Hey guys! Back again with a little PUPPY LOVE! Rudie has been going to the dog park every morning since the weather has improved. He loves it, because he gets to play, I love it, because it tires him out. He can be a little monster sometimes - he just has so much energy!

It has been a rainy Sunday here in Toronto, but in the few moments of sunshine that streamed through our windows this afternoon, Rudie snuggled up in his favourite chair to soak up some rays.

I was working on my laptop and looked over to find Rudie looking like this (photo to the right). His face is all smooshed up and snuggled into his paws.. I actually squealed and giggled, because it was so cute. I just wanted to hug him.

Of course minutes after this photo was taken he tried to eat my macaroni + cheese, barked at the neighbours walking in the hall, and stole my sock. That's just my little angel / monster / schnookum pie.

Hey guys! So I love exploring my neighbourhood, and there are tons of local gems that I think the world (ahem.. the internet) should hear about. So I have decided to introduce a LOCAL LOVE feature. Maybe it's the best brunch spot in The Junction, the best place to get a craft beer in the West End, or a cute little boutique filled with the best knick knacks - I love my neighbourhood, and I want to share it with you (because I think you'll love it too)!

As I mentioned yesterday, I've been on quite the cherry blossom kick this past week. I'm pretty sure the whole city has (at least according to everyone's instagram photos). So I thought, what better way to begin LOCAL LOVE, than with the Japanese Cherry Blossom (or Sakura) trees in Toronto's High Park?

About a 10 minute walk from my apartment door, High Park is located in Toronto's West End. It is Toronto's largest public park, and is home to a small zoo, lots of green space, pools, a HUGE leash free zone/trail for dogs, a restaurant, much more + of course the Sakura trees!

Apparently the first Japanese Cherry tree planted in High Park was given as a gift by the citizens of Tokyo in 1959! Another fun fact, the cherry blossoms are edible... Mmm... I haven't tried them, but I'm sure they are light and fragrant, and would make the perfect addition to a springtime cocktail, beverage or confection. The cherry blossom is a symbol of femininity, elegance, and the fragility of life. There's something really beautiful about that...

Thanks to my lovely photographer friend, Chloe Norman for the photo of me! The other two are my own photos.