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How to Be Motivated and Stay Active While Working from Home

June 23, 2021
exercise at home

These days, we’re not moving around as much. Due to the pandemic, many of us are working from home. So, instead of commuting to our workplaces, walking upstairs, or moving around the office, we’re spending most of our time at our desks, in front of a computer screen.  

It’s important to maintain an active lifestyle, especially during a pandemic – when we need to boost our immune system to avoid getting COVID and combat its spread. 

But it’s hard enough to be motivated to stay active under normal circumstances. And it’s even harder when we can’t go to a gym or physically attend group workout sessions like we’re used to.

Are you unmotivated to exercise at home? Do you feel tired of always doing the same workouts? Read on to find out how you can make your workout routine more interesting and varied, even while working from home.

Follow an Exercise Class Online 

There are more online exercise classes available online than ever, so you can take advantage of this broad selection of online classes. Find the one that’s right for you – whether it’s a more relaxed cardio workout or a more intense weightlifting tutorial. 

Many of these classes are available for free on YouTube. So, you can easily access them right from your home. Just put on a video, and you’re in a virtual class.

For example, Yoga with Adriene is trusted by her 9 million-plus subscribers to give a soothing, relaxed approach to yoga that will leave you feeling completely refreshed.

Keep in mind that if you don’t have a lot of experience performing these exercises, you should try to be careful and know your own limitations.

Add New Exercises and Equipment to the Mix 

Doing the same exercises day in and day out can cause us to end up in a fitness rut. Do you need to reinvigorate your routine or want to stretch your body’s limits? Add something new to your routine to mix it up. 

If you tend to stick to running, try building your strength by incorporating more weightlifting into your routine. Or if you strictly use the same weights, challenge yourself by adding more weight.

On the other hand, you may already be big on weightlifting but not so keen on doing cardio. If so, try spending more time running or biking to train your body in different ways. You could even add a new cardio machine to your home like a rowing machine, a stepmill, or an air bike. 

Get Creative With Your At-Home Exercises

In order to motivate yourself to work out, it’s always important to be able to pinpoint the reason you’re not feeling motivated. That way you can know the best way to increase your motivation. 

Here are a few interesting and creative solutions to get you motivated to stay active:

 

  • Have a virtual workout session with friends: Do you miss being in an environment where you can work out with others? Do you need that motivation you can only get from working out with someone else? Have a video call with a friend while working out and motivate each other to get through each workout.
  • Play sports with your family: Are you looking for a more fun way to get moving while working from home? Why not encourage your family to get active, too, by playing active games or sports like soccer with them. 
  • Design a circuit workout in your own home: Doing the same workouts in the same room each day can get boring and difficult after a while. Consider coming up with a circuit workout where you do different activities in each room. A few workouts you could do are jumping jacks, burpees, and lunges. 

 

DelSuites: Stay Active on Your Business Trip or Vacation Using Our Exercise Amenities

DelSuites makes it easy for you to stay in shape when staying at one of our locations. All of the buildings include fitness centers. However, keep in mind that they are currently closed due to COVID-19.

If you’re going on a business trip or vacation or just need a place to stay for a while while you’re transitioning from one house to another, you can rent or lease one of our short-term rentals. 

Find one of our rentals wherever you need to go – with locations spread out across Downtown Toronto, Etobicoke, Markham, and more. Find the rental that suits your fitness needs today.

Toronto Condos, Toronto Family Travel

Cooking With Kids: All the Basics You Need to Know

June 18, 2021
cooking with kids

Cooking With Kids: All the Basics You Need to Know

We’ve all been on lockdown for quite some time. Are your kids stuck inside? Have they started to get restless to do something? Now is the best time to teach them to cook and help them productively gain this skill.

You can take this opportunity to start them off young and teach them a skill that will benefit them later on in life. 

But you may have a lot of questions. You may be wondering what the actual benefits of teaching your kids how to cook actually are. Or maybe you don’t know what a safe age is to start letting them cook. 

Read on to learn why you should teach your kids how to cook, where to start, and more.

The Benefits of Teaching Your Kids to Cook

There are many benefits to teaching your kids how to cook that may not be apparent at first. Here are the ways that teaching them this skill can help them gain life skills and can aid their development:

 

  • Helps them learn math concepts at any level: At the start of every recipe, there’s an ingredients list with various units of measurement. Cooking leads them to learn how to read these units of measurement. It also lets them practice applying math skills, such as multiplying to double a recipe for older children or counting out cups of ingredients for younger ones.
  • Helps them improve their reading and comprehension skills: Cooking with a recipe can help small children who are learning to read and identify words. And older ones can practice reading comprehension by learning to comprehend complex recipes. 
  • Practice their fine motor skills at any age: Regardless of your child’s age, cooking can be an excellent way for them to improve their fine motor skills. Younger kids can practice new fine motor skills to help them when they need more advanced skills later on, including writing, drawing, and using scissors.  

 

How to Teach Children to Cook at Different Ages 

Whatever age your child is, you can start teaching them to cook to help them gradually learn how to perform various tasks in the kitchen. 

Here are the cooking activities you can teach your kids at each age level:

 

  • 2-3 years old: You can get your toddlers involved in the kitchen while supervising them. Focus on having them perform basic tasks. They’ll be able to squeeze lemons, use the salad spinner, and gently stir ingredients.
  • 4-5 years old: They have more motor skills and can focus on longer tasks. So, you can have them do many of the same tasks you’d have them do if they were younger but with more independence. These can include stirring independently, setting the table, and greasing pans (with your help).
  • 6-7 years old: At this age, they can start doing more detailed work in the kitchen. But they still need a lot of help and guidance. Remind them where to keep their fingers to safely grate and peel food.
  • 8-9 years old: You can start teaching them cooking activities that they’re interested in. Use your discretion to determine whether or not they’re already mature enough to use the stove. But if not, they can still make easy toaster oven recipes.
  • 10-12 years old: Once they’ve learned the basic kitchen skills, they can work more independently in the kitchen. You can even let them do basic stove tasks. For example, they can make scrambled eggs or flip pancakes. 

 

Foods You and Your Kids Can Enjoy Cooking Together

Here are a few recipes that can get your kids involved in the kitchen and are fun to make:

  • Strawberry SunButter Bites are great for helping your kids practice their fine motor skills as they spread and roll the ingredients.
  • Yellow Rice Cakes let kids have fun mixing the ingredients before you cook them.
  • Your kids will love being able to choose the toppings for these Whole Wheat Pizza Bagels. And it can give older kids experience using an oven.

DelSuites: Enjoy Cooking with Your Kids in a Fully Furnished Rental 

Planning on going on a vacation with your family? Need a place to stay while you transition from your former home to a newly purchased one? Want to rent a condo in a family-friendly neighbourhood? DelSuites has a rental for you.

Our furnished rentals and serviced apartments let you use our amenities to cook in the kitchen with your kids. Have fun cooking with them and don’t miss an opportunity to let them practice their skills. 

Whether you’re looking for a short-term lease or condo for a longer period of stay or a short-term rental, we’ve got you covered with our family-friendly options. Start browsing our rentals today and find one that’ll truly feel like home.

Toronto Family Travel, toronto toursim

Outdoor Activities You Can Enjoy in Toronto During the Pandemic

June 14, 2021
toronto outdoor activities

The problem we face is that the COVID pandemic has been going on for over a year, but we still need to travel or feel like we’re getting away from our routine, everyday lives. But there is a way to still do this: plan a getaway to Toronto.

Whether you go on a staycation or a business-related trip, you can enjoy the perfect stay in Toronto, taking advantage of countless options for COVID-friendly outdoor activities. Here are the ways you can enjoy the natural, beautiful side of Toronto, even during the lockdown. 

1. Go on a Relaxing Stroll or a Hike

Want to escape from the business of life and immerse yourself in nature? There are numerous walking and hiking trails spread out all across Toronto, so there’s sure to be a trail to suit you. You could take an easy 20-minute stroll at the Glen Stewart Ravine (located just south of Kingston Road and north of Woodbine Beach) or challenge yourself with a 9-km hike on the Beltline Trail (located all across Eglinton West). 

Looking to get close to the Beltline Trail? Then you’ll want to stay in the Republic as it’s only a short drive away. What about the Glen Stewart Ravine? We recommend either our James Cooper Mansion or Ten York locations.

Relieve your stress and relax in a peaceful, natural environment. Go to a trail in Toronto to experience its beautiful landscape, such as its lush forests and tranquil rivers.

2. Take a Trip to the Beach

Even though many recreational attractions are closed, Toronto’s beaches are still open. And they can help you take some time to unwind and get outside in the summer. 

Take a refreshing swim at one of Toronto’s swimming beaches, like Cherry Beach, build sandcastles with your family, or enjoy a picnic in the sun. You could even simply walk along the beach while taking in the sights.

Want to soak up some sun or lounge on a beach seat under the shade of an umbrella? With its visually pleasing pink umbrellas and white sand, Sugar Beach is just the right place. It’s also a popular site to visit in the winter when it’s topped with soft white snow.

3. Visit Nature Parks

During the pandemic, everyone is spending a lot more time indoors than they’re used to. If you’re missing being outside and want to get some fresh air at a park, Toronto has a lot to choose from. 

At a park, you could spend some time outdoors with your family or see your friends in person while socially distancing. Have a picnic, walk through gardens, or go on short trails.  

High Park is a popular choice that offers a wide variety of activities, including a small zoo. It’s also famous for being a park where you view the cherry blossoms in bloom in the summer. 

4. Walk Through a Public Garden

Toronto’s outdoor public gardens, such as community and allotment gardens, are also open. 

Stroll through them while admiring trees and attractively arranged flower beds. Take pictures in beautiful settings, such as the small bridges in Edwards Gardens. And take a moment to pause and sit on a bench while admiring your surroundings in the Toronto Music Garden. 

Stop and smell the flowers during your business retreat or vacation from work. 

5. Take Advantage of Outdoor Recreational Amenities

Although COVID restrictions are constantly evolving, certain recreational amenities, including playgrounds and dog off-leash areas, are currently open. Take advantage of the opportunity to get outside and use these amenities. 

Taking your kids to the playground can also help them get moving and be active instead of being cooped up at home. 

If you go to High Park, you could take your kids to Toronto’s largest playground, the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, or give your dogs a feeling of freedom at the High Park Dog Off-Leash Area. 

DelSuites: Have the Perfect Stay in Toronto

Here at DelSuites, we understand that you may need to get away during this difficult pandemic. That’s why we’re here to give you the most pleasant stay possible at one of our luxurious, beautifully furnished, and spotlessly clean units. 

And with 7 locations spread out across Downtown Toronto, you can have countless outdoor activities waiting at your doorstep. 

Our fully trained cleaning staff also follow additional cleaning regimens so you can enjoy a safe stay and have peace of mind. 

Get a change of pace without needing to get out of town. Browse through our collection of curated short-term rentals in downtown Toronto today.

Business Travel, Toronto Condos, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

7 COVID-19 Measures You Should Know About Before Visiting Canada

April 29, 2021
covid 19 measures canada

Travel over the past year has been a whirlwind. Changing restrictions and new safety measures have made international travel a difficult maze of new rules depending on the airport or country you arrive in. Luckily, for travelers coming into Canada, there is some clarity. 

COVID-19 definitely disrupted many plans in 2020, but after a year of dealing with this novel virus, Canadian governments and travel institutions can now offer better guidelines for international travel. 

Here are seven measures you should know when visiting Canada as we deal with the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

1. Masks and Face Coverings

This is the big one. 

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, travelers entering Canada through major ports, including airports, transit stations, etc., must wear masks/face coverings at all times. 

At Pearson Airport in Toronto, this includes the pre-and post-security screening areas of the terminals, parking facilities, people mover train, sidewalks/curbs outside the terminals, and other outdoor public areas.

There are several special exceptions to this rule in effect. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, you are exempt from the rule provided you have a note from a medical doctor that certifies that you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons. 

2. COVID-19 Testing Before and Upon Arrival

As of February 21, 2021, air travelers will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test upon landing in Canada.  This testing can occur at the airport or later during their mandatory quarantine period in either a designated quarantine facility or at a suitable place of quarantine.

Before leaving the airport, travelers will also receive a COVID-19 test kit or instructions for taking their test later during their mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

3. Mandatory Quarantine Period 

When first coming to Canada, there is a mandatory 14-day self-isolation period for international travelers and social distancing precautions for everyone. 

For those coming from specific international hot spots, travelers are to go to a pre-booked hotel while they await the results of their arrival test.

If the test is negative, travelers will continue their quarantine in their home, short-term rental, or designated residence and complete their test kit as instructed.

However, if positive, travelers will be relocated to a designated quarantine facility or other suitable places of quarantine until medically released. 

4. Social Distancing Measures 

Apart from wearing masks and constant hand-washing, maintaining social distancing when possible is how we can help combat this pandemic. 

Many stores, public venues, and restaurants will have limited sitting or restrictions to how many patrons they can accommodate at a time. Keep this in mind when making plans for outings as there might be longer than usual waiting times or queues for shopping. 

At DelSuites, your short-term rental allows you to maintain social distancing and have a home away from home. Guests can enjoy premium amenities like a personal kitchen and high-speed internet, so their stay is comfortable and stress-free. 

5. Pre-Booked Hotel Upon Arrival 

Before departure to Canada, air travelers will need to reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travelers with limited exemptions. 

Also, the Government of Canada has announced new travel restrictions, including a suspension of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from January 31, 2021, to April 30, 2021.  New testing and quarantine requirements are also evolving with developments in the pandemic on public health. 

6. Restrictions for Meeters and Greeters at the Airport

Are you heading back home? Make sure to say your goodbyes before reaching the airport.

To maintain social distancing and limit high-volume traffic, many major airports have limited terminal access to passengers traveling on the same day and airport employees on duty. Meeters and greeters or those dropping friends and loved ones off at the airport won’t be able to enter the terminals. 

7. Stay-At-Home Orders 

In some COVID-19 hotspots, government bodies have implemented more strict social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus and its newly emerging variants. 

Depending on the city you are traveling to, make sure to be prepared and informed of possible stay-at-home orders. This preparation can dramatically alter your trip and how you can spend your time in the country. 

8. Providing a Safe, Secure, and Cozy Home Away From Home 

Traveling to any country can be stressful, especially during COVID-19. With so many restrictions, it can be hard to fully enjoy your trip.  However, having a temporary home with DelSuites’ short-term rentals can make all the difference. 

When it comes to travel security and safety, you can be confident you are in good hands. Protecting our guests and associates is our number one priority. Along with abiding by government public health guidelines, we ensure that we are keeping on top of standards of cleanliness and hygiene to keep everyone safe, no matter where you are traveling from. 

Right from check-in, you can enjoy fully furnished living spaces and round-the-clock reliable and high-quality customer service. Despite this new normal, our strong in-house maintenance team and trusted security make it their mission to take care of you and your well-being so you can focus on getting the most out of your stay in Toronto and surrounding GTA.

Visiting Canada? Find Your Next Short-Term Rental With DelSuites

Don’t let COVID-19 get you down.  Even with some limited activities, Toronto always finds a way to entertain whenever you are here. And whatever you choose, you can be confident you have a comfortable and safe place to call home at the end of the day with DelSuites. Visit our website to find your perfect short-term rental in Toronto today.

Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Things for Families to Do in Scarborough

January 17, 2020

Scarborough is a very family friendly area of Toronto. With several great museums, parks, community centres and recreational facilities – there’s always something to do to keep the kids busy and occupied.

If you’re planning to head out and explore, here are some ideas for a great day out with the family in Scarborough.

Scarborough Museum

Learn about the past of the community at this museum, set within historical buildings in a 19th century garden in Thomson Memorial Park. This area was once the farm fields where Scarborough’s first settlers lived and the museum tells the story of Scarborough from the first founding to its growth into a major suburb.

While you are there, you can also explore the beautiful walking trails of Thomson Memorial Park with your family.

East Point Park

Take a hike with your children in East Point Park, a beautiful bird sanctuary where hundreds of migratory birds make their home. One of the largest parkland areas in Toronto, there are over 178 species of birds here – as well as monarch butterflies.

Your little ones can learn about birds and watch them from the weathered steel pavilion bird blinds. You can also get down to the natural beach by walking from the end of Beechgrove and Copperfield Road.

Kidstown Water Park

On a hot summer’s day, Kidstown Water Park is the perfect place for young kids to play. It’s one of the most well-loved Toronto outdoor water facilities for grade school and preschool children and it offers an exciting collection of water features, including spray rings, a tipping bucket, squirting aquatic animals and more.

There’s also a lovely picnic area, where you can relax and keep an eye on your children while you have a picnic in the sunshine. The park is open from late June to early September.
things for families to do in Scarborough

Agincourt Recreation Centre & Leisure Pool

One of only two leisure pools in Scarborough, Agincourt Recreation Centre provides lessons, swims and other activities for families. It’s also home to a tennis club and two indoor rinks for skating.

The centre also features the “Snoezelen Room” for children with disabilities. It features soft textures, soothing music and colours designed to be comforting for children with sensory processing issues. Regular sessions in the room have shown to improve relaxation, increase attention span and help with behaviour issues.

Hit the Beach

Scarborough is home to two beaches where you can picnic, hike, sunbathe and swim. Bluffer’s Park is located near the southern part of Brimley Road and it is surrounded by great nature trails. Even in the cooler months when swimming isn’t possible, it’s a spectacular place for a walk.

There’s also Rouge Beach. It’s part of Rouge Beach Park, which is located along the eastern edge of the city. Both of these beaches have great facilities including changing rooms and it’s one of the best things for families to do in Scarborough.

Check out our short term furnished apartment rentals in Scarborough and contact us if you have any questions.

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