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Rebecca Hesse

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Streets Of Toronto •

An astronomy-lover's guide to stargazing in Ontario

There’s something infinitely wonderful about looking out at a sky filled with stars — and in Ontario, we have some of the most beautiful spots designated just for stargazing. With roughly 80 per cent of Canada uninhabited, there are vast expanses of untouched and pristine wilderness far from the lights and noise of our biggest cities. But despite being blessed with so much natural splendor, light pollution is a growing problem that reaches far beyond our city limits and expanding infrastructur
Streets Of Toronto •

5 Ontario adventures for the perfect Mother's Day weekend

From all the little gestures of love that mean the world to us to the sacrifices they’ve made for our betterment, moms give so much each and every day. So, when Mother’s Day weekend comes around, it’s our turn to show appreciation and do something special in return. With plenty of things to do not too far from Toronto, it’s easy to make the perfect plans to suit any interest. From hiking to high tea across Ontario, here are a few suggestions to make your Mother’s Day 2022 simply fabulous. It’s
Streets Of Toronto •

This $1.65 million lakefront cottage is within walking distance to three wineries

Gracing the glittering shores of Lake Erie, 193 McCormick Beach Rd. is just a short walk through scenic countryside to three local wineries. Located in Essex County, Canada’s southernmost point and Ontario’s warmest climate, this modern $1.65 million lakefront home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. And the bonus? It also happens to be situated in the best part of Canada for butterfly and birdwatching. Here’s the living room. It features two levels of windows, a soaring ceiling and this gor
Streets Of Toronto •

5 Ontario cottage rentals that are still available for the May long weekend

Although spring officially sprang back in March, as all Canadians know, the real kick-off happens on Victoria Day, otherwise fondly known as “May two-four” weekend. And, with all that warm sunshine finally beaming down on us, the birds, the bees, the leafy trees and people all across the country eagerly emerging from hibernation to embark upon their cottage country adventures, May’s long weekend is the weekend we’ve all been waiting for. But, wait – did some of you miss the memo on that last p
Streets Of Toronto •

8 epic things to do for Star Wars Day in Toronto

In a galaxy far, far away – well, make that Toronto in 2011 actually – a special day for all things Star Wars came to life. With humble beginnings at the Underground Theatre as a costume contest and trivia night, May the Fourth (or Star Wars Day) was officially born. Now it’s a global celebration for fun-lovers and fans of George Lucas’ galactic anthology everywhere. From the International Space Station to Disneyland and countless places in-between, this quirky salute to Star Wars is here to s
Streets Of Toronto •

Life is sweet at this $1.3 million Candy Factory loft on Toronto's coolest street

Located in the trendiest part of Toronto and the sweetest building around, living at the Candy Factory Lofts is a real treat. Listed at $1.2799 million, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom loft is artfully designed to maintain its historic industrial character while simultaneously exuding luxury living and modernity. Just across from the always popular Trinity Bellwoods Park and situated on one of the world’s coolest streets makes unit 221-993 Queen St. W. one impressive address. This open concept
Streets Of Toronto •

This $6.888 million Annex home with a wine cellar and luxury loft is perfection

Nestled in the lively heart of the Annex, 16 Bernard Ave. is a masterpiece. Built in 1915, this four plus one -bedroom Edwardian beauty, listed at $6.888 million, marries modern luxury renovations with classic elegance. Featuring an outrageously fabulous wine cellar, five bathrooms (including one that’s pure marble) and a dreamy loft retreat, this house has it all. Upon entering the home, notice how much natural light there is thanks to multiple skylights. Notice also the exquisite marble deta
Streets Of Toronto •

3 spectacular cave adventures to explore across Ontario

There’s something magical and otherworldly about caves – mysterious even. Created by ancient limestone deposits eroded by melting ice-age glaciers, these surreal caverns hold many secrets and ancient stories for those who venture into them. And while you might want to leave some caves to professional spelunkers and speleologists, others beg to be explored by folk with curious souls. In Ontario, we’re lucky enough to have many incredible caves across the province that are absolutely perfect for
Streets Of Toronto •

Live lakeside in the city for $1.899 million and get spectacular views

Imagine greeting the morning with the sparkling lake at your doorstep and wrapping up each day with spectacular harbour sunsets – right from your home. This is what life is like at the Terminal Building, a boutique condominium that sits right on the shores of Lake Ontario. Listed at $1.899 million, unit 916 -211 Queens Quay W. features two bedrooms, two bathrooms and spectacular lake views from every window. Situated at the lively foot of downtown Toronto’s Harbourfront, the building holds just
gardenstead •

5 Fabulous Gardens from Around the World

Not far from Rome, in the region of Tivoli, sits one of the most intriguing Renaissance gardens in the world. Blending science and art into a striking landscape, the Villa d’Este gardens have long been a point of muse and fascination, where artists, poets, and musicians have gathered over the centuries. Commissioned in 1560 by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este and designed by artist and architect Pirro Ligorio, this grand garden was made to wow even the most jaded of high ranking individuals. With e
gardenstead •

Guerilla Gardening - The Search for Nature in Urban Landscapes

Miss Rumphius is one of my all-time favorite children’s stories, and one that I’ve made sure my son has in his little collection of books. This beautifully drawn picture book follows the life of a woman who, as a little girl, makes a promise to her grandfather that she must do something to make the world more beautiful. As the story progresses, the little girl grows up, travels the world, and eventually retires by the seaside as an old lady. And, it’s then that she fulfills her promise to make
gardenstead •

Victory Gardens: Lest We Forget

Thankfully, many of us have never experienced war. We can’t even fathom the idea of living through one. But not that long ago, the world was plunged into one of the largest conflicts in history, leaving millions dead or with life-changing reminders. From 1939 to 1945, people of all ages enlisted or got drafted to help fight for their nations, leaving many others at home to keep national economies going by filling in much-needed jobs in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, as well as comm
gardenstead •

Things You Don't Know About the Amazon

Known as the most biodiverse spot on the planet, the Amazon Rainforest is thought to consist of over 360 billion trees, spanning an area of five-hundred-fifty-million hectares (or 40% of South America). And, within this vast space, flourishes an estimated forty thousand plant varieties, as well as thousands upon thousands of bird, fish, reptile, amphibian, insect, and mammal species (and that’s only what’s been documented!). But fathom this — most species that grace the Amazon are not even clos
Streets Of Toronto •

This $2.98 million Toronto home has a heated pool and a dream kitchen

This beautiful stone-facade house is so modern and yet so welcoming. Located in Etobicoke, 3 Logwood Crt. sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. This spacious four-bedroom, four-bathroom house has been recently renovated to perfection. With a sleek white kitchen and sparkling new bathrooms on every floor, plus a finished basement featuring a rec room and guest bedroom, you’ll want to see this place. Listed at $2.98 million, this house is surrounded by the many parks and nature trails that make
Streets Of Toronto •

This $3.199 million Kawartha Lakes cottage comes with its own movie theatre

Located near Fenelon Falls in the picturesque Kawartha Lakes, 18 Evans Dr. is everything anyone could ever want in a cottage. This natural, modern waterfront home is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac and faces Burnt River – a serene waterway that winds into lake Cameron and the famous Trent Severn, making for a boater’s dream. Harmoniously blending in with the surrounding scenery, this custom-built modern-meets-rustic house features three plus two bedrooms, five bathrooms, a generously-sized doubl
gardenstead •

Color Psychology: Exploring Colors in your Flower Garden

Have you ever noticed how certain colors can affect the way you feel? I certainly have. Just think of when you’re waiting at the doctor’s office surrounded by that awful toothpaste shade of green that’s often used in waiting rooms — yuck! Or, how about that invigorating feeling you get from entering a beautiful greenhouse filled with rich green foliage — yes, please! Well, this got me thinking about how we decide what we want our gardens to look like since we often put a lot of our own personal
G Adventures Blog •

3 Croatian islands you can't miss — and why

There are more than 1,000 islands off the coast of Croatia. Some uninhabited; others lonely lighthouse posts; and others still dotted with towns and villages brimming with history and culture. All, however, are spectacular in their own individual right. Here are three remarkable islands that will make you wish you could see them all: An island blanketed in lush Mediterranean forest interspersed with jewel-toned lakes of green and blue, makes for an outdoor lover’s dream. Much of the island is n
gardenstead •

Creating A Bee-Friendly Garden

I’ll start by saying that I feel a bit guilty for having been afraid of bees in the past, but I’m learning; and, as any apiarist will tell you, bees are only aggressive if they feel threatened — meaning don’t swat at them if you can help it! Generally speaking, if you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone too. I can’t say the same for yellowjackets, however — In my opinion, those guys are just jerks (yeah, yeah, I know, they have a purpose too, but still, stay away please). When I say “bees
gardenstead •

Hey, Money Plant! What's your story?

We find that there are quite a few old stories connected to these auspicious plants, proving their cultural importance. Here are two popular tales: The first story tells of a poor farmer who hit upon hard times. He wandered his fields worrying about what would become of him, and prayed for better days. Unexpectedly, he stumbled upon a plant he’d never seen before. Intrigued by its beauty, he brought it home and propagated it, producing many more of these lovely plants. Equipped with a pioneerin
gardenstead •

How Gardens Increase Home Value

Deciding to sell your home can be an exciting yet stressful time in your life, but by taking a few key steps to make your property shine in its best light, you can increase your returns — often significantly. We’re often advised to focus on making upgrades to the interior of the house to increase selling power. Tips such as making upgrades to neutralize and modernize a space with calm unobtrusive color schemes, freshly painted walls, and perfectly placed furniture to show off your home’s full p
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