Favourite Self Care Spots in Toronto!
I believe in self care, but I want to talk about the difference between Disney Parent self care, and consistent, daily selfcare. What do I mean by Disney Parent? I’m talking about the kind of parent that tries to make up for long term absences with an exciting trip to Disney World. Yes it’s fun, but the better habit is the one where we practice daily self care in our smaller, more seemingly insignificant decisions instead of trying to make up for it in small, intense spurts of self care.
However, why not have both! Set boundaries with your health, your time, and your mental state all throughout your day, but also celebrate life with a day off full of refueling, pampering, and self care. Below are some of my favourite sources of self care in either products or services in Toronto!
FACIAL AT PURE + SIMPLE
I am big on skin care as a part of self care. I’ve always tried to use good products, well suited to my skin. If you have the opportunity to book a facial at Pure + Simple in Toronto, I highly recommend it! I have had facials from a few different professionals and they were all consistent and fantastic. Make sure you get extractions, and personally I love the pumpkin enzyme peel. Having my face feel clean and well cared for always makes me feel good.
WALK THROUGH NATURE ON THE SPIT
I love nature, and find that spending time in nature just slows down my mind and feeds my soul. Many people don’t realize how accessible and beautiful nature is in Toronto. One of my favourites is on the Leslie Spit. The combination of the wildlife that lives on the spit and the view of the city truly makes you feel transported, and yet it is such a short bike ride from the downtown core.
WINDOW SHOPPING
I know this isn’t for everyone, but I love window shopping. I don’t necessarily have to spend money to enjoy my day walking through an area checking out the local shops for clothes, furniture, and other nic-nacs while I get some movement in my day. One of my favourite things to check out is mid-century modern furniture and housewares. If you haven’t been to Guff (Toronto) yet, and you love mid-century modern, please go now! They have a huge warehouse of a variety of items that consistently change over. I have a couch, coffee table, and wardrobe type unit from Guff, and I just love them!
FANCY FACE
At the end of a long day, even if it is full of self care, sometimes it is nice to put on a quick face mask to rehydrate. Even if you’ve had a facial or used an exfoliant, I love using the Stardust under eye mask from Fancy Face. It’s super gentle and putting on a fresh pair straight from the freezer adds that cool touch that just makes everything feel refreshed and recharged. Grab your own masks online or at the Fancy Face HQ in Toronto!
FRESH DO
One of the many things the pandemic taught me was to appreciate a fresh haircut. There is something so rejuvenating about getting a fresh cut after a long overdue period. My favourite spot in Toronto is in Toronto is Clean Cuts Barbershop on the Danforth. Not only are they skilled at what they do, it’s a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
FUN & GAMES
I think some playful activity is necessary at some point every single day. One hidden gem that offers a fun night of bowling is Danforth Bowl at Coxwell. This bowling alley is like the best kind of time warp. Go back to your childhood in this boutique bowling spot, and let this be a reminder to plan moments in your life that are there for pure fun!
TREAT YOURSELF
Treating myself when it comes to a meal or a dessert out can look very different depending on the time of year, or time of day! Here are some of my favourite spots for something tasty to fill you up:
Mary’s Brigadeiro
These are an absolute gem! Some of the best chocolates I’ve ever tasted made by hand and sold on the Danforth!
Pizza Libretto
I love their pizza and their hot chilli oil!
La Carnita
My favourite Mexican restaurant in Toronto! Such good tacos!
King’s Cafe
If you are vegan, they have hot and sour soup, dumplings, spring rolls, and just about anything you could want, and it’s all VEGAN! I’m not vegan, but I do love their food!
Sukhothai
I love Thai food, but one of my favourite items to order, Masaman Curry isn’t always on every menu! However, Sukhothai offers this and it’s so good! Highly recommend!
Ed’s Ice Cream
This may not be a hidden gem, but I just had to include it on my list. I love their burnt marshmallow ice cream! It isn’t just marshmallow flavour but actually toasted marshmallows mixed in! Such a Toronto classic and a fav of mine!
Regardless if you try any of my suggestions, I hope you make time for yourself, your body, your mind, and your soul. Keep feeding that inner child and they will return the favour with creativity, imagination, and sense of play.
