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“Writing helped me discover my parents and my legacy”: An Interview with Alexandra Risen
In a nutshell, Unearthed is a memoir, it’s about a garden, it’s about a family. But as you start to sift through its pages, you come to an easy conclusion that Unearthed, above all, is a love letter, from a child to its parents, from a woman to the garden that ultimately heals her. Alexandra Risen had always loved reading and dreamt of writing books someday. But it wasn’t until the past 10 years, when Alexandra—formerly a seasoned corporate executive and currently one of three co-founders of the non-profit online literary magazine Don’t Talk to Me About Love—took writing seriously. And she finally found the words for her debut novel…
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5 Indoor Plants for Low Light
The gardens on the Danforth are spectacular. As a newcomer to the area, and as someone who used to work at a nursery, the beautiful gardens and stunning landscapes that made up the neighbourhood were one of the first things I noticed. Even the planters lining Danforth Avenue in the summer are gorgeous. Unfortunately, not everyone can have an outdoor garden, and as fall turns into winter, seasoned gardeners are forced to retreat indoors. Still, the frozen landscape doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy our own little gardens indoors. Check out some of the fabulous nurseries surrounding the Danforth (like Kleinburg Nursery) and pick up one (or all) of these hard-to-kill, low-light loving plants. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis…
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Get Back Into Biking
Although winter this year has been mild enough to keep even the less than avid cyclist on the road for the majority of the season, most of us are eagerly awaiting those longer, warmer days of spring. Torontonians, on the whole, have embraced this efficient, clean, and fun way to get around; but while choosing the bike as a primary mode of transportation can be difficult for many, there is something to be said about its use recreationally. Opt for Trails and Pathways While the city debates over how to expand its on-street bike network, and those brave enough deal with the often stressful, although rewarding commute through these traffic-laden…
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The Work Initiative Network Focus on Mental Health
Serving over 37 thousand people across East Toronto, Woodgreen Community Services has a variety of programs, such as child care assistance, immigration services, and employment resources. The programs fall into a few different sections: Children and Youth, Health and Wellness, Homeward Bound, Seniors, Employment, Housing, and Immigrant Settlement. The Work Initiative Network (WIN) falls into the Health and Wellness section. This program helps people who have dealt with long-term mental health challenges return to the workforce by focusing on employment training. It works on a referral basis, as it is a partnership program with the Michael Garron Hospital, CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Alternatives, Woodgreen, and Reconnect. WIN works closely…
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Healthy and Delicious Planet
Go Green and Get Healthy at Healthy Planet! By Meghan Gribben I have stopped by Healthy Planet on the Danforth a few times since I have started at Centennial College. There aren’t many great food places near the school; there’s mainly fastfood joints with few vegetarian options. Healthy Planet, though, is local, convenient, and healthy. Healthy Planet is a grocery store as well as an eatery. Specifically, they sell “vitamins, supplements, health, and beauty” products. They are committed to healthy foods and a greener environment. They only deal with socially responsible manufactures and distributors. This is the kind of grocery where you can get coconut oil, kale chips, and an organic juice smoothie—all…
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6 Things to do at a Farmers’ Market
Head to Withrow Park’s Saturday morning market in May for a not-so-typical trip to the bazaar.
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Ecofinery: Local one-of-a-kind Jewellery
Local jewellery designer Breeze Romain crafts beautiful new treasures from other people's trash. Featured in the spring issue of On The Danforth, Ecofinery pieces are one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly gems.
