Dressing up your Patio

Having a condo style balcony does not have to be a drag. A little attention can turn it into a favourite outdoor hangout too! There are a few things to keep in mind before you revamp your outdoor space.

For starters, the materials you choose for furnishings are super important and can be the difference between a soggy mess and a long-lasting outdoor investment. Materials like resin wicker, wrought iron, teak, and plastic can handle most of the elements nature throws at them.

Aside from furniture, there are a few other elements that will help make your balcony shine. Plants are a great addition for spicing up your space. Flowers in pots that do not drain water onto your balcony and plants like bamboo, and fresh herbs are all perfect for your outdoor oasis.

Bring the indoors out.

Who says you have to stick to "outdoor" furniture? A fun idea is to use patio chair covers.  Adding a rug to your outdoor space is super cozy. Plus, you can add a pop of colour or a unique pattern to make the space more exciting. Throw in some decorative outdoor pillows to give your décor a personal touch. If you have the room, why not add a spot for both dining and lounging?

Throw in pops of colour.

Paint a flowerpot cherry red, throw around some teal cushions or incorporate bright blooms to add visual interest. Incorporating small, colourful elements makes it easy and inexpensive to change things up season to season, or even week to week, depending how quickly you get bored!

Get fancy with it!

Most balconies come standard with a simple and basic cement floor. You can make it your own with outdoor tiles that snap into place and can easily be removed for winter or if you move out. The wood version has a warm and natural appeal, but you can also go with their fancier click-into-place patterned porcelain tile. Adding a Moroccan style mosaic pattern can really spice up the look.

Light it up.

Sparkling string lights add atmospheric magic, making your space feel like a charming outdoor café. Solar lights are an ecofriendly alternative, and a great option if there's no electrical outlet outside. Find other creative ways to illuminate your balcony space like the warm candlelight from battery charged lanterns or the peaceful flickering light from battery charged candles.

What You Need to Know Before Getting Started.

Certain types of furniture or materials may not be permitted in your building and you may need to get permission for the balcony ideas you have planned. KG Group's property managers are always available to discuss any changes you would like to make in your suite or on your balcony.

Final Considerations.

Curating a balcony retreat can dramatically improve your outdoor living experience — even more so during challenging times (such as a pandemic). Regardless of what aesthetic you choose, your outdoor sanctuary is a terrific way to create a mini-escape from the comfort of your own home.

Unique ways to experience virtual FUN!

We have now moved into a new era. From stay-at-home work to virtually everything. Our lives have changed to accommodate a new wave of thinking.  Not all of us are familiar with virtual online activity. There are now options for big events such as virtual live stream music, travel, museum tours, and virtual learning.  If you want a bit of direction, here are some interesting virtual experiences that you can try out.

Virtual Learning

The learning never stops! We can now go online with the highest-level universities to upgrade our knowledge for FREE! From Yale University to the University of Toronto here is a list of a few universities that offer a variety of free online courses. Yale University, Harvard University, Stanford University, The University of Toronto, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and many more options to learn about anything that appeals to you from Technology to Mindfulness to Physics, explore and enjoy! 20 Best Free Online Certifications & Courses for 2021.

Virtual Library

Still have your library card and wondering what to do with it now? Our Toronto Public Library offers online borrowing of books for free. Whether you like fiction, non-fiction, murder mysteries, or romance, this free virtual resource is a great new way to escape into your favourite book. Reading is one of the best ways to expand your mind and now you can take part in this option from your home or anywhere!

Toronto Library LINK to register

Alternatively, Hoopla is another platform that offers free streaming for audiobooks, music, and e-books.

hoopla | streaming audiobooks, music, video & ebooks

Virtual Music

You can now experience live-streamed concerts, vocalists, or bands online. 'TO DO CANADA' has options from all across Canada on what to do virtually every month.  Super easy to use, just go to the link and sign up!

You can also try something local with Eventbrite music.  There are numerous choices for local bands to help you stay locally connected and still enjoy some of our Summer season events like the Beaches Jazz Festival.

If you are interested in traveling afar virtually….have a look at Lockdown Presents - Music Link. Virtual performers are specializing in Jazz, Opera, and Classical music. From independent vocalists to saxophones this unique site allows you to stream live from wherever you please.  

In the mood to spice it up with EDM or House music? DJ Manzone & Strong have live podcasts and live streams.  Check out these local DJ's and get hyped up any day of the week!

Virtual Wine Tasting

Being Canadian and proud we love our hockey! Although Wayne Gretzky is famous for his amazing accomplishments in hockey, I can say that the taste of his wine is delicious!  With Wayne Gretzky Estates they have virtual events from wine tasting to sampling of their other fantastic spirits such as their Maple Cask Whiskey, Canadian Cream Whisk and several varieties of craft beers. Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery is Niagara's newest wine country destination. Make it easy and order online from The Wine Shop.

Want to try more unique wines? Or choose options from around the world?! New World Wine Tours provides an option for easy delivery right to your door. Set up a cheese board, pop open a bottle, and taste wine with a sommelier featured via Zoom from the comfort of your own home. Don't want to worry about shopping? New World Wine arrange for wine and food to be delivered to your door.

Virtual Museums

Missing culture and travel? If you are like me and craving the opportunity to travel and experience the amazing culture that other countries offer this virtual opportunity is for you!

Louvre, Paris

Did you know that The Louvre Palace was created as a fortress by King Philip II in the late 12th century? The Louvre Museum is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It is best known for being the home of the Mona Lisa. A painting everyone needs to experience.  Take a tour of their art online!

AGO, Toronto

The Art Gallery of Ontario offers engaging and interactive private virtual art talks led by professional art educators. You can explore the collection through conversation and group members exchanging their ideas and observations on the selected artworks.

The Met, New York

The Met hosts several events, but one of the tops is the MET Gala.  Referred to as "fashion's biggest night out," this fundraising event has a different theme each year!  A treasury of rare and beautiful objects containing a collection of humanity's greatest accomplishments. From Edgar Degas' ballerinas  to Claude Monet's water lilies collection, it is definitely a must-see! Take a virtual tour of the MET and find an amazing way to expand your knowledge.

Rijks, Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famous for its canals, beautiful houses, 'coffee' shops, and Red-Light District, but there's plenty more to this liberal city than most visitors realize. The Rijks Museum has masterpieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer, including a small Asian collection on display in the Asian Pavilion. In addition, artifacts showcase Amsterdam's Golden Age beginnings through to recent artistic innovations. A perfect way to see the talent expressed through the media of art throughout the ages. Something you don't want to miss.

Picasso Museum, Barcelona

Picasso is one of the utmost influences on 20th-century art. Pablo Picasso often mixed various styles to create wholly new interpretations of what he saw. He was a driving force in the development of Cubism. Famous for, Guernica which was exhibited at the Spanish display at the 1937 Paris International Exposition and then at other venues worldwide. The Picasso Museum hosts a vast online catalogue of Pablo's best bits, this temple to all thing's Picasso, offers a 360-degree tour of some of the best-preserved Medieval architecture in Barcelona.

Musee d'Orsay, Paris

Musee d'Orsay is famous for its vast collection of Impressionist paintings, holding the most significant number of paintings in the world by the painters we love —Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, and Renoir. Who doesn't want to view the most unique images in the world from a beautiful location? Did you know that Musee d'Orsay was once a train station! The idea of a train station came about in 1900 when Paris planned to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

British Museum, London

This virtual experience of the British Museum is one of the most unique and fun ways to view art. The graphics on this tour are crazy; think an intergalactic guitar fretboard. Tap through a musical guide to Africa, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Europe – and play a little tune along the way. Were you aware that the British Museum houses an object over two million years old!! The Olduvai Stone Chopping Tool is one of the oldest objects in the British Museum.

Virtual Live Cameras

Everyone knows about the fireplace channel during Christmas time. There are now more options for you to experience unique get-a-ways right from the comfort of your own home. From the African elephant park to the tropical fish live feed, there is something to peak everyone's interest. Explore.org has a growing library consisting of more than 250 original films and 30,000 photographs from around the world that include live feeds ranging from tropical fish to African Mozambique Elephant Park and Zen cams in Hawaii.  A perfect way to experience new and exciting opportunities virtually!

Ripley's Toronto Aquarium

Looking for a fun, educational and local virtual adventure? Try the Ripley's Toronto Aquarium Virtual Tour!! They will teach you about the science of diving to feedings with live scuba divers. Offering 10 galleries to choose from, there is a unique and fun experience for everyone! Have a look a the Aquarium Gallery to choose your favourite underwater creature!

Virtual Rollercoasters

From Canada's Wonderland virtual rollercoasters to Tokyo's rollercoaster adventures there are many options to ride roller coasters virtually. From scary twists and turns to spinning rides endless options await for everyone. 

Who can't say that every kid or even adult has wanted to visit Disney World? You may not be able to visit in person, but there are virtual options! Explore the world of Harry Potter or take the kids to the Magic Kingdom, enjoy the theme parks virtually. Or if you want more theme park adventures like Universal Studios, visit the site Visit Orlando.

Even though these are not live rides, nothing stops you from taking an empty laundry basket and placing your tiny person inside it while streaming it on a big screen at home. The motions will be very similar. An exciting, fun, and safe way to experience a new adventure.

Exciting outdoor adventures!

Looking for an adventure outdoors that is super fun and will keep you healthy and safe? Want to break free of that day to day indoor stay-at-home EVERYTHING! Try one of Toronto's amazing bike trails.  Now more then ever, bike riding has become a way to stay healthy, fit and to enjoy our beautiful Toronto weather and scenery while remaining socially distant. 

From trails starting as close as Mt. Pleasant and Moore to the Beaches, your options are endless! Don't have a bike? No problem, Bike Share Toronto has numerous pick up and drop off locations all conveniently located throughout City.  There's even a location right next to 18 Erskine! To learn more, please visit Bike Share Toronto at https://bikesharetoronto.com/

Check out a few of these trails……you will not be disappointed!!

Beltline Trail and Moore Park Ravine

Length: 9 km

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/walking-hiking/trails/

Surround yourself in a mature maple-beech forested boardwalk area that extends from Bayview Avenue to where the brook joins the West Don River in Sunnybrook Park. A stunning path through woods famous for golden autumn colours. It's paw-fect for you and your furry friends with an off-leash dog park near the entrance.

Crothers Woods

Length 10 km

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/walking-hiking/trails/

The unique trail of Crothers Woods offers hiking and mountain-biking trails through the woods and wildflowers. This one is for all the mountain bikers out there (do not attempt these trails with city or road bikes). Being located right by the riverside near the Don River Valley it is an amazing way to feel as if you are right in the heart of a country scene in a movie. The endless 52 hectares covered with woodland, meadows, wetlands, and interesting historical and present day features, this is definitely a good way to see old Toronto.

Moccasin Trail Park

Length 3.7 km

Fresh air, blue skies, the feeling of grass between your toes, and a basket full of goodies! Roll up the checkered blanket, pack up some treats, and don't forget the bug spray! With the warm weather upon us, picnic season has officially begun! Now more than ever, this classic pastime has become the latest trend in spending some quality (socially distanced) time together.

Hosting a picnic can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. For essential items, there's the blanket, basket and all-important bevvies. Sure, the menu can range from sandwiches to cheese and crackers or a full-on MasterChef feast, but the most important element of a perfect picnic is the location. Parks are a great go-to destination for finding a spot on the grass, but if you want to add a little extra pizzazz to your picnic game, check out our picks for the best areas to enjoy a fun afternoon in the shade or sun.

THE CLASSIC PICNIC PARKS

Trinity Bellwoods – Hip and happening, it's officially and literally a scene of social circles with lots of space to spread out your blanket, catch some rays, make a splash in the wading pool, or simply keep a lookout for the park's infamous white squirrel.

High Park – Discover a natural haven with over 400 acres, in Toronto's largest and oldest park. Explore extensive hiking trails, visit the museum or zoo, and then find your perfect spot by the pond, under a cherry blossom tree, or in 18 designated picnic areas.

Withrow Park – Located just off the Danforth in Greektown (grab some souvlaki to go) this park is a hub for celebrating culture. Fully stocked with baseball fields, outdoor tennis courts, a volleyball court, a wading pool, an off-leash dog area, and a playground. In addition, there's the very popular "Dusk Dances" to enjoy – an enchanting outdoor dance festival that makes people picnic at dusk.

AN ISLAND GETAWAY

Ward's Island Beach – Hop on the ferry with your picnic essentials and head over to the easternmost part of Centre Island. Here you will find a charming, quiet island community vibe, with a lengthy sandy beach that invites a refreshing dip in the lake.

LAKESIDE LUNCHES

Scarborough Bluffs – Set a place to picnic amongst some of the area's most breathtaking scenery, with wildflower meadows and incredible views of the escarpment and lake. Wander the pathways through nine parks along the bluffs, making sure to stop at Bluffer's Park and score one of the few picnic tables along its sandy beach.

THIS WAY TO THE BEACHES

KEW - Balmy Beach - KEW Garden is a lively public venue in the Beaches neighbourhood, with lots of grassy spots and a central bandstand. Just a few feet away, KEW Beach connects with Balmy Beach, inviting a picturesque sandy escape featuring man-made rock "fingers", reaching out into the lake to preserve the narrow beach.

Woodbine Beach – Picnic while witnessing a great serve!  This active waterfront beach is home to over 90 beach volleyball courts, with plenty of sand for sunbathing and swimming too!

Cherry Beach – Pet-friendly picnics welcome!  This part of the waterfront has more of a grassy presence with picnic tables and grills. There's plenty of sand, and the water's great for SUP and surfboarding post picnic.

HIKE, BIKE & BASKET

Etienne Brule Park – Work up an appetite for your picnic by cycling the trails along the Humber River in Toronto's west end. Find the perfect spot to fish before heading to one of the many picnic points.

Don River Valley Park – Find the perfect forested spot along this 200-hectare trail that runs alongside the river from Pottery Road south to Corktown Common. Hop off at the Evergreen Brickworks and pick up some fresh food from the farmers' market as you continue on the trails.

A GARDEN PICNIC

Toronto Music Garden –Nothing says romance like a garden setting with classical music. Enjoy both as well as beautiful views of Lake Ontario, in this picture-perfect place for a picnic date. Artistically landscaped to reflect Bach's work, the park hosts summer music in the garden as well as guided tours.

BEST SUNSET VIEWS

Riverdale Park East – Perfect for picnics and late-night lounging under the stars, cuddle up hillside or grab a bench at the top of this famous hill, and take in one of the best sunset views of the city skyline.

Freshen up for spring!

Yes it's been a long winter, you've been cooped up inside forever, and you've become BFFs with all the dust bunnies under the bed.  Come out from hibernation because the countdown to spring is on and that means it's time to clean up your act…or at least your apartment! Now is the perfect time to make tidy & toss your mantra so you can celebrate the arrival of spring!

Sure, doing chores isn't the most fun you'll ever have, but you'll feel great when you can cross it all off your to-do list. Speaking of lists, first and foremost begin by putting together the ultimate cleaning playlist to move you to shake that mop and booty! So put on your grubbiest grubs, rock those rubber gloves, and get set to become a mean cleaning machine with these handy tips that will get the job done.
 

Make a TO-DO list

From Molly Maids to Martha Stewart there are lots of great Spring Cleaning Checklists online for inspiration on where to start. Get organized and get a plan in place today!  Check the best printable spring cleaning checklists on The Spruce
 

Stock up on supplies

No excuses that you don't have what you need in your home! Make sure you gather all your supplies and equipment beforehand. Consider using green cleaning products, or even better make your own with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. 

Clear out the clutter

Go room by room and open every drawer, closet, and container with the intent to purge!  If you haven't worn a piece of clothing in over a year make a pile to donate. Store seasonal clothing and items in bins to give space, go through your desk papers, magazine piles, scraps of who knows why you saved it and either keep it in a file or trash it. Toss out expired cosmetics and toiletries and for larger items that you just don't want anymore – consider selling or donating to a local charity. 

Top to bottom clean

Now that everything is neat and tucked away it's time to start at the top and work down. Look up …begin by dusting/washing upper cabinets, shelves, and tops of picture frames. Move down the wall onto bookshelves, hanging art pieces, and clocks. Next dust surfaces, polish wood furniture, and vacuum upholstered furniture. Lastly, dust the baseboards, sweep the floors, and vacuum area rugs.

The Big 3 – Go big and go deep clean! 

The Kitchen

Clear out expired food in the fridge, freezer, and cupboards. Wipe down the cupboards, soak the faucet in vinegar and consider reorganizing your dry goods into containers to keep things tidy and fresh. Give all the appliances a good cleaning.  Also treat yourself to new dish rags, sponges, and tea towels!

The Bathroom

Clear out the vanity, wipe down the mirror, clean the tub, and tackle the toilet. For a sparkling, germ-free space you'll also want to scrub the tile and grout where mildew can form, as well as descale the shower head by soaking it in warm vinegar for a few hours. Also replace the shower curtain liner regularly.

The Bedroom

Create a sanctuary of serenity with a thorough decluttering and dusting.  Consider a closet organizer system to keep everything in its place.  Launder the bedding and pillows, plus sanitize your mattress by sprinkling it with baking soda then vacuum. 

Final touches

Beautiful to look at, great to smell and offering your home a little bit of fresh air, fresh flowers make a room feel special and your home smell great. Along with flowers, flickering flames are the king of home ambience, casting light and a feeling of warmth. Scented candles add a nice smell to a home, too. 

Now go out and treat yourself to some tulips because you're ready for spring!

Have the winter blahs got you down? Are you bored of spending time indoors? Does it feel like your walls starting to close in on you? With the advantage of extra free time on our hands these days, now is the perfect chance to add a little personality and pizzazz to your place with some easy DIY projects that will brighten up your everyday.

Even if you aren't especially crafty or handy, here are a few simple ideas to inspire your imagination and creativity.

Pot a plant
Green up your scene by bringing a little bit of nature indoors with potted plants. For those without a green thumb, cactus and succulents are fairly low maintenance. Choose from a variety of planters, from teacups and tin cans to colourful plastic and classic terra cotta or retro macramé hanging plant holders that look great and save space. 
 

Show your walls some love
Whether you're a budding Picasso, a snappy photographer, or prefer to support local artists, you can easily create a unique showpiece by hanging some art. Gather a gallery of themed or eclectic prints, mix up the sizes and frames and make this easy display picture rail as a focal point in your room.  Check out how at Juniper Home Blog. 

Welcome yourself home
Set the scene for a happy arrival with an easy to make doormat. Simply pick up an affordable sisal mat at your local dollar store, along with some craft paint and stencils, or let your creativity go wild free hand. Check out Sarah Hearts' blog for some more unique ideas.

Have a sweeter sleep
Bring some style to your slumber with a stunning headboard. No need to spend hundreds of dollars, simply pick up a few rubber doormats, decide on a colour theme, and this DIY dream easily becomes a reality! Check out this Moroccan style design for inspiration!  

Fake a linen closet
No linen closet in your bathroom? No problem! Create some extra storage space with style by attaching baskets to the wall for a spot to stash extra towels and washcloths.

Here's looking at you
Mirrors are an easy way to update your space. They reflect light which helps make rooms appear bigger and brighter. Almost anything can be used to reframe a mirror, from fabric and beads to driftwood, baskets and more. Scratch and Stitch have a few more ideas to inspire your imagination. 

Pamper your pillows - Whether brightly coloured, boldly patterned, or neutral, pillows add instant style to a sofa, chair, or piled on the floor. Update old tired pillows with these easy no-sew DIY tips by Monica Skov.  

Step up your shelving
Looking for a cool idea that saves space, creates style and gives you somewhere to display things? A single or double ladder is just the thing. Easy to refinish, stain or paint, blankets and magazines look great on a single rack, while books, plants, or a display of your collectable knickknacks create instant interest. Here's an easy DIY hint HGTV shared. 

Bench it
Practical and fashionable, this DIY bench is the perfect place to tie your shoe, toss your keys, or add an easy accent piece to display plants, books or pillows. From rustic to retro, brightly painted or even decoupage, simply attach hairpin legs to a piece of wood and create a little style nook. Check out how on Garrison Street Design Studio blog! 

Pretty up old pieces
Give that old desk, tabletop, mirror frame, or even appliance an instant make-over with easy to apply contact paper or vinyl wallpaper. With hundreds of patterns from nature-inspired and vintage prints to abstract and retro designs, the possibilities are endless! Learn more over at the Wallpaper from the 70's blog!