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Pickering Village Jazzberry Tea House

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Today, I was introduced to Pickering Village’s Jazzberry Tea House, a fantastic tea house located in the heart of Ajax. The small and quint shop offers High Tea in their private Victorian style room, and holds open mic and poetry nights. I enjoyed a perfect cup of Chocolate Mint tea … tasted great.

Just a note for parents, if you have little ones, the business’ website also says they offer a 90-minute Princess Tea, with Snow White, Cinderella, Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, Aurora, Tinkerbell, and Alice in Wonderland – how cute, right? The shop is a truly terrific local tea house to meet with friends, read a book (they offer free WiFi) or just stop by for a quick drink – and they offer quite an array! I highly recommend it.


Pickering Village Jazzberry Tea House Pickering Village Jazzberry Tea House

Weekly Challenge: Skyscrapers

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In an attempt to improve our photography, ExP (Exposed Planet) has proposed a weekly photo challenge. This week’s theme: skyscrapers. For this image, I’ve chosen to post a photo of the Toronto skyline. These photos were taken near the Sound Academy on Polson Street, right near Lakeshore Blvd.

Want to participate in our photo challenge? Tweet me at @Emilyjsantos! Hopefully, we can expand this and improve on our techniques together! =)


Skydiving at the Parachute School of Toronto

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On May 27, at approximately 12:01 p.m., I jumped out of a plane for the second time. For this adventure, I went with Judy (my cousin) and I went skydiving The Parachute School of Toronto in Baldwin, Ontario. It was a great day to jump and this time I was matched with Bill – a fantastic, fun and really enjoyable person to guide you through the experience.

I am hoping to eventually do a solo jump, perhaps in another year’s time.

The following photos were snapped by PST photographers.


Skydiving at the Parachute School of Toronto Skydiving at the Parachute School of Toronto

My hometown

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“When I see the lights of my hometown, I feel like the world stops spinning ’round. Everything makes sense, maybe it’s the innocence. I know it’s just a few miles down the road. I’m getting there as fast as I can go. I can always find peace of mind … in the lights of my hometown.” – Aaron Lines


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Baker Farmhouse

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Located on Reesor Road in Markham, On. stands an old and enchanting farmhouse. My Great Great Uncle Stanley Baker lived there until the early 1970’s, when the Canadian government expropriated the land for a new Pickering International Airport.

The 40-year-old airport debate continues to strike controversy; however, a recent study said the city might need an airport between 2027 and 2037. Former Liberal Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland has always been a strong opponent of the Pickering Airport, blasting the federal government. Current Conservative MP Chris Alexander has been quoted saying, “[I’m] personally 100 per cent against the airport, because the study showed there just is no demand for it.”

Today, the farmhouse remains on its last legs – windows smashed, wood rotting and grass overgrown. Although, it’s original charm, like the green fence and the white window frames can still be seen upon close examination.

This farmhouse will likely be torn down very soon. Before we bid the home adieu, my mom and I travelled there to take some photos and to reminisce about the old days.


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