More Spring Colour at High Park

The Forsythia bushes and Magnolia trees were also bursting with spring colour during my visit to High Park this past Saturday. The Forsythia blooms in a bright splash of golden yellow.

This magnolia tree was in full bloom, covered in unique pink and white blossoms. I love the way they reach up to the sunshine.

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.

Japanese Cherry Trees Bloom in High Park

I've been wanting to visit High Park since last spring, and yesterday was the perfect opportunity for a leisurely walk through the Japanese cherry tree groves. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the cameras were out in abundance to capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms. My photos are from the grove of cherry trees donated by Yoriki and Midori Iwasaki in 1984, located towards the quieter southeast area of the park. Enjoy!!!

All photos by Pamela Graham for Cherish Toronto.

Toronto's Kingsway South Neighbourhood

After this morning's visit to the Kingsway-Lambton Flea Market I took a stroll though the exclusive Kingsway South neighbourhood. The residential streets are lined with beautiful homes, and I couldn't resist taking photos of my favourites. I could totally live there (check the last photo), but properties in this area start at a cool million. I'd better start saving my pennies!!!

This home has my name on it!!!
#9 Strath Avenue:

This Weekend in Toronto

Looking for something to do this Saturday morning? Why not hit the Kingsway-Lambton Flea Market? The sale starts at 8 am and runs until just 1 pm, which means that getting up early is a requirement. I'm not much of an morning person, but judging from the photos of years past, it will be worth the effort to get there early. And don't forget to bring cash!!

Hello, can you say Treasure Trove?

The Details

Where: Kingsway-Lambton United Church
85 The Kingsway

When: Saturday, April 24th
8 am to 1 pm

Home to Flip: Galley Kichen

I love this kitchen!! Peter, I think you did an amazing job in this space. Most people want an open kitchen concept, but I don't do a lot of cooking, and this galley kitchen would be perfect for me. It's compact, it's modern, it's sleek and it's functional. This example proves that bigger is not always better, since because of this kitchen's smaller size, Peter was able to afford high end appliances and finishes. My favourite detail? The glass tile backsplash.

The Before

Photos courtesy of HGTV Canada

Sarah's House 3 Episode 7

With two kids bedrooms to decorate this week on Sarah's House, Sarah decided that it would be best for her and Tommy to take charge of one room each. Although the original intention was to work independently, Sarah and Tommy work best as a team, and they still consulted with each other before finalizing colour schemes, fabric choices and furniture purchases. The scheme for Sarah's girl's room was inspired by a bright floral fabric, while Tommy chose a fresh fern fabric as a jumping off point for the boys' room.

Key expenditures:
Girls room headboard $1200
Boys room wing chair purchase & reupholstering $1000

Total Budget for both rooms: $20,000
Actual Spent: $19,100

The Girl's Room

The Boys' Room

All photos courtesy of HGTV Canada

Sarah's House 3 Episode 6

The largest room of the new addition to Sarah's House in the country was the subject of last night's episode. This living room measures a generous 24 feet by 20 feet, and will be the most important room in the house; a place to gather, play games, read and relax. With such an expansive space, a large number of furniture pieces were required to fill the room, and Sarah did a lot of shopping at flea markets and auction to stay close to budget.

Sarah's advice for a space as large as this living room is to decorate by using several individual vignettes within the room. She also advises us to think of various ways to "harness the views" by placing furniture near windows.

Budget: $25,000 (decor only)
Actual: $26,715

Tommy's coat of arms as a unique alternative to art.
(The jury is still out on this one.)

All photos courtesy of HGTV Canada.

Watch Sarah's House 3 video online here.