fun, but not so scary that even the smallest ghost lovers can’t enjoy it too. The event runs from September 23rd to August 30th this year.

The Milton Fall Fair

The event of the season kicks off on September 23rd and runs until September 25th. This year, the Milton Fall Fair features a classic car show, a demolition derby, a sheep show, and of course, the Midway. It’s classic Fall fun for the whole family!

Spring Ridge Farm

It’s sweet corn season at Spring Ridge Farm. You’ll also find fresh-picked apples, and pumpkins and gourds are on the way. However, there’s more to this must-visit Fall destination than fruits and vegetables. The Fun Farm Yard provides hours of joyful adventures for children of all ages.

For instance, there’s a spider web climber, a giant sandbox, wagon rides, and more. Children love to explore and play and jump. Parents can sit back and relax and watch from a big red Adirondack chair.

And here’s something you won’t find just anywhere – a singing chicken show. Young or old, you will laugh yourself silly. 


The real estate market is changing, and buying or selling isn’t like it used to be. Here are some great articles to help you be more confident:


Milton’s Farmers Market

Nothing says “Fall” more than a good old-fashioned market. And this is your last chance to check out the Milton Farmers’ Market, which winds down on October 8th. Located at the Milton Fairgrounds, this is a great spot to find local produce, homemade sauces, and other specialty items. The event runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Your tastebuds will not be disappointed!

Milton Haunted House

Only the bravest souls dare venture out to the Milton Mall on October 26th to October 27th. That’s when the ghouls, goblins, vampires, and witches come out to scare up some good-natured screams. Other activities are available for those too frightened to enter, like face painting, a silent auction, and more. The Milton Haunted House is a charity fundraiser that raises funds for the Milton District Hospital Foundation.

Hops and Harvest Festival

Who wouldn’t love to kick off The Fall season with food, beverages, and a blast of outdoor activities? If all of that sounds good to you, then the Hops and Harvest Festival is right up your alley. This year, there’s a new location at Area 8, where the old Kelso Quarry used to be. Come on out to support local vendors as you enjoy the fresh air and fun atmosphere. Here are just a few fun activities to expect: 

  • Live music
  • Lawn games
  • Archery
  • Hatchet throwing
  • Honey tasting
  • Pumpkin painting
  • Boat launches

If you work up an appetite, you’ll be in the right place, with seven breweries to quench your thirst and a host of delicious dining and dessert vendors.

Does all this talk of fun and excitement make you wish you lived in Milton? If so, check out our featured listings right here.

08.10.22 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight July 2022

July 2022 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

Here are the July stats:

  • The average sale price in the GTA is $1,074,754
  •  The average selling price was up by 1.2 per cent compared to July 2021
  • Market conditions remained much more balanced 

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,082,214

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,135,359

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,524,237

The average price in GTA $1,074,754

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

June May April March February

08.8.22 | Recipes

Campfire S’mores Strawberries

This is the perfect after dinner treat when both strawberries and camping are at their seasonal peak. This fun twist on a classic campfire dessert is a happy marriage of strawberry fondue and gooey s’mores that will keep everyone in sticky bliss.

 

Ingredients

  • 3 mild chocolate bars, broken into pieces
  • 1 sleeve graham crackers, left in the sleeve
  • 1 quart strawberries, thoroughly dried
  • 1 jar marshmallow fluff
  • 6 – 8 long sticks or skewers

Directions

  1. Build a campfire.
  2. Put the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl or pot and set near the fire so it melts but doesn’t scorch, stirring occasionally if needed. Crush the graham crackers by massaging them in their sleeve, being careful not to puncture it. Once the crumbs are a fine as you can get them, open the sleeve along the lengthwise seam and place on a flat surface near the campfire.
  3. Skewer a strawberry through the hull so it is firmly on the stick and dip half of the strawberry in the marshmallow fluff. Place over the fire and cook until the marshmallow is golden. Dip the uncovered half of the strawberry in the chocolate and roll the chocolate in the graham cracker crumbs. Repeat with the remaining strawberries, marshmallow fluff, chocolate and graham cracker crumbs.

07.13.22 | For Buyers

Housing Market Insight June 2022

June 2022 – GTA Housing Market News

What is going on with the real estate market?

Here are the June stats:

  • What is going on with the real estate market?The average sale price in the GTA is $1,146,254
  • Higher borrowing costs continued to impact home sales in June 2022
  • Bank of Canada has increased the interest rates by 100 basis points

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton $1,118,800

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington $1,074,800 

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville $1,471,100

The average price in GTA $1,146,254

Have questions about the market? Contact us today to learn more!

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News

May April March February January

This Mango Coconut Chia Pudding is made with coconut milk, almond milk, chia seeds, shredded coconut and mango; a delicious breakfast, snack or dessert loaded with protein, fiber and omega-3!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup lite coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 3/4 cup fresh ripe mangodiced
  • 4 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp sweetened shredded coconut
  • 4-6 drops liquid steviaor monk fruit, sugar/honey to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large container. Mix well and let it sit 30 minutes, then mix again. Refrigerate overnight or at least 5-6 hours, until the seeds expand and thicken.
  2. Divide into 2 bowls or glass dishes and serve. Enjoy!

NOTES

  • You can use any milk and sweetener of choice.
  • Refrigerate chia pudding for up to 4 days.

07.7.22 | Milton

Best Places Near Milton To Cool Off This Summer

Milton is far more well known for its hiking trails and gorgeous Escarpment views than its beaches. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have an abundance of options to cool off as the temperatures begin to climb. We have everything from beautiful conservation areas and outdoor quarries to swimming ponds and indoor recreational centres.

Whether you want to escape the heat for an hour or enjoy all day in the water, you won’t have to go very far. Here are a few of our top recommendations to keep cool even on sizzling summer afternoons:

Kelso’s Conservation Area

Though more famous as a ski hill, the Glen Eden and Kelso Conservation area also has a beautiful quarry for swimming. It’s surrounded by the beautiful greenery and hiking trails of the Niagara Escarpment. The quarry was originally built for industrial purposes, but the conservation authority took it over in 2006. Now, it’s one of the most popular spots in the area for swimming and boating and is only minutes away from Milton. Lifeguards are on duty all summer, making this the perfect spot for little ones to run, splash and play!


Looking for fun ideas in Milton without getting wet? Here are some more ideas for you:


Emerald Lake

Located just 30 minutes away from Milton, Emerald Lake will provide hours of refreshing, splashy fun for visitors of all ages. The lake hosts an epic waterpark with giant floating toys, including trampolines, a rock-climbing wall and an obstacle course. Lifejackets are available to rent so you and your family can enjoy an afternoon of worry-free fun. Little ones will enjoy access to a 2-foot kiddie pool and a 3400 square-foot splash pad. 

Scream with joy as you bounce off the high diving board and plunge into the pristine, spring-fed quarry water, which reaches up to 40 feet in some places. If you’re not up for a long free fall, you can always start off with the low board. 

Alternatively, thrillseekers can glide down the 200-foot waterslide that empties into its own pool.

Looking forward to a more relaxing day? Emerald Lake offers a restful sandy beach area with lifeguard supervision. Once everyone dries off, you can enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions and watch children play on the giant playground.

Lake Nettie

If you’re looking for something a little more peaceful and out of the way, Lake Nettie is worth a visit. It’s a little-known swimming area surrounded by nature located at 25 Side Rd in Milton. It’s a grass beach with no sand. However, there is a swimming dock for jumping. 

It’s the perfect place to practice your cannonballs!

Bronte Beach Park

Bronte Beach Park is in Oakville but is less than half an hour away by car. It’s a happening place to be on hot summer days! You can lounge in the sun, build a sandcastle or take a dip in the cool, refreshing water of Lake Ontario. If you prefer to stay dry, the fabulous trail by the beach still makes Bronte Beach Park well worth the drive. You’ll find plenty of cafes and unique shops to visit along Lakeshore Rd. Free parking and picnic tables are available if you want to pack a lunch. Depending on the time of year, you may see beautiful swans as they gracefully float along the water.

Rotary Outdoor Pool

Beaches and swimming ponds aren’t your only options for cooling off on a hot day in Milton. Why not try the Rotary Outdoor Pool? The fun kicked off on June 25. A beach-style entry awaits you, and you’ll have a blast with the interactive water spray feature. 

Want to learn to swim or brush up on your skills? The facility offers classes for people of all levels, including adults. Private lessons are also available for those who need a little more attention.

If you feel like getting a workout in, there is a larger pool for swimming laps. Rotary Park offers drop-in leisure swims and aquafit classes.

 A splash pad allows smaller children a safe space to cool off as they run through the water streams. With two tennis courts, three baseball diamonds, and a playground, Rotary Outdoor Pool offers your whole family a great place to spend a fun afternoon.


Want to know more about what it’s like to live in Milton? 


Lions Sports Park Splash Pad

Are you pressed for time but still want the kids to burn off some energy and keep cool? Milton has plenty of great parks with spectacular splash pads. Lions Sports Park Splash Pad at 99 Thompson Rd South is one of our favourites, and the streaming jets are a blast to run through. There is also a swing set and playground once your child has had enough of the water.

Splash parks are a great escape for everyone, even when you have little time.

Milton Leisure Centre

The Milton Leisure Centre is a fantastic indoor getaway for any time of the year, including the hot, humid days of the summer. There is a lap pool and a weight room for fitness enthusiasts. Leisure swimmers love spiralling down the waterslide and splashing into the pool. If you get a little too chilly, you can always warm up and relax in the hot tub. A viewing area is also available for those who don’t want to get their feet wet.

Free parking makes the trip convenient and stress-free any day of the week.

Is Milton the perfect place for your family to call home? Check out some of our featured listings right here.

 

06.27.22 | Milton

Everything You Need To Know About Buying A House In Milton

If you saw a picture of Milton from 20 years ago, you might not recognize the town. Back then, it looked more like farmland sprinkled with a few developments here and there. However, it didn’t take long for the word to get out about the “small town” located next to beautiful landmarks like the Niagara Escarpment and Rattlesnake Point.

Today, world-class amenities and natural beauty have made Milton the fastest growing community in the GTA, with a population that now exceeds 130,000.

If you’re thinking about making Milton your next home, here are a few things you should know.

The Neighbourhoods in Milton

Milton is made up of 12 smaller neighbourhoods. Scott and Harrison are two of the newest developments, and both offer breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment. 

Commuters are partial to Dempsey, which has easy access to Highway 401. On a good day, you can reach Toronto in less than an hour.

Timberlea is an older neighbourhood, with larger than average lot sizes and mature trees lining the streets. It is one of the most popular areas in Milton, primarily for its central location. Timberlea provides easy access to the many amenities Milton has to offer and borders nearly every other neighbourhood in the town.


There are too many incredible facts about Milton for a single article. Find out more about this desirable area in these posts below:


Keeping Busy In Milton 

Milton is a fantastic place to raise a family, and there are countless ways to keep active and enjoy the great outdoors. Here are just a few ideas to keep you busy:

Visit Springridge Farms. It’s so easy to wile the day away here. Kids will have a blast barrelling down the tube slides, hanging onto the spiderweb climber, going on wagon rides and saying “hello” to the farm animals. A cafe provides refreshments right on the porch, so no one goes hungry. Before leaving, stop by the barn market for delicious baked goods and fine foods to bring home. 

Take a walk at Rattlesnake Point. There are hiking trails for adventurers of all levels. Lookout points provide panoramic views of the escarpment. Some of the ancient cedars you’ll see are over 800 years old! The Nassagaweya Canyon Trail is a fantastic way for fitness buffs to spend an afternoon. Be sure to grab a water bottle before you go, as this hike can last from 4 to 5 hours! If you’re feeling especially adventurous, there are three designated rock climbing areas to conquer.

Enjoy a long bike ride. Milton is a fantastic place for cyclists, and not just because of all of the spectacular trails. There’s also the Mattamy Cycling Centre, a giant velodrome that offers drop-in programs throughout the week. Now the rain can’t stop you from pedalling your way to fitness!

Milton offers a lot more than outdoor adventures! You’ll also find an abundance of restaurants, pubs, cafes and entertainment options. Whenever you feel the need for retail therapy, you can head on over to the Premium Outlet Mall, where you’ll find high-end brands and incredible savings at over 80 stores.

Access To High-Quality Healthcare

Milton is served by Halton Healthcare Services. The main facility is Milton District Hospital, which provides emergency services, general medicine, intensive care, surgery and outpatient care. Whether you’re seeking a new family doctor or a physiotherapy clinic, you’ll find practitioners of all kinds. There are multiple dental clinics, massage therapy centres and medical spas in each neighbourhood. Easy access to healthcare makes Milton an attractive place for everyone, from young families to retirees looking to downsize.

Do you want to know more about what’s happening in the Milton real estate market? Check out our latest stats and insights right here.

Real Estate Opportunities Within Milton

Milton is quickly becoming one of the most desired locations in the GTA. As a result, housing prices have been on the rise, especially during the real estate boom we’ve experienced over the last two years. Available listings have been few and far between, and buyers often had to compete in multiple offer scenarios.

However, there has recently been a shift in the market, which is the best news for buyers that we have had in a long time.

In February, the average price for a house in Milton reached an all-time high of $1,142,001 as buyers competed during the pandemic. 

Now, the market has changed drastically from what it was a few months ago. The Bank of Canada has raised interest rates to combat inflation. As a result, the housing market has cooled. In May, the average price of a house dropped to $960,910, and more listings are available than there have been in months. As a buyer, you finally have options to choose from and more negotiating power.  

Should You Work With A Real Estate Agent?

While the market has become a little more balanced, it remains highly competitive for buyers. Browsing listings online can be tedious when trying to decide which houses to view in person. When you do find something that catches your eye, you’ll may have to contend with a seller who doesn’t realize the market has changed.

A Milton real estate agent can help you negotiate the best price and the best terms. They may even be able to help you find the right house faster by accessing homes that haven’t been listed yet or aren’t visible on the MLS®.

Are you ready to start your home search and want to know what your next step is? Our Buyer’s Guide can walk you seamlessly through the whole process. You can access it for free right here.

 

06.8.22 | Recipes

Sweet Potato And Black Bean Burritos

Ingredients

For 3 servings

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • olive oil, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • cayenne pepper, to taste
  • 15 oz black beans(425 g), 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup corn(130 g)
  • 3 large flour tortillas
  • lettuce, chopped, for serving
  • diced tomato, for serving
  • shredded vegan cheddar cheese, for serving
  • guacamole, for serving

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Add the sweet potatoes to a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potato is tender.
  4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until semi-translucent. Add the jalapeño, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spices are fragrant. Add the black beans and corn, season with salt and pepper, and cook until warmed through, 3-4 more minutes.
  5. To assemble a burrito, add ⅓ of the bean and corn mixture, ⅓ of the roasted sweet potatoes, some lettuce, tomatoes, vegan cheese, and guacamole to the centre of a tortilla. Fold in the sides and roll up, keeping the filling tucked in place. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Cut in half and serve.
  6. Enjoy!