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Sparkplug Coffee: Travel-Inspired Blends
If you’ve been following my blogging journey for a while, you will know that I have been the author of all the blog posts I have shared. Recently though, after connecting with fellow traveller and the founder of Sparkplug Coffee, I decided to try something new. I asked her to write a guest article for me on travel from her perspective – a coffee perspective. So, without further ado, let me introduce the lovely and adventurous Kara. Hi! I’m Kara Isert and I’m the founder & Chief Coffee Officer of Sparkplug Coffee. I met Frances online in a group that supports growing e-commerce businesses like Sparkplug and Boutique L’Abeille Française.…
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Allan Gardens Conservatory: A Winter Oasis
As we approach the deep mid-winter, a light flurry of snow is gently falling, adding to the duvet of white already covering the ground. So, I thought I would add some colour to this wintry scene, in hope of brightening the day. And where better to colour our world than in a garden. In this case, I’m retracing my steps of an early April visit to Toronto’s historic Allan Gardens Conservatory. A Winter Oasis Robert McCallum‘s 1910 Edwardian conservatory is the architectural centrepiece of the Allan Gardens park. And on this day, its classically proportioned glass domes stood shining in the sun, in stark contrast to the high rises beyond.…
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The Royal Military College Memorial Arch: Truth, Duty, Valour
This past September, as I was nearing the end of my first major rowing tour in two years, I came across a monument that reminded me of Paris’ Triumphant Arc de Triomphe. You see, I was touring Ontario’s stunning Bay of Quinte and Thousand Islands. On this particular day, we had departed Kingston, Canada’s first capital, entered the mouth of the mighty St. Lawrence river, and rowed past the historic Royal Military College and Fort Henry. The sun was shining, the wind calm and the scenery breathtaking. It was a perfect day of rowing. And as our rickety school bus returned us from Gananoque, our landing point, to Kingston, I…
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The Toronto Christmas Market: An Adopted Tradition
With restrictions in place due to the COVID pandemic, Christmas festivities are quite muted this year. So I thought I would attempt to boost the holiday spirit by sharing some memories of the Toronto Christmas Market past. Started just over ten years ago, this month-long seasonal festival has quickly become a favourite of all ages. And no wonder! For not only does it light up Toronto’s historic Distillery District at the darkest time of the year, it also offers a smorgasbord of tasty treats and unique gift ideas. A Christmas Fantasyland I love visiting the Distillery District at any time, in part because it is home to my favourite local…
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The Lavender Labyrinth of Laveanne
In the shadow of Ontario’s mighty Ganaraska forest, lies a magical respite from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. And within it can be found a mystical lavender labyrinth. I’m referring to Laveanne Lavender Fields. I had the good fortune of spending a wonderful afternoon there this week with my dear friend Carla and her pixie of a grandson, Kaiden. Lush Lavender Upon our arrival, we were greeted by row upon row of gorgeous lavender shrubs, each about to reach full bloom – ten thousand of them in all! A Bee Paradise And we weren’t alone. For, happily buzzing among the cerulean blooms were, among other things, an industrious group…
