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    Dog Parks for East-Enders

    It won’t be ruff for your pooch to make friends in these parks BY ANISSA STAMBOULI Owning a dog in the city can be tough, and providing an energetic dog with proper exercise and social interaction can be extremely time-consuming, depending on your location. On the Danforth has compiled this list of East-end, off-leash dog parks where your canine companion can play catch,  frisbee, or even get their energy out playing with other dogs while you sit back and relax. F (Fenced-in) Gerrard Carlaw Parkette | 855 Gerrard St. E | F While this park is small, it’s quite busy with other dog-walkers and their pets. If your dog plays well with others,…

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    So, You Want to Board the Yoga Train?

    How to join the yoga craze—without feeling like a total newb BY ANISSA STAMBOULI If you’re all about the Lululemon look but have yet to hit the mat, it’s not too late to make yoga a lifestyle—not just a fashion statement. As someone who values a tough fitness routine at the gym, I always viewed yoga as a stretching gig for those seeking relaxation and flexibility; however, after doing some research and trying yoga myself, I’ve come to realize that it’s more layered than I thought. For me, yoga has become a non-intensive way to unwind at the end of the day, mentally and physically, all the while gently toning…

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    The Active & Outdoor Guide for Torontonians

    Don’t let winter scare you away from outdoor fitness and recreation in the city BY ANISSA STAMBOULI Staying active in the winter, whether for fitness or recreational purposes, can be hard to manage in the city. Between the slush and salt, the streets of Toronto aren’t exactly enticing for those seeking an outdoor adventure. Ro Leitner, a student in Brock University’s Recreation and Leisure Studies program with a focus on the outdoors, shared her tips with On the Danforth readers.   What are your favourite outdoor winter activities? If time allows, snowshoeing and snowboarding; however, winter hikes/walks, runs and indoor spin classes are my go-to. For Torontonians hoping to stay…

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    Lower Body Blaster

    Moderate and advanced exercises for toning your lower body BY ANISSA STAMBOULI If you spend most of your day sitting in class or at work, or while away the winter hours on your couch watching Netflix (no judging), then your glutes and thighs may be due for a tune-up. The following exercise should take between 45-60 minutes, including light stretching at the end. Be sure to warm up with at least five minutes of non-intensive cardio or stretching, and have a bottle of water and some upbeat music on hand (OTD TIP: Girl Talk, All Day) *Most of the following are intervals, meaning you will do the first exercise, and then jump…

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    Looking for a Holiday Hobby?

    How To Make Unique Soaps from Home, On a Budget BY AISHA STAMBOULI, Service Enhancement Consultant & Urban homesteader What You’ll Need: · Goat milk & glycerin base             · Essential oils (try wintry scents                   like nutmeg, peppermint or pine)                                          · Soap molds or small Tupperware containers Making soap can be simple, given the proper ingredients. I enjoy using a goat milk and glycerin base, which can be purchased at Michaels or at a similar crafts store. Next,…

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    Don’t Run Your Feet into the Ground

    How shoes contribute to your head-to-toe health BY ANISSA STAMBOULI   A person’s confidence is reflected in the way that they carry themselves. Matching shoes to a style of life is very important, but so is matching shoes to a pair of feet. Whether you’re athletic, chic, or casual, having the proper shoe can make all the difference in your physical well-being and performance. “Get your shoe measured properly by an expert. We spend so much time in our shoes that the wrong fit will kill your day,” wrote Running Room is a great place to have your feet evaluated. By observing the way you walk and the arch of…

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    Plan, Execute, Measure

    A Guide to Social Networking for Small Businesses BY LAURA McREYNOLDS   For small businesses, it can be difficult to maintain an online presence.  Although most small businesses lack a dedicated communications team, Chris Conrath, a teacher in Centennial College’s Corporate Communications program, explains that small businesses maintain an advantage over corporations because they are part of a community. So how can you exercise this advantage in your business? 1. Plan The first step in any social media endeavour is to plan. The purpose of having a presence on social media is to bring customers in to your store. To do this, set goals for what you hope to achieve. How…

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    Café Review: Goat Coffee Co.

    “Sex, drugs, & rock n’ roll Just coffee for me, thanks!” Such reads one of the many quirky invitations chalked onto the sidewalk sign outside of Centennial Collegecampus around the corner, Goat Coffee has easily become my go-to spot in Pape Village. Not only does the vintage-styled lighting call to me, but also the interior atmosphere of wood and red brick, which commands me to pull up a chair and borough into my books for the next hour. Local couple Anna and Damian Michaelidis, who opened the café this passed October, can frequently be found behind the espresso bar. Damian’s excitement for the joint is clear; he offers menu suggestions…

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    Brew From Home Like a Barista

    Dropping in at your local café every morning is great, but let’s face it—the price of having a barista prepare your morning fix can add up. Sometimes it’s nice to just kick back for the morning and enjoy a nice cup of joe at home. Cliff Hansen, Head Roaster for Ottawa’s Bridgehead chain, called in with tips for making the perfect brew in your own kitchen, no barista necessary. When asked about his go-to method for brewing at home, Hansen mentioned his Chemex method. Hansen combines the Chemex with an clever dripper: “It gives you the freedom to do a longer bloom for fresher coffees—it also does a great extraction…