SPRING Begins with a Holiday and continues with the blossom
- Kristina Radovanovic
- Oct 30
- 19 min read
For both of us, most of our ideas seem to come with the changing seasons, something we’re always excited about. Each season is unique and brings new joy and experiences - whether it’s outside the window or reflected in your home, mood, and feelings. We especially love the time leading up to Christmas - the cozy decorations, the festive spirit, and the first signs of winter. But winter in Canada is much longer than in Serbia, and after a while, it can start to feel draining. The cold stretches on, the snow often disappears too soon, and the world outside turns grey and quiet.
After nearly six months of chill and muted skies, there’s nothing quite like that first burst of spring: trees bursting into bloom, meadows glowing green again, and the air finally feeling alive. It’s in those moments that inspiration and energy naturally return, reminding us why we love every change the seasons bring.
Since I usually take the bus to work, the warm weather always makes me want to walk more - sometimes I get off a few stops earlier just to enjoy the stroll. What brings me the most joy is seeing all the seasonal flowers along the streets. In spring, it’s the tulips and hyacinths, their lovely fragrance filling the air as you pass by the gardens. The trees turn green, and the cherry blossom season is especially inspiring.
The photos below were taken on my way to work:
Another advantage of the nice weather is being able to move from the gym to the outdoor running track - there’s something refreshing about running in the fresh air and catching the scent of spring flowers along the way. It’s not just me enjoying the change; our neighbors are also out in their gardens, getting them ready for the spring and summer seasons by planting flowers and clearing away the leftover clutter from winter.
Honestly, when we lived in Serbia, we never really paid much attention to those little things, like going somewhere just to see the cherry blossoms. Even though we had them in our own garden, it didn’t feel like an experience. It was simply something natural and expected in spring, you’d see it right in front of your house and enjoy it from your own peaceful corner. That’s something I definitely miss.
We were excited preparing our wedding during winter and spring months, so we visited a few places last minute in order to take a prewedding photos and videos. The perfect match was a spring season and cherry blossom! Including shopping and a lot of coffee breaks!
Starting with Easter, we had begun with our shopping list and visiting the stores every weekend. Since we are kind of people who don't buy stuff hastily, it took the time to buy everything until the last day of packing our luggage.
Easter was just beautiful and fun. It's always a holiday that falls on a weekend, and we enjoy being at home together - preparing food and going for a slow morning walk.
Good Friday is reserved for the traditional dyeing of eggs. As I learned back home, it has to be done in the morning. There are many ways to dye eggs, including using artificial colors you can buy in the store and simply boiling the eggs (the easiest method). However, that's not something I personally enjoy.
First and foremost, I don't consider it healthy to use artificial dyes, since we eat the eggs. Secondly, I enjoy a bit of a challenge, it makes me feel creative in the kitchen.
This year, my preferred natural dyes were onion skins (yellow and red), red cabbage, turmeric powder, beetroot, hibiscus tea, and a mix of green tea, mint, and chard. (It was supposed to turn the eggs green, but it didn't - it ended up a sort of brown. So, we added black tea, and the final color was dark. We called it "Earth," lol.)
We usually start collecting onion skins a few months in advance and store them in an open bag, so they don’t get moldy.
Here’s how I dye the eggs:
First, I cook all the eggs in a pot - preferably white eggs, since they absorb color better.
Once the eggs are cooked, I place them in a separate small basket (this applies to all dyes except onion skins).
For the onion skin method, I put a layer of skins at the bottom of the pot, arrange the eggs on top, then cover them with another layer of skins. I cook them together and let them cool after boiling for about 10 minutes. If you want a stronger red color (like I did this year), leave the eggs in the pot for up to 3 hours. If you prefer a lighter color, remove the eggs earlier, just check the color from time to time until you're happy with the result.
In separate smaller pots, I boil the other dye ingredients. Once the dye is ready, I place a few eggs into each pot and leave them to soak for at least 3 hours.
And here’s how our results turned out after all the fun:
Milos made sure to create a great video, capturing the moment and the entire process step by step.
But that wasn't the end!
We also made sure to prepare something tasty. Since we were fasting and didn’t eat any meat, we decided to make a potato and chard pie. For dessert, we had pastries filled with jam.
The preparation was very simple, and the whole process is shown in the video!
After April 20th (Easter 2025), the weather started getting better, and as each day grew warmer, our list of places to visit kept getting longer.
During the spring months of 2025, we visited JP Niagara Tulip Experience, Niagara Falls, and Killarney. The month of June was reserved for our trip to Serbia.
JP Niagara Tulip Experience - May 4th, 2025
Depending on the season, there are so many farms offering a variety of flowers you can pick yourself. Easter is always reserved for tulips and hyacinths. This year, the tulip season was a bit delayed due to the cold weather, but I still made sure to have a different bouquet of flowers at home for the holiday.
Honestly, this has become a tradition in our home. We've made it a goal to visit all the local flower farms during spring and summer - it gives us a little taste of village life. Most of these farms are close to Niagara Falls, which is our preferred area. The surroundings are beautiful, with vineyards, scenic countryside roads, and fewer crowds.
We definitely recommend arriving as early as possible and booking your tickets in advance. Even if you get there for the first time slot at 8 AM, there are still a lot of people.
Upon arrival, you're given a vase and instructions on how to properly pick the tulips. Typically, you're allowed to pick 10 tulips per person.
The weather this time was quite cold, with no sun and strong winds. Milos wasn’t too happy with how the photos turned out, but I was simply content spending time in my comfort zone, picking flowers and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
There’s nothing better than filling your heart with love, your hands with flowers, and returning to a warm car with your loved one - making a few cozies stops for coffee and snacks on the way home.
This time is usually also reserved for a shopping tour at a nearby mall. Milos was looking for a wedding suit, and it turned out to be a moment where we got to know each other even more.
I always thought that finding a wedding dress was the hard part - but now I see, it’s just as much of a journey for the groom too! He ended up with custom size suit, which was the best option as well in terms of choosing everything from top to the bottom, including fabrics and styles of all parts. We added a few more new clothes to our summer collection as well :D
Niagara Falls - known worldwide for its iconic waterfalls, is a place we've visited many times. However, this visit felt a little different and unique in its own way.
The main reason for our trip this time was to see the cherry blossoms. Our destinations were the Butterfly Conservatory (which we also visited last year captured in our YouTube page Niagara Falls & butterfly conservatory), and the Arboretum and Rose Garden of Niagara Falls. This area is especially meaningful to us - it’s where we explored during my first year in Canada, and it has become a place we return to every year.
Butterfly Conservatory – existing since 1996, is a large glass-enclosed butterfly conservatory in North America, including a big tropical garden inside. As per their report, there are over 2,000 colored butterflies fluttering freely throughout the place. You can also experience a fascinating stage of the butterfly’s life cycle at the emergence window. Various species of butterflies, in their pupae stage, hang in this enclosed space.
The ticket is $20 for adults and $13 for children. Once you come into the place, you get a map and go through the educational rooms first. However, once I stepped into the main garden, I felt like I was in a dream. :D
There are huge tropical plants (Spathiphyllum is one of my favorites, and I can't believe how their leaves and flowers can be so huge there), and small waterfalls create a virtual rainforest atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a fairytale. Sometimes, a butterfly lands on your hair or hands, which brings the most joy to children. I would definitely recommend visiting in the morning due to the crowd, and reserving at least 2 hours for this area of the Niagara region, especially if you are coming with children. On the way out, there is a huge souvenir shop decorated with butterfly motifs depicting this place.
Besides the Butterfly Conservatory, there are the Arboretum and Rose Garden, and the Niagara Falls Botanical Garden. This place has its own charm whenever we stop here. Built in 1936, it includes more than 40 hectares of beautifully maintained parks and plenty of spots where you can take a break from taking photos and enjoy a picnic.
Spring is reserved for the cherry blossoms; summer fills this beautiful garden with flowers, including lots of roses and seasonal vegetables.
Our favorite part of the park is the conifer tree line, where we take our selfie each year to remember the visit. This time, Milos made it unforgettable surprise for us bringing a new step in our marriage!
We were preparing for our wedding this year, and it was funny - our car was always full of different clothes so we could take photos in different places along the way. :D
That said, we made one more stop at a place called Queenston Heights Park. We discovered this park on our way home last year, and this time it was even nicer - especially the parking area, where we spotted a few beautiful cherry blossom trees.
Located on top of the Niagara Escarpment, the park features walking trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, and a restaurant. It’s truly a great attraction.
The main landmark is Brock’s Monument, built in 1853. It features a 16-foot statue of Major General Sir Isaac Brock, who was killed in the Battle of Queenston Heights in October 1812. He is considered a founding hero of Upper Canada.
Honestly, while driving around the Niagara region, you can discover something new every 2-3 kilometers.
I also want to mention a beautiful trail we visited last year: the Whirlpool, located about seven kilometers downstream from the falls. To get there, you park your car in the nearby lot and take a hiking trail that leads you upriver—it takes about an hour to hike.
You can find all the details on our YouTube channel - Niagara Falls & butterfly conservatory.
By the way, whenever you think of Niagara, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the falls. So, let’s take a look! 😊
Honestly, seeing them in person exceeds all expectations. When I came here for the first time, I just said, “WOW!”
If you're planning a trip to Niagara, take your time and plan carefully - you won’t want to miss any part of it. The whole area offers such a unique experience.
I’ll be sharing a mix of photos from this year and previous years, including a special memory: Milos surprised me during my first visit with a boat tour that takes you right up to the falls. I highly recommend it!
We like to park in the lot across from the falls - just search for "Niagara Falls Parking Lot A." It gives you access to a beautiful walking trail that starts at the top of the falls. As you continue along the path, it leads you further into downtown Niagara Falls.
This is what it looks like:
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls. The largest is Horseshoe Falls, which spans the border between the United States and Canada and is commonly known as the Canadian Falls. The smaller ones are the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls; both located within the United States. Bridal Veil Falls is separated from American Falls by Luna Island, and from Horseshoe Falls by Goat Island - both of which are situated in New York, USA. Horseshoe Falls is considered the most powerful waterfall in North America, with a height of 57 meters. Niagara Falls is also well known as a valuable source of hydroelectric power.
Just across the street, you'll find the Nikola Tesla monument, depicting Tesla standing atop an AC motor - symbolizing his pivotal role in the development of alternating current (AC) electricity, which revolutionized the way electrical power is generated and distributed.
As Serbian people, we are especially proud of him and always admire his incredible work and dedication to global progress. Nikola Tesla designed the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, a true milestone in the electrification of the United States and the world.
Continuing down the street, passing by the waterfalls, you’ll notice the entrance to the boat ride on the right side.
By the way, there are so many ways to explore Niagara Falls - from the boat ride to visiting the Niagara Underground by going to the Power Station & Tunnel Under the Falls Tour, which we skipped this time.
The boat ride was a truly unique experience for me, although I was completely unprepared this time. 😄 Once you redeem your ticket, you're given a poncho before the ride. The boat is open, and you’ll definitely get soaked by the end of the tour. I would absolutely recommend bringing a change of clothes!
The tour lasts about 45 minutes, and there’s a moment when you’re so close to the falls that you can’t even open your eyes - but once you pass that point, the view of the falls up close is breathtaking, and you just can’t help but say, "WOOOW!"
This is a once-in-a-lifetime memory!
After leaving the boat tour, let’s take a walk through the beautiful park just across the street - Oakes Garden Theatre. If you're photogenic (or just love taking photos), don’t miss this garden! The flower lined paths, stone arches, and quiet fountains make it feel like a small oasis in the middle of the city. As you walk through, you’ll notice how each corner seems made for pictures - whether it’s the vibrant blooms, the steps leading to the upper terrace, or the view opening up toward the skyline.
The park behind the main garden is perfect for a short walk or a quiet rest, while the avenue at the top offers one of the nicest overlooks in the area. After spending some time here, you’ll probably feel ready to explore more - maybe stop for a coffee nearby or continue your walk toward the next viewpoint.
Crossing the main streets of Niagara, I felt like I had entered another world. The vibrant streets were full of people wandering around, small souvenir shops, and endless food options - from savory snacks to sweet treats - making it impossible to walk by without grabbing something to eat. If you’re visiting with kids, brace yourself! There’s a variety of adventure houses along the street that they simply can’t miss! 😄
We visited Clifton Hill and took a ride on the Niagara Sky Wheel to see Niagara Falls from above and capture some amazing photos. Right next to the wheel, there’s a Dino Park that’s sure to catch every child’s attention - it’s impossible to miss or skip!
As I mentioned earlier, make sure to plan a bit of extra time in town, because there are fireworks every single evening. We organized our day so that we could finish all our activities by 9:30 p.m. - just in time to enjoy the show before heading out afterward.
In the meantime, you can have dinner and some ice cream, or pick up a souvenir from the big store right beside the falls. The fireworks start exactly on time, so take a few minutes to find the best spot and enjoy the approximately 15-minute-long performance.
The whole place looks unique at night, with colorful lights illuminating the falls and hardly any people on the promenade. Actually, we love visiting popular places when there are no crowds - either early in the morning or late in the evening.
However, between all the activities - shopping, more shopping, and relaxing with interesting coffee stops along the way - it was all about taking it easy and having fun!
I recently remembered a coffee shop near Niagara Falls that I had trouble finding among my saved videos on Instagram. While we were driving through a winery area, we spotted a small coffee shop on a side road and decided to stop for a break.
And guess what? It turned out to be the exact same place I had saved on my phone - “Junction Coffee Bar.”
The place looks even better in person! The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a lovely mix of yellow tones and wooden accents in the interior. I ordered a chocolate and banana cake, and it was absolutely delicious.
We were good and energized to continue further for sure! :D
Killarney Mountain Lodge was a place Milos came across last year while traveling with his brother and a friend. They had planned to go camping, but due to the cold weather, they decided to take a break and warm up with a coffee at the Killarney resort. The moment they stepped inside, they changed their minds right away and decided to stay at the resort instead. Why? That’s a good question - but stay tuned and see for yourself why this place is so special!
I skipped that trip to relax at home, but Milos kept calling me, saying over and over, “I have to bring you here soon and show you this beautiful place.”
Since I used to work in hotels, I’m always attentive to details when we travel and look for accommodations. But this resort truly exceeded my expectations.
We both love road trips, so even a four-hour drive excites us - especially when we can avoid the freeways and discover new places along the way. It’s those little things, like preparing sandwiches, fruits, chairs, a fridge, and snacks for the car, that make the trip even more special. Packing everything on Friday evening and waking up early on Saturday to leave the calm city behind (before the roads get busy) is part of the adventure!
We stopped at a few spots along the way to get some fresh air, eat, stretch our legs, and capture drone footage. We usually don’t plan our stops - we just pull over whenever we come across an interesting place to take photos.
From the moment we entered Killarney, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. We met many locals going about their day - organizing barbecues, walking their dogs, and riding bikes with their children.
Killarney Mountain Lodge sits at the end of the main street, right on the shore of Georgian Bay. As soon as we stepped into the reception area, I could tell this was a thoughtfully designed and well-organized resort - one that proudly showcases and preserves the tradition of a unique Canadian style through carefully chosen details.
The lobby, like the resort as a whole, is beautifully crafted with wood and stone, creating a rustic charm that makes you feel instantly cozy and at home. Each “house” features a large fireplace, comfortable leather sofas, and decorative pillows in classic Canadian patterns - the perfect setting to relax and unwind.
Since this wasn’t the peak season for the resort, we spent about 20 minutes talking with a kind receptionist who shared a detailed history of the place, gave us our keys, and provided a map to make sure we could explore every part of the resort.
After we settled into our room, we returned to the main area and Milos eagerly took the lead, guiding me through the resort one step at a time. He could barely contain his excitement - and I loved seeing the place through his eyes.
As we made our way to a Ranch House, I admired the variety of accommodations: rustic Pine Lodge rooms, cozy porch cabins and suites, and elegant lake view cabins with spacious bedrooms and private fireplaces. It was the kind of place that instantly makes you slow down - where you can imagine sipping coffee on the porch, listening to the birds, and forgetting, even for a little while, about everything beyond the peaceful rhythm of nature.
Our first destination was the Ranch House. Milos especially admired this one for its unique style and beautifully detailed interior. The entrance alone makes you wonder what the inside might look like - a grand wooden gate, a wide driveway, and a rustic wooden canopy set the perfect tone for what’s to come.
The “Harbour Room” lobby immediately caught our attention - a stunning space with a vaulted ceiling and inviting sofas, clearly designed for gatherings and celebrations. A sign nearby mentioned an upcoming wedding, guiding us further into the expansive “Granite Ridge” hall.
Inside, the rustic elegance was breathtaking: towering log ceilings, a massive stone fireplace, a bright wall of windows filling the room with natural light, and a small bar tucked in the corner. It was easy to imagine the room transforming for any occasion - from intimate weddings surrounded by close family and friends to grand celebrations filled with laughter and music echoing through the wooden beams. The place seemed to hold a kind of quiet magic, where every detail told a story of warmth and connection. Milos and I exchanged a glance - we both knew right then this was where we’d capture our pre-wedding photos and videos.
As we continued past the restaurant, a hand-carved wooden bear and framed photos along the wall caught our eye. The cozy atmosphere was irresistible, so we made sure to book a dinner there later that evening.
As we continued exploring, we wandered through beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the Killarney Channel Bay until we reached the dock. This scenic spot can host everything from outdoor wedding ceremonies to corporate gatherings. The area is full of possibilities - from hiking and canoeing to enjoying the swimming pool, spa, restaurants, and bar. There are even a games room and convenient services like water, hydro, and pump-out access for boats.
Down by the dock, one detail immediately caught our eye, a massive hand-crafted wooden paddle, proudly displayed as a tribute to local craftsmanship and the area’s deep connection to its waters. It added a personal, authentic touch to the scene - a reminder that everything here, from the buildings to the smallest details, was created with care and heart.
Right beside the lake, we stopped at the Carousel Lounge to unwind after our long trip. With steaming cups of coffee in hand, we gazed through the wide windows at the peaceful lake view - children laughing as they paddled kayaks and canoes, families relaxing by the pool and spa. Inside, the crackling sound of the fireplace filled the bar, adding a cozy warmth that made us feel completely at home.
Energized by our break, we continued to the restaurant, which seemed to carry the soul of the resort’s history. The waiter confirmed our impression - this was one of the oldest parts of the property. The wooden parquet creaked gently beneath our feet, and the space itself felt like the interior of an old ship. Each dining room had its own personality, with cozy corners lit by soft light and walls that seemed to hold stories from years past.
As we explored further, we discovered a beautiful winery room, lined with bottles displayed like pieces of art - a perfect spot for tastings. Then, just around the corner, we came across a small private dining room, thoughtfully decorated for intimate dinners. The candlelight, vintage decor, and elegant table setting made it feel like a secret hideaway - the kind of place where time slows down and conversation flows easily.
As we made our way back to the room, we couldn’t resist stopping at the games room. It was empty, so we had the whole place to ourselves - playing billiards and ping-pong, laughing, teasing each other, and feeling like kids again.
Who won? Well… that’s a secret! 😉
Later, we returned to our room, took a refreshing shower, and got ready for dinner. The entire day had been filled with calm and joy - it felt like we had escaped into a new, romantic world far from everyday life.
We ended the night back at the bar, drawn by the soft music we heard from our room. The warm, inviting atmosphere wrapped around us as we sipped our cocktails and quietly took in the scene - the flickering lights, the gentle hum of conversation, and that peaceful feeling you never want to end.
The morning air was crisp and cool for this time of year - colder than Mississauga, but beautifully refreshing. From our room, we had a lovely view of the quiet bay. We woke up early and were the first to arrive for breakfast. The menu had plenty to choose from, but we went with freshly made omelets - they looked and tasted delicious, paired perfectly with a strong cup of American coffee.
After breakfast, we set out to explore Killarney on foot, wanting to feel the rhythm of the town. The houses, though old, were lovingly maintained and full of character - each one telling its own story. A few cozy bakeries and coffee shops added to the charm. I love seeing how people keep the spirit of their hometown alive through its architecture and atmosphere.
One bakery caught our eye with its inviting aroma and display of pastries. The cinnamon rolls instantly reminded Milos of his grandma, so of course, we had to try them. They were soft, sweet, and simply perfect - the best little energy boost for our morning walk.
The trail took us along the shoreline, with stunning views of the water, and looped back through quiet streets where friendly locals waved as we passed. It was the kind of peaceful morning that stays with you.
The evening was set aside for our photo shoot, perfectly timed with Milos’s brother returning from his trip to join us. We dined at the Main Dining Room, which immediately became my favorite. There was something about the traditional chalet-style decor - the linen table settings, sparkling glasses, and carefully arranged cutlery - that felt both elegant and inviting. Local artwork decorated the walls, each piece telling a story of the area’s history and adding a special, unique charm to the space.
I couldn’t help feeling grateful to Milos for bringing us to this beautiful place.
On the morning of our check-out, Milos and I woke around 7 a.m. Before packing our things, we walked to the nearby lighthouse. I added an extra layer to shield against the crisp wind, but the stunning view of the lake and seeing Milos carefully capturing every detail around us filled me with warmth and made the moment unforgettable.
On our way home, we stopped at the French River Provincial Park Visitor Centre, a place we always visit. The award-winning building, with its unique shape and scenic location, was the perfect spot to pause. Walking to the bridge behind the center, admiring the river and gorge, and exploring the “Voices of the River” Exhibit Hall reminded us how even short stops can create lasting memories.
Inside, the “Voices of the River” Exhibit Hall guided us on a journey down the French River, showcasing its natural beauty, wildlife, and the stories of people who have lived along its banks. Listening to the voices from the past and present, it almost felt as if the river itself was speaking to us, sharing its history and charm.
Spending time here was a perfect little pause on our trip - a quiet, beautiful moment to breathe, explore, and connect with the unique atmosphere of the French River.
I was craving for a cup of coffee so badly and was eagerly browsing through google maps to find one. Finally, the place called Parry Sound Bay caught my eye and we changed our direction.
The coffee shop itself was small but charmingly decorated, offering everything from coffee and croissants to gelato. Since we didn’t have time to explore the entire area, we decided to linger by the bay instead, sipping coffee and strolling along the peaceful shoreline. To our delight, a water plane took off nearby, and we captured the dramatic moment with our camera - a perfect little memory to end our visit.
Looking back, this spring trip wasn’t just about the places we visited - it was about the moments we shared. From exploring tulip-filled farm and Niagara to relaxing at Killarney and pausing by the French River, we embraced every opportunity to enjoy nature, have fun together, and make memories. We did our best to prepare for Serbia while fully immersing ourselves in the experiences around us. These are the moments we’ll carry with us forever and make sure to share our stories with the friends and family back home in Serbia.
We look forward to continuing our journey in Serbia!
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