My Favourite things to do in Toronto this Winter

If you're in town for a week, a weekend or just 24 hours......
Here's MY guide of things I love to do in the city both indoors and out:

If you didn't know then you'll soon find out that we Torontonian's LOVE to go out for brunch on the weekends.

Here's my favourite places to brunch:

1. Blue Grass Brunch at The Dakota Tavern


2. La Cubana
Delicious Cuban food and great decor.

3. Old School
Make reservations if you decide to check out this hotspot. So many things to choose from; pulled pork on waffles to burgers. Yummy town!

4. Colette Grand Cafe'
This cafe reflects the essences of Parisian style foods & decor.

Favourite Spots For Dinner:
1. Terroni
They have a few locations in the city but this is the one I always head to.
In my opinion it's the best pizza in the city. Love the Natalina. It's the best. Ask for hot peppers to top off your slices. They have a cute little dry and preserves area where you can buy some of their tasty treats (great for house warming gifts)
Everything is AMAZING on the menu but, if I'm not feeling like pizza, I then go to another favourite
Pappardelle alla Iosa - homemade spicy sausage, button & oyster mushrooms, peas, parmigiano, extra-virgin olive oil


Chinatown! Great food and amazing little shops to check out.
Favourite Chinese Restaurant:
2. New Sky Restaurant
Address: 353 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2G3
Phone:(416) 596-8787

3. My favourite burgers and fries:
The Burger's Priest




Fave Spots for Drinks!
1. Mill Street Brewery (also serves food)
Located in what's called the Distillery District there's lots of shops and restaurants around there too.

2. Indie Ale House

3. Sweaty Betty's

Address: 13 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 1H1
Phone:(416) 535-6861

Fave Spots For Late Night Eats: 
1. The Lakeview

2. Thompson Diner




Things To Do:
Visit Niagara Falls
This wonder of the world is just over 1hr away by car and, no matter what time of year you visit, it's always breath taking.

Canadian Falls 

                                                                                   U.S.A Falls 

Other Things To Do:
1. Tour Graffiti Alley
We have some amazing Artists that make their artistic mark on the walls of the city. Graffiti Alley (just type in Graffiti Alley, Toronto, ON M5V into google maps) is well known in our city. There's also a group that gives tours but I like to wing it and go exploring on my own. The best thing also is that the art is always changing so if you pop back in a few days, weeks, months later you'll see something new!
Here's some of the pictures I took while strolling though Graffiti Alley:

2. DJ Ice Skating Nights on the Toronto Harbour Front

3. Take a Walk In High Park (there's also a mini zoo)

4. The Distillery District
Stroll through this Historic District and checkout the various shops & restaurants. Also check out Soulpepper Theatre Company for plays and musical performances.

5. The AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario)

6. The ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)

7. Spin - Ping Pong Bar

8. Winterlicious : January 29th - February 11th
Winterlious is a culinary event that happens annually. During the event well known restaurants throughout the city offer a limited menu of prix fixe dinners at a discount from it's everyday prices. The prices are usually $15, $20 or $25 for lunch and $25, $35 or $45 for dinner. Drinks & tip are extra.
The event gives locals & visitors a chance to try these restaurants which some are known to be quite pricey at a responsible rate. 

TIFF Bell Lightbox
There are 5 cinema and 2 galleries.

My Favorite Concert Venues:
I'm a huge music lover & enjoy checking out live music with my friends. We have tons of great acts that come though this city as well as tons of talented, local artists that will rock your socks off too! Checkout the venue websites for events and concert listings.

1. Danforth Music Hall

                                          La Roux at Danforth Music Hall


2. Massey Hall

3. The MOD Club

4. Horseshoe Tavern

5. Lee's Palace



Favorite Places to Shop:

1. Favourite Shoe Store :
Heel Boy

2. Favourite Home Decor:
Morba

3. Cool Store For Housewarming Gifts and Home Decor/Gadgets:
Bergo

4. Favourite Store for Greeting Cards and Trinkets
Scout
Located on a street called Roncesvalles this neighbourhood has lots of shops and restaurants. It's known as the Polish neighbourhood.

Favourite Streets to Stroll:
1. Roncesvalles

2. Queen Street West

3. Bloor Street

To find out or share what's happening in your neighbourhood          please visit Eventbrite. It's also a great place for planning your own events.

                                                                                            

DIY: Holiday Ornaments Using Crayons

I love making gifts for friends and family for the holidays. Here's a super and fun craft project/gift idea you can make this holiday season using crayons!!!

You Will Need: 

- Crayons

- Exacto knife

- Clear plastic or glass bulbs 

- Hair dryer

How To Make: 

1. Pick your crayons in your desired colour palette you can use broken crayons you may have around the house. I found shaving them with an exact knife created fine flakes and made it easier to melt and also loved the flaky look. If your flakes are too big you can also break up into smaller pieces with your finger tips.

2. Take your clear ball and remove the top.

3. Place your small shaved pieces of crayon inside the ball.

4. Once you have filled your ball, place the top back on.

5. Take your hair dryer and aim at the ball. Make sure to constantly rotate your ball in order to evenly coat the inside of your ball with your bits of crayon. You may want to use gloves as the ball does get hot especially the metal topper. 

*NOTE: If you are using the plastic balls they will melt as well due to the heat so make sure to rotate fast and keep an eye on maintaining their shape at the same time melting the crayon bits as well. 

6. Once all your pieces start to adhere to the ball and leaves a desired pattern you're done!

The longer you heat, the crayons will eventually melt together and give a milky/stain glass appearance which also looks pretty. Heres what each style will look like. 

Be creative and have fun!

xo

Desta 

Apple Cider Sangria

This weekend I whipped up this delicious cocktail for me and the girls for our Saturday afternoon crafting bonanza. It was a hit and will definitely be making it again over the holidays. 

See the recipe below....

You Will Need:

• 1 Bottle of chilled prosecco (or champagne, I prefer prosecco) 
• 2 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1 Cup of club soda 
• 1/2 cup amaretto 
• 2 Apples, sliced 
• Cinnamon sticks, for garnish (optional) 

How To Make:

1. In a large pitcher, add the prosecco, apple cider, club soda, and amaretto.
2. Stir and add apple slices 
3. Place 1-2 apple slices (not required but it looks pretty) and 1 cinnamon stick (also not a requirement but takes things up a notch) into glass and pour. 

           Happy holidays!

           xo Desta 

Desta's Grilled Peach Summer Salad

Ingredients:
2 firm ripe peaches halved and pitted
4 cups baby mixed greens with arugula
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 ball buffalo mozzarella
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Unsalted almond slices


Dressing:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat BBQ
2. Rub cut side of peaches with olive oil, season with salt & pepper
3. Place peaches cut side down on the grill and grill for 4 minutes (slightly charred and soft)
4. Transfer peaches onto cutting board
5. Mix dressing and set aside
6. Toast almond slices in small frying pan (watch! they burn fast)
7. In a large salad bowl toss baby mixed greens & red onion with dressing
8. Slice peaches and mozzarella
9. Divide mixed greens and plate, then top with sliced peaches,mozzarella, red onion and sprinkle toasted almond slices on top.
10. Enjoy!!! xo

Desta's Fresh Baked Cherry Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

2 frozen pie shells (you can make fresh but these taste great and cut down on time)

4 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup white sugar

4 cups pitted cherries

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 tablespoons cold butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) & take out frozen pie shells from freezer. Take one out of pie pan and place upside down on a cutting board and let deflate until flattened.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine tapioca, salt, sugar, cherries and vanilla. Let stand 15 minutes. With a slotted spoon, spoon out mixture into bottom pie shell and dot with cold butter. 

3. With a sharp knife cut your top deflated pie crust into 1" strips, start with the middle/longest strip in the centre over your cherry filled base and work your way out, use 1/2 of the top for one direction of your pie crust and use the remaining 1/2 for the other direction weaving in and out like a basket or you can always simply place strips over top of each other still looks/works great! Trip your edges with a knife if needed.

4. Place your pie on a foiled cookie sheet in case it bubbles over and drips

5. Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven until, golden brown. Let cool for a couple of hours to allow the filling to set.

6. ENJOY! xo

MY Summer Sleep Essentials

Welcome to my boudoir in my downtown Toronto home. When summer starts creeping in it’s time to switch over all things warm and heavy for bright and light. 

Here’s what my bed looks like in the winter months:

I have a neutral base to my bedroom that can be built upon all year round starting with my linen headboard which I made myself (Make sure to check out my blog post: How To Make A Linen Headboard!)

The rest of my space has light furniture, carpet, walls (painted Collingwood OC-28 by Benjamin Moore), and white cellular cordless blinds (available at Home Depot cheap, cut in store and easy to install) which I love for privacy but also lets in beautiful diffused light. I also love and keep my Charcoal Velvet Curtains  up all year round as they block out street lights, sun rises and also do a fab job keeping the cold out during the winter and heat during the summer months. Also, I just love they way they look flanking, framing & giving height to my windows. 

I HATE dusting so when it comes to having items on surfaces (like my sides tables) or in the rest of my house I keep things to a minimum.

I use the drawers in my side table to house all my bedside essentials that I like to keep close by like my iPad, Olive Body Butter & peppermint foot lotion from The Body Shop and this month's National Geographic, which I have a monthly subscription to. (I love science!) 

Bedding should ALWAYS be 100% breathable material, no matter what season or what climate you live in. Your body needs to breathe while you sleep, so choose materials like cotton and go for blankets, sheets, duvet covers that are machine washable not dry clean only.  Cause let’s get real, how often are you going to take those suckers to the Dry Cleaners?

Here’s what my bed looks like for the summer months:

In the summer, I switch over to white 100% Egyptian cotton sheets like theses Sateen Sheets from Parachute Home, and I’ve paired it with a light blue coverlet with matching shams which goes beautifully with my charcoal curtains and linen head board. My bird decorative pillow stays on my bed and matches both my winter/summer look. 

I’ve also dressed my side table with  another summer essential, some fresh cut flowers, which this week happens to be some very fragrant sweet peas from my garden. I've displayed them in a ceramic milkshake glass which is the perfect scale for side tables. I try and stick to fragrant flowers for beside the bed which smells amazing as you’re dozing off and waking up. I have central air conditioning, but try to not use it too often to save money. I try and use my tall floor fan as often as I can, and I like to keep at the foot of my bed. I also have a dehumidifier in the basement to keep the house dry and the basement from smelling due to all the humidity in our hot, summer, muggy Toronto air. 

Finally, two last tips:

#1 Before your feet touch the floor every morning think of 5 things you are grateful for it helps get your morning/day off to a positive and wonderful start, and 

#2 MAKE YOUR BED!!!!! Beds tend to be the focal point and usually take up the most space in your room, so if that's tidy then 50% of your room is already clean. Studies have shown that by having a clean & tidy home helps give us a clear mind!

Happy summer loves!!! Stay cool & sweet dreams....zzzzzzz
xo
Desta 

Desta's Running Playlist - What's currently on my IPOD for running. Enjoy!

1. Song: Real Life, Artist: Brothertiger
https://soundcloud.com/brothertiger/real-life
2. Song: Woohoo, Artist: H.O.S.H
https://soundcloud.com/mdilelion2/hosh-woohoo-feat-ost-kjex
3. Song: Excactement, Artist: Vive La Fete
https://soundcloud.com/user5379347/11-vive-la-fete-exactement
4. Song: Need You Now, Artist: Cut Copy
https://soundcloud.com/modularpeople/cut-copy-need-you-now
5. Song: Don't Look Down, Artist: Holy Ghost
https://soundcloud.com/holyghostnyc/holy-ghost-dont-look-down
6. All My Friends, Artist: LCD Soundsystem
7. Song: Way Out West, Artist: Mindcircus - Dj Tiesto
https://soundcloud.com/distinctive-records/way-out-west-with-imogen-heap-mindcircus-gabriel-and-dresden-remix
8. Song: City, Artist: Lo-Fi-FNK
https://soundcloud.com/lo-fi-fnk/city
9. Song: Feel It In My Bones, Artist: Tiesto (Feat. Tegan & Sara)
https://soundcloud.com/kinggoldchains/tyga-we-dem-boyz-remix-1
10. Song: Hang With Me, Artist: Robyn
https://soundcloud.com/robyn/hang-with-me-1
11. Raining Again, Artist: Moby (Steve Angello Mix)
https://soundcloud.com/user512237/moby-raining-again-steve-angello-remix
12. Song: Cards To Your, Heart Artist: Groove Armada (Feat. Nick Littlemore)
13. Song: Need You Now, Artist: Hot Chip
14. Song: I love It, Artist: Icona Pop (Feat. Charli XCX)
https://soundcloud.com/grillmarketing/icona-pop-i-love-it
15. Song: Par avion, Artist: FM Belfast
https://soundcloud.com/fmbelfast/par-avion
16. In My Mind, Artist: Vekonyz (Feat. Calidora)
https://soundcloud.com/vekonyz/in-my-mind-ft-calidora
17. Song: Girls Like You, Artist: The Naked and Famous
https://soundcloud.com/dannysvoboda/the-naked-and-famous-girls
18. Song: We Dem Boyz, Artist: Wiz Khalifa
https://soundcloud.com/kinggoldchains/tyga-we-dem-boyz-remix-1

Five Fact Friday with Desta - June 5, 2015

TUG ON DAD’S HEARTSTRINGS WITH PERSONALIZED GIFTS THIS FATHER’S DAY

TUG ON DAD’S HEARTSTRINGS WITH PERSONALIZED GIFTS THIS FATHER’S DAY

Gallery Wall Tips & Tricks from Desta Ostapyk

Five Fact Friday with Desta - 15 May 2015

TRANSFORM VINTAGE PHOTOS TO FRESHEN UP YOUR HOME DÉCOR

Click Here:  

TRANSFORM VINTAGE PHOTOS TO FRESHEN UP YOUR HOME DÉCOR

Five Fact Friday - 17 April 2015

THANK MOM THIS MOTHER'S DAY FOR CAPTURING LIFE'S MILESTONES

CLICK HERE:
THANK MOM THIS MOTHER'S DAY FOR CAPTURING LIFE'S MILESTONES

I'm so happy to announce my new Youtube channel called "Hey Desta!"
Become a subscriber and see all the cool videos for my #5FactFriday and #DIY projects. #Desta #Designer #HeyDesta

                                                        YouTube Channel - Hey Desta!

BLACKS PRESENTS: Anna’s Mother’s Day Surprise

DIY - How to Make a Linen Headboard

Have a basic metal bed frame? Here's my DIY linen headboard to jazz it up.

You Will Need....

Materials

1. Drywall Screws and Plugs

2. Measuring Tape

3. Spray Adhesive

4. Staples

5. Exato Knife

6. Fabric Scissors

7. Staple Gun

8. 3 Yards of Linen Fabric (or fabric of your choice)

9. L Track Brackets (used for closet organization)

10. 1" Foam 48"x65" or 2 pieces like I used 24"x65"

11. Batting on a sheet 48" x 65" 

Qty: 2

12. 3/8" MDF 48"x 65" 

*NOTE*

Before starting find a clean well ventalated spot, outside on a tarp is best. Having an extra set of hands is also a bonus.

Step 1

Cut foam to size

Step 2

Spray adhesive the foam to the MDF

 Step 3

Cut batting slightly oversize of the MDF and layer twice over the foam

Step 4

Flip the board and wrap the batting over the edges and staple to the MDF

Do this all the way around at 1" apart

Step 5

Cut extra batting off

Step 6

Wrap your fabric over the batting and staple 1" apart as well. Make sure to check as you go around that your edges are clean. Slit your corner and wrap like a present.

Once completed cut off any access fabric 

Step 7 

Screw 1 of the closet L brackets with the edge facing down onto the back of your headboard.

Step 8

Using the drywall anchors and screws mount the other L bracket onto the wall.

 Step 9

Hook and lock the bracket on the back of your headboard to the bracket mounted on the wall.

Step 10.

You are now finished and ready to add your mattress and frame.

VOLIA!

Huffington Post Article: 5 Interior Design Myths Debunked by Desta Ostapyk

5 Interior Design Myths Debunked

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/desta-ostapyk/interior-design-myths_b_6295826.html

The How to Guide of Creating a Room

When designing any space there has to be a starting point/inspiration.  Just like a lot of things it's hard to get started but once you get going things get easier.

My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere from tiles spotted in Mexico,textiles used on the runway or the colour combinations in graffiti . I spotted this fabulous rug on Chairish and was inspired to build a mid century modern room around it and wanted to share steps I take into creating a room.

5 Steps to help you achieve a fabulous space that can be applied to any style of room.

Step #1 Pick your inspiration : 

Mine was this fabulous rug, love the pattern and colour. Rugs are great addition to any space they add pattern,texture,warm and define areas and help "ground" the space 

Step #2 Select your practical & larger pieces :

Since your larger pieces of furniture take up more space and these are must haves in your room we start selecting here like this fabulous sofa, since the rug was neutral I wanted to bring in this gorgeous,structured,peacock blue sofa. (keeping with my mid-century modern look)

Next source a coffee table, I love this two piece that can be used pushed together or pulled apart great for entertaining (and it's unique) not a fan of glass coffee tables, they get dirty fast and I always fear people are going to walk into them. Last but not least add a side table. You want the extra surface for a side table lamp and for placing drinks down etc. if your coffee table is wood nows your chance to bring in another finish/texture into the room it can be metal,plexiglass,smoked or coloured glass.Mix it up!

Step #3 Paint:

Between the rug and the colour of the sofa I use this opportunity to merry the two together with paint which helps bridge that gap and ties it all together.

Step #4 Lighting:

I'm obsessed with lamp lighting. I love the warmth lamp lighting brings it's cozy and brings a lovely glow to everyones faces. Lamps do not nor should they be matching. Different shades,bases = yes!  I like the play and the mix between a table top and a floor lamp, playing with different heights and looks.

Step #5 Accessories:

Accessories are the bling/jewellery of the room. Add metal and even mix the different finishes of metal. Toss pillow help with texture and pattern again they do not have to match at all, use different shapes,fabrics,tassels,no tassels etc. Make sure all you're pieces either has purpose like the book ends I've chosen or you LOVE them. Don't waste space & clutter up those shelves with chachkas that have zero meaning. Your home should reflect who you are. Your spaces should only have items that have purpose or brings joy not some random figurine that you feel guilted into displaying cause your family or friend gave it to you 15 years ago.

Decor pieces can be added slowly over time from your travels,visits to antique markets or precious heirlooms. Environments play a major role in our daily psyche so by surrounding yourself with things you love and having order to your home will be reflected in the way you feel in your space.   

Designing should be fun.... so have fun!

RESOURCE GUIDE

https://www.chairish.com

#1:Edward Wormley for Dunbar Sofa
https://www.chairish.com/product/41919/edward-wormley-for-dunbar-sofa

#2: Brutalist Table Lamp

https://www.chairish.com/product/73615/brutalist-table-lamp-1

#3: Mid-Century Laurel Floor Lamp

https://www.chairish.com/product/32125/mid-century-laurel-floor-lamp

#4: Chrome Jacks Bookends by Bill Curry 

https://www.chairish.com/product/60561/chrome-jacks-bookends-by-bill-curry

#5: Tony Paul Attributed XO Wire Frame Table 

https://www.chairish.com/product/68438/tony-paul-attributed-xo-wire-frame-table

#6: Benjamin Moore - Colour: October Mist

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-ca/paint-color/octobermist

#7: Mid-Century Modern Low Tables 

https://www.chairish.com/product/40787/mid-century-modern-low-tables-a-pair

#8: Isaac Mizrahi Safvieh Geometric Rug
https://www.chairish.com/collection/rugs

#9: Large Brass Swan Planter

https://www.chairish.com/product/61158/extra-large-swan-planter

#10: Metal Starburst Wall Sculpture 

https://www.chairish.com/product/73988/metal-starburst-wall-sculptures-set-of-5

#11: Metallic Silver Pillow

https://www.chairish.com/product/76498/metallic-silver-pillow-with-insert

Blue Indigo Cotton Heavy Fabric Pillow Cover

https://www.chairish.com/product/63504/blue-indigo-cotton-heavy-fabric-pillow-cover

Black & White Freckled Cowhide Pillow

https://www.chairish.com/product/64192/black-white-freckled-cowhide-pillows-a-pair

The Morning Show on Global Toronto

WATCH HERE:
http://globalnews.ca/video/1580234/desta-ostapyk-on-displaying-your-summer-photos