Just Zumayo

Discover the gifts plants have to offer

[justzumayo]

How to Create a Beautiful Miniature Garden

Create a Beautiful Miniature Garden: A Fun and Easy Guide for All Ages Miniature gardens are a delightful way to bring a bit of nature indoors, offering a creative and relaxing activity that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your living room, start a new hobby, or simply create a peaceful space, crafting a miniature garden is a fun project that allows for endless…

How to Create a Beautiful Miniature Garden

[justzumayo]

Spring Wildflowers and What They Add to Nature's Cycle

Spring is the true beginning of the year, with smells, sounds and activities that are a call to action. Nature wakes up with spring wild flowers to get the party started. The untamed nature of spring wildflowers exude a spiritual energy that is full of potential and promise for the coming cycle. Tap into the Energy When the landscape becomes a sea of wildflowers, it is truly amazing as each…

Spring Wildflowers and What They Add to Nature's Cycle

[justzumayo]

Why Indoor Plants And A Golden Doodle Are Good For You

A window sill full of plants and a cuddly fur ball at your feet. Welcome to the world of plants and pets for life lessons in interspecies harmony. Puppy Love As if living with a myriad of plants was not enough, I joined the gift of pet love club. The puppy munchkin of choice is…

[justzumayo]

Your Child's First Out of the Nest Boyfriend/Girlfriend

Saying No to Your Young Adult’s New Beau…Don’t Bother! So, you are finally going to meet their first out of nest boyfriend or girlfriend. Be nice! Unless they are the absolute worst nightmare, sh...

[justzumayo]

Pow Wow on the Georgian Bay

Pow Wow on the Georgian Bay

It is a beautiful day, and the cliffs along the Georgian Bay are a fitting backdrop to this gathering of nations at Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario. This area can be found on old maps under the name Cape Croker. As you drive down  to the Pow Wow, even the trees seem to sway towards the circular clearing, as the unusually warm air hugs all gathered like a blanket. I feel for the dancers, resplendent in…

View On WordPress

[justzumayo]

Negril, Jamaica is Just Right

Negril, Jamaica is Just Right

If you are looking for a  super chill beach in the Caribbean, where the vibes are cool, the water is warm and you can walk  far out into the sea. Then the seven mile beach of Negril, Jamaica is your glittering prize.  The beach is actually less than seven, but who is counting when you are having fun in the sun.

Where to Stay in Negril

For a place to stay that will soothe your spirit and fill your…

View On WordPress

[justzumayo]

Off To College - Quick Post Secondary Checklist for Parents and Students

Off To College – Quick Post Secondary Checklist for Parents and Students

Well, the countdown has begun for many parents.  It won’t be long before the young adults are off to post secondary institutions. Each new entry group is the brightest and best, and they have access to more information than we ever thought possible.

I have found in discussions with other parents, that there are certain aspects of this transitional period that crosses socio-economic, and cultural…

View On WordPress

[justzumayo]

48th Annual Caribbean Carnival - Today in Toronto

48th Annual Caribbean Carnival – Today in Toronto

Hello everyone,  I just got back from Jamaica, and found that the Caribbean has come to me, in the form of Toronto’s Annual Caribbean Carnival. This will definitely help with the withdrawal symptoms.

Toronto celebrates the “People’s Carnival” today, along the 3.5 kilometre area from Exhibition Place along Lake Shore Blvd, then West to Lake Shore and Parkside Dr.  This is the 48th Annual…

View On WordPress

[justzumayo]

Down in Jamaica

Life is a Beach in Negril, Jamaica

I have to admit that it has been many years since I visited the island of Jamaica.  When I was a teenager, my mother, who worked in the hotel industry at the time, was transferred from London to Kingston, Jamaica to help launch a new hotel – The Jamaica Pegasus.

The transition from inner city London, England to the vibrant and sometimes volatile  streets of…

View On WordPress

[justzumayo]

Celebrating International Nelson Mandela Day

Celebrating International Nelson Mandela Day

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, known affectionately as Madiba,  has  taken his place with his ancestors. They  waited with pride for him. A Xhosa born to the Themburoyal family, he was a proud warrior and a great Chief. He was the Father of a democratic nation.  When Madiba toured North America after his release from prison in 1990, there was an indescribable joy in the air. Everyone knew that this…

View On WordPress

[justzumayo]

Secret Garden in Miniature, Erin, Ontario

Secret Garden in Miniature, Erin, Ontario

Maybe the summer has finally started, the warm weather has kicked in and the gardens are in full bloom.  I have been trying to ignore the very enthusiastic weeds in the garden, and have almost given up fighting the good fight. Luckily, there are many beautiful blooms in the garden to distract from the weeds.

Today, while strolling in the Village of Erin, Ontario.  I came across the ultimate time…

View On WordPress

[justzumayo]

Hope and Olive Restaurant, Greenfield, Massachusetts -

Hope and Olive, Greenfield, Massachusetts -

The Beaver, our intrepid urban historian and food enthusiast is currently in Massachusetts. He  recently dined at the Hope and Olive in Greenfield, Mass. and here is what he found.

  LAMB BURGER WITH SALAD

  PORK TENDERLOIN WITH SWEET POTATOES & PEACHES

  VERMONT GRASS-FED BEEF WITH BLUE CHEESE MASHED POTATOES

    And if you like the food, which I understand The Beaver enjoyed. This is how…

View On WordPress

[justzumayo]

(via Happy Canada Day!)

[justzumayo]

Sugar Free Me

I did it. Okay, to the best of my ability. I drastically reduced my intake of sugar. Let me clarify that. I reduced my intake of "refined" sugar. Sugar is in almost everything we eat. It occur...