Laurel Richards Hair

After weeks of planning, I was finally able to drop by Laurel Richards Hair in Ajax and snap some photos. Laurel Richards Hair is a charming Durham Region hair studio, located in south Ajax, which provides hair and spa services, along with beautiful gifts – anything from hand made soaps, jewellery to makeup bags.

Laurel Richards – the owner and master colourist – is not only a master at her craft, but truly a fantastic person. A couple of years ago, she assisted me in a Hallowe’en food drive I ran called Trick or Eat … and to be more specific, she didn’t even hesitate when I asked; she was onboard with excitement right away! Ever since then, I’ve found a deep respect for her and the business she runs. Not only is she valued for the services her company provides, but for the kind work she does with the community.


Laurel Richards Hair Ajax Laurel Richards Hair Ajax Laurel Richards Hair Ajax

In addition to top notch service, Laurel Richards’ business also brings the latest products from places like New York City – so if you can’t find something at a big box store, be sure to swing by their studio at 487 Westney Road South. I guess it’s no wonder why they’ve been named Best Hair Salon Ajax-Pickering more than once.

Laurel Richards Hair Ajax Laurel Richards Hair Ajax Laurel Richards Hair Ajax

Pickering Village Jazzberry Tea House

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

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

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

“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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