Mini Putt: Polson Pier
At $9 a game (or $8 on weekdays), mini putt is a cheap and fun date option. The activity offers ample occasions to check out your partner’s booty. And as an added bonus, it’s also rife with opportunity for making hilariously inappropriate jokes about holes and balls.

AGO Free Wednesday Nights
Find obscure pieces of modern art and share your interpretations of them, Rorschach-style, to get an inside look at your partner’s personality—and deepest, darkest fears. The AGO’s longstanding free Wednesday nights from 6pm-8:30pm are the perfect event for this, but agoraphobes or partners of: be warned. It’s popular, so expect a sizeable crowd.

Secret Planetarium
Find out what the stars have in store for you and your date, or at least watch them mechanically align at the U of T’s inflatable geodome theatre. The planetarium is on the small side, seating about 25 people per viewing—but at $5 a pop, it’s a cheap date that costs less than your laundry money for the week. See when the next show is here.

Picnic in the Park
Elbow out some room for the two of you to enjoy a picnic at your local park. Pack some picnic-friendly snacks or pick up premade items at your local grocery store. Stay until after sundown and see if you can spot any of the stars you scoped out at the planetarium. You probably won’t, but it’ll be fun to try (and a good excuse to get him or her in a vulnerable position).

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I know we’re all taught how to call 911 when we’re kids, but I could definitely use a refresher.

Here is what the Toronto Police site says about it:

Remain calm and speak clearly. Identify which emergency service you require (police, fire, or ambulance) and be prepared to provide the following information:

• A description of what is happening
• The location
• Your name, address and telephone number

Remain on the line to provide additional information if requested to do so by the call taker.  Do not hang up until the call taker tells you to do so. Remember, it is important to have your house numbers visible from the street. This will assist emergency personnel in finding you as quickly as possible.

I’ve also found, in my (thankfully) limited experience with emergencies, that it’s sometimes difficult to know when to call 911. Is the situation serious enough? Would it be a waste of their time? Is it even an emergency? People often stand around asking each other, unsure about placing the call.

The Toronto police say to call 9-1-1 “during any emergency where people or property are at risk.” Think: fire, crime, medical emergency happening now (there is another number in your city for reporting crimes after the fact). But if you’re unsure, it’s best to just call. The call taker will help decide if emergency units should be sent to your location. If you do call, and have second thoughts about it, don’t hang up! The call taker will try to call you back, assuming there is an emergency. Stay on the line and explain that the call was unnecessary or unintentional. For the same reason, it is important to keep your information up-to-date as the operator will use your most recently updated home address if you are unable to speak.

Hopefully none of us will have to place a 9-1-1 call in our lives, but if we do, it’s best to be prepared. Keep calm, observe the situation, trust your instincts and get help.

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Oscar Mendoza

The fashion show was not simply an exhibit of local talents, but a call for action. Behind the glamorous outfits, the dramatic lights and the hip music,  event founder Adama Ndiaye was engaging the audience in a serious conversation about the lack of representation of non-white designers and models in the fashion industry. In an effort to break the silence and create a venue for multi-racial designers and models to participate in the fashion world, Ndiaye of Adama Paris launched International Black Fashion in Prague in 2011. This year she hosted Black Fashion Week in Montreal and Brazil, and in 2014 Ndiaye will expand to the U.S.

But just to be clear, Ndiaye says Black Fashion Week is not about “colour, but culture.” To Ndaiye, Black refers to marginalized individuals who remain relegated to the periphery of the fashion industry. However, Black Fashion Week is not exclusive to those that have been systemically racially marginalized, as there were a few white models and white participants. The point of the event was to create an inclusive space. The concept for the show came from Ndiaye’s frustration with international fashion shows; she felt underrepresented and wanted to build opportunities for diverse voices and talents. For Ndiaye, this show is a platform to have a conversation about diversity or rather the lack of diversity in fashion.

L: Créations Youd, R: Elie Kuame

Although within the fashion industry there have been pioneering efforts to transgress gender boundaries and designers have used alternative spaces to inspire collections, these efforts must be expanded in order to broaden the scope of mainstream fashion production. While there have been attempts to racially diversify the industry, there are only a few celebrated individuals that have made it to its top echelons. While iconic figures like Grace Mahary, Iman, André Leon Talley have paved the way for change, the fact remains that there are still many challenges that we must overcome in order to transform the current landscape. Through a radical transformation, diversity can be a mainstay and not merely an alternative option. This transformation is necessary if we want to see a positive change in the future: a future with racially diverse models and designers, a future where new cities will be hubs for fashion, but more importantly a future where difference is celebrated without exoticizing the individuals and spaces they come from. I, like the producers and participants of Montreal Black Fashion Week, believe that there is room for change and diversity in the mainstream fashion industry. The future will hopefully create an equal playing field for the diverse actors that long to participate in the fashion world.

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L.I.F.E For Health has projects in the Philippines and Rwanda, targeting solutions to the issues that can effect social determinants of health. All of L.I.F.E. for Health’s profits go to their work, which focuses on development, not charity. You can help them support small-scale, high-impact projects by joining them for a Champagne & Strawberries Social on Tuesday, June 11th. From 7-9:30 pm, supporters will gather at Camera at the Stephen Bulger Gallery. (1028 Queen St. W.) Tickets are $45, and guests will enjoy sparkling wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and other treats. To purchase tickets, email info@lifeforhealth.org 

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Unpasteurized Raw and Organic Almond Milk Recipe

1/2 cup plus a few extra raw organic almonds
1 cup of cold water

Throw everything into your blender, Vitamix, Magic Bullet or food processor.  Blend until it reaches a creamy/milk-like texture.  By adding less water you can make a great cream for coffee. Add more water to create milk for shakes, smoothies, baking and to drink.  Strain the liquid, with your metal colander, nut bag or cheese cloth.  Use the leftover bits for baking or in your oatmeal.  What you are left with is delicious raw almond milk that will last in the fridge up to 4 days.  You may need to re-blend it after a few days because it tends to separate.

Optional: Keep straining until desired texture, or add fresh vanilla (or extract), cinnamon to add a nice flavour. You can also soak almonds overnight in water, then gently remove skins the next day, for a different texture. 

This recipe is also great with cashews! Mmmm, cashew cream!

Rachel A. Bies, CNP is the on-site nutritionist for McEwan Foods and Fit Factory Fitness Gym. She believes that food should always be delicious, fun, and healthy, and will be sharing her foodie nutritionist tips, recipes and lifestyle suggestions with SDTC readers! We love her approach to clean living and think you’ll find her easy tricks helpful and inspiring.

The post Make Your Own Fresh Almond (or Cashew, or Seed) Milk in Minutes appeared first on Shedoesthecity.

Stay: BaxPax Hostels

Too fun to say aloud. And you have options! BP has three central locations across Berlin, each known for bringing in different vibes and clientele. Coming off a hefty week of Queen’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam, my friend and I opted for the most central location that is both a hostel and hotel. Turn to the Kreuzberg location for a party; turn to the Mitte locale for the “art” experience. And according to my visit, go to BaxPax Downtown for space, lounges, impromptu billiard tournaments and a less intense, yet still social atmosphere.

Eat: Restauration 1840

Located in the Hackescher Markt area, you’ll see eatery after eatery, but don’t be fooled by other sumptuous patios. Go to Restauration 1840, an old timey German restaurant, modeled with a nod to the roaring 20s. One word: schnitzel. This hand-dipped, lightly battered pork schnitzel will blow every soggy, yellow schnitzel you’ve previously encountered out of the water. Try out their home brew! But make sure you can finish what you are sure to over-order. Leaving behind a few sips of warm beer is not worth the dirty/confused looks that are sure to follow your exit.

Go Out: Stattbad

You will get off at Humboldthain metro station and have no idea where you are. Literally, take the wrong turn and you’re at a train yard (what an amazing sense of direction I’ve got). But! Go the right way and you won’t be disappointed. The space was once a state indoor swimming pool, then a bathhouse, then a public pool again and now it stands as a “cultural centre.” Check in by the old change rooms and go underground for quality local DJs and an unparalleled dance night. Sometime after walking through the first long tunnel, it sinks in: I’m underneath a pool in scruffy maze of rooms full of pipes, music, lights and people. In Germany. In love. Enough said.

Sights to See and Words to the Wise

Museum Island

Yes, there’s half an island in the Spree River to fit Berlin’s most prominent museums. The Lustgartden, translated to “Pleasure Garden”, also lies in the middle but don’t get too excited; it’s just a large square of grass that doubles as the perfect picnic spot. There’s the New Museum, Old Museum, Pergamon Museum, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum and the Berlin Cathedral. All are probably worth a look-see, but I can tell you that the Cathedral, or “Berliner Dom” is gorgeous and the New Museum was a perfect midday, educational activity. Have a peep at Egyptian artifacts like the famous bust of Nefertiti, and the building itself is relic of WWII history.

East Side Gallery

A reminder of Berlin’s complicated history- the Berlin wall still stands and is a must-see! This particular chunk is one to visit sooner rather than later, as it will soon be moved across town to make way for a luxury condo/hotel complex. See it in its rightful place while you can! And sign a protest leaflet or two while you’re there. Instead of hiding the past, the city has commissioned streets artist from across the globe to paint directly on remnants of the Berlin Wall. The result? A beautiful, outdoor galley of freedom-expressing works of art.

Reichstag

Touring the Parliament in Ottawa? Meh, I’m from there; it’s cool. Climbing Parliament in Germany? Dayum. Built atop the centuries old German parliament is a glass bubble and after a simple online reservation process, you can go inside it! Glass bubble= a glass roof above the main hall of Parliament, meaning you can look down into the action. Power to the people! There’s a free audio guide that tracks your accent and spits out all the necessary info you need, as you need it. At the top you’ll find a panoramic view of Berlin. Go, Reichstag!

Going Out

If you are going for a night on the town, just be aware of how North American you are coming off. That goes for looks, sounds, anything. For example, at the indoor/outdoor club, Kater Holzig, there is a doorperson who is there not to check IDs, but purely to give a onceover and say, “Yes”, “No”, or even, “Not tonight.” So some words of advice to actually get in: don’t speak English, go in small groups (maximum 3 people) and look local: a black leather jacket can do the trick. I’ve also heard of places asking you who is playing that night; so a little research may go a long way. Yes, it all sounds excessive! But trust that when you get in, it will be worth the extra caution.

Public Transit

I’m not going to tell you not to pay for public transit… I’m just going to say that if you’re in a running-with-backpack-maybe-miss-your-train situation and all that’s standing in your way is ticket fare… don’t pay for public transit. Not once did we see a ticket officer checking things and there are no barriers, people or pay stations between you and getting on the metro. Take a load off and pay according to your moral code.

Currywurst

For a cheap meal on the go- currywurst! Their version of the Toronto street meat, but a suoped up version. It’s a boiled and fried German sausage, smothered in curry ketchup and dusted with more curry powder. If that sounds weird to you, I urge you to bite the bullet and try it anyway because it’s strangely delicious. And if that sounds yummy, then order three.

Amplemann

How much do you think about the little green man that tells you when to walk across the street? Well! In Berlin, it is a regional figurehead. There are stores and stalls dedicated to the beloved “Ampleman”. He looks a bit like a chunky, green miner. Know him, and it can be an excellent guide since he originated and lives solely on the east side’s traffic signs. 

Berlin: a city where people return not just to visit, but to live. And I see why! It’s a cosmopolitan place that is forward-thinking and rich in culture, with all the comforts of home. It’s easy to navigate and my mom said it’s one of George Stroumboulopoulos’ top three favourite cities. Need we say more? Thank you. Berlin—they just know.

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The Challenge: Apply Lady Speed Stick Power after our morning shower and see if it can endure our packed days full of sweaty activities.

How We Sweat in the Big Smoke: We got our sweat on in a myriad of ways: fierce back-hand volleys on the tennis court, biking uptown, we opened bills we had been avoiding (EGAD!), finally dealt with that apology we were dreading, tore up the dance floor, belted karaoke to a packed room of strangers and, of course, dedicated solid hours to steamy-sweaty love sessions. Thankfully, we didn’t encounter any super awkward, stress-inducing situations like THIS. Or THIS (THE WORST!). But that stuff does happen.

SDTC Sweat Analysis: That Lady Speed Stick Power sure did work. Even through multiple sweaty-sweat activities, we remained dry and fresh. We like the scent so much that we caught ourselves going in for a whiff while biking on a hot day. Yep, this is tough invisible 24 protection for women who do the city hard.

CONTEST!

WE WANT TO GIFT YOU AN ENORMOUS GIFT BASKET OF WONDERFUL SCENTED LADY SPEED STICK PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BEAUTIFUL BODY!

Go here NOW to enter and get a year’s worth of Lady Speed Stick deoderant. You can do a sweat test with every scent! We know you wanna. 

Hedge your bets and take advantage of this coupon offer too.

Don’t sweat it. Handle it! And enjoy these hot sweaty days of summer.

Has this unfortunate incident ever happened to you? Don’t sweat it. Handle it!

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Thursday May 23rd, to Sunday May 26th, TNT will offer 25% off regular priced items to anyone who donates $20 toward Ronald McDonald House Toronto. Ronald McDonald house makes it possible for sick children to be around their families.

100% of donations received will go to Ronald McDonald House Toronto. The goal is to raise $15,000 to adopt-a-room for three years. The opportunity to donate is going on at three locations: 388-394 Eglinton West and 87 Avenue Rd. (Hazelton Lanes) in Toronto, and 4100 Rue St-Catherine O. in Montreal.

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Two weeks prior, twelve gals set out for a weekend of pre-wedding celebration (aka the bachelorette party) and took a tiny, off-season ski town by storm. Food was an essential element to this festive weekend and keeping both transportation and presentation in mind, we thought an “all things kabob-ed” menu would be the perfect fit. I was assigned the fruit course, and here’s what I came up with!

I enjoy any excuse to use my extensive (OK, bordering on hoarder) cookie cutter collection so I grabbed a few fresh melons (water, honeydew, and cantaloupe) and got to work. I had never tried this before, but quickly discovered that the best route to take was to cut the melons into inch-thick slices, remove the seeds, and cut the shapes out of the remaining flesh – pretty simple! These heart-shaped babies may have taken a backseat to the cake vodka, but they were an excellent addition to a love-filled theme.

Ali Maldoff is a writer covering all things DIY, lifestyle, and food/drink on her blog Mint Sprinkles. Each week she gives us a different cool and easy project that we can try at home. We love Ali’s taste!

DIY

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Montreal Turkish Film Festival @ Cinéma du Parc, 3575 Parc. The Montreal Turkish Film Festival presents the 10 best Turkish short films of the year, from a selection of over 200. Check out the program for full details. Tickets range from $8 to $15, buy them here.

MONDAY MAY 20 TO SUNDAY MAY 26

Montreal Sketch Comedy Fest @ Théàtre St-Catherine, 264 St-Catherine East. The 8th annual edition of Montreal’s Sketch Comedy Fest will feature over 30 troupes and seven nights of comedy! A festival pass is $30, and individual evening tickets begin at $12. Order them on the festival website.

THURSDAY MAY 23

8pm. The Shins @ Metropolis, 59 St-Catherine. In promotion of their recent album “Port of Morrow,” the highly-acclaimed US indie band The Shins will take to the Metropolis stage. Fingers crossed for a Caring is Creepy performance! Tickets are $43, buy them here.

9pm. The Bloody Beetroots (Live) w/ Valentino Khan & Mayday @ Telus Theatre, 1280 St-Denis. I Love Neon presents the very-awesome Bloody Beetroots, accompanied by LA producer and DJ Valentino Khan, and Montreal’s own DJ Mayday. Prepare for all the dancing your feet can handle. Presale tickets are $21 + tax/fees. Buy them here, they are selling fast!

SATURDAY MAY 25 AND SUNDAY MAY 26

Anarchist Book Fair @ Centre Culturel Georges-Vanier (2450 rue Workman) and Centre d’éducation populaire de la Petite-Bourgogne et de St-Henri (2515 rue Delisle). This self-proclaimed, annual anarchist book fair will feature participants from Quebec and North America, including book vendors, workshops, films, discussions, children’s activities and art exhibits. From 10am to 5pm both days. All details are available on the event’s Facebook page. FYI: the two venues are across the street from one another.

SATURDAY MAY 25

4pm. Dirty Dogs Hotdog Tasting @ TRH Bar, 3699 St-Laurent. Dirty Dogs, Montreal’s newest soon-to-open gourmet hotdog restaurant, will be hosting a hotdog tasting afternoon/evening at TRH Bar. Check out Dirty Dogs’ innovative hotdog creations, side dishes, cold PBR and live music. If you’re a skateboarder, bring it along – the venue will include an indoor skate bowl! Until midnight.

SUNDAY MAY 26

9am. Montreal Museums Day @ museums, archives and historic sites across the island. The 27th annual Montreal Museums Day will include 34 participating museums across the city. From 9am to 6pm, shuttle buses will tour participants on six different routes, leaving from the Quartier des spectacles at Place-des-Arts, to museums around the city. Admission is free. See the full program here.

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