Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa — one of the most famous paintings in the world — is shrouded in mystery; from questions around the figure’s identity, to her puzzling, enigmatic expression. Now, at least one of the artwork’s secrets has been revealed, according to a geologist based in Italy. Ann Pizzorusso, who is both a geologist and an art historian specializing in Leonardo and the Renaissance era, believes she has deduced the location of the Mona Lisa using her geological expertise. Three decades ago, Pizzorusso visited the town of Lecco on the southeastern shore of Lake Como in Italy — where she believes the painting is set — to retrace Leonardo’s steps, armed with diary entries and drawings from the artist. “In his notebook he mentions being in Lecco,” she told CNN in a phone interview. “He was working as an engineer.” According to Pizzorusso, the project Leonardo was working on was cancelled, but his geological field sketches remained (one red chalk drawing of a mountain range near Lecco belongs to the Royal Collection at Windsor, London). While Pizzorusso is not the first to have theorized on the location of the Mona Lisa (in 2011, an art historian attributed the painting’s scenery to a small town called Bobbio, while another to Arezzo) she believes she is the first geologist. Previous calculations have concentrated on the arched bridge over the Mona Lisa’s right shoulder. However, Pizzorusso insists more can be gleaned from the unique rock formation in the horizon. “Bridges are fungible,” she said. “If you look in the background, you’ll see pinnacles. It’s a type of erosion that happens in limestone that has fractures in it and breaks off in blocks, almost like a sawtooth pattern… We can show limestone exists in (Lecco). When you look at the Mona Lisa, there’s a series of mountains in the background that have this sawtooth pattern.” Similarly, the body of water behind Mona Lisa is geologically specific, believed by Pizzorusso to be Lake Como — a subalpine glacial lake dating back around 10,000 years. “If you look behind her you have the elongated glacial lakes that have a particular form like fingers,” she said. “Because when the glacier moved it scoured out certain pieces of land.” Despite her confidence, Pizzorusso kept her inkling quiet for 30 years, telling only other Leonardo scholars in casual conversation. She returned to Lecco this week, still assured that “everything added up,” and will now present her findings at a geology conference in the town. While the pairing of earth science and art history may seem disparate, Pizzorusso argues the interdisciplinary approach can enrich the viewing experience of Leonardo’s work. “Botticelli, even Michelangelo did terrible backgrounds because they felt the figures were more important,” she told CNN. “If the background is painted right, it gives you more of an appreciation for nature.” Though Pizzorusso admits she is surprised at the widespread interest. “Maybe (Leonardo) was trying to channel me for the environmental movement or something,” she joked. “It’s a testament to how much people love this painting.” Pizzorusso believes Lake Como, the glacial lake dating back around 10,000 years, is in the background of the Mona Lisa. (titoslack/iStockphoto/Getty Images via CNN Newsource) But the discovery may only lead to more mystery. If the location is Lecco, as Pizzorusso suggests, more questions remain as to why the renowned painter chose that particular spot, for this particular portrait. “We don’t know who (Mona Lisa) is, some believe she was a rich Tuscan merchant’s wife,” she said, referring to a popular historical theory that proposes the figure was based on Italian noblewoman Lisa Gherardini. “Why did he put her in this wild, untamed environment? This is not Tuscany. What was he trying to tell us by putting this serene, enigmatic lady in this rugged, alpine environment?” Said Pizzorusso. “I’m really intrigued as to what his message was to us.”

Ottawa’s ultra luxury housing market is blooming like the tulips this spring, with a significant increase in the number of homes sold worth more than $2 million. Data from the Ottawa Real Estate Board shows 12 homes worth more than $2 million were sold in April, up from six homes in April 2023.  “A lot of people think luxury, they think Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal,” Nick J. Kyte, real estate agent with Coldwell Banker First Ottawa Realty, tells CTV News Ottawa. “Here in Ottawa, the ultra luxury market is very affordable when you compare it to those three cities in Canada so it makes it a more secure bet here in Ottawa because of that.” The most expensive home sold in Ottawa in April was for $4 million on James Cumming Avenue. “Typically, in the spring market, we have buyers looking and sellers coming to market. What we’re seeing is more confidence in both buyers and sellers as opposed to last year,” Kyte said. “People just feel more confident in if they do find the right house, it fits their budget and they can afford it, they’re moving with an offer as opposed to last year where they could have liked everything about the property but were afraid of the interest rates and backed off.” The statistics show there were 46 homes sold in the $1 million to $2 million range in April, up from 44 homes in April 2023. Kyte says sellers may gain more confidence in negotiating the best possible price for the property when interest rates are expected to drop later this year. “I think when we speak to the interest rates, ultra luxury buyers in Ottawa are very smart,” Kyte said. “They know that when the rates do go down, whenever that’s going to be, that’s going to cause an uptick in competition, as well as sale prices will rise. Right now, we’re seeing the ultra luxury buyer purchasing properties that obviously fit their needs, but they’re also being able to negotiate in terms of terms, conditions, as well as price.” Kyte tells CTV News Ottawa the ultra luxury buyers looking for homes worth more than $2 million are looking for properties on or near the water. “Ottawa buyers are right now playing the game where they know when the rates do drop, and because the inventory is currently sitting at just about two months at the end of April, it can easily switch into a seller’s market very quickly and it can easily go back to what we were seeing during the pandemic in terms of multiple offers and houses selling well above list price.” The five most expensive homes sold in Ottawa so far this year $5 million – 55 Old Sunset Boulevard. Three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms in a home overlooking Dow’s Lake. $4.26 million – 6125 James Bell Drive in Manotick. Four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. $4 million – 123 James Cummings Ave. Three bedrooms, three bathrooms. $3.75 million – 112 Lisgar Avenue. Four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. $3.25 million – 626 Brier Wood Ave. Four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. CTVNewsOttawa.ca look at the eight most expensive homes for sale in Ottawa this spring. This five bedroom, six-bathroom home in Crystal Bay, with 117 feet of waterfront along the Ottawa River is on the market for $7 million. A home along the Ottawa River for sale at $7 million. (Christie’s International Real Estate/website) “Both the exterior and interior of this custom-built home, designed by architect Chuck Wheeler, have been meticulously manicured to curate a sophisticated and inviting living experience,” says the listing on Christie’s International Real Estate. The home, known as “The View – Waterfront Estates,” includes a second-floor deck with a covered hot tub, a saltwater pool and is “unique in its access to spectacular waterfront.” “The stylish interiors are both impressive and sophisticated. The home enjoys a rare sense of design forwardness, with spaces that are at once intimate and grand,” says the listing.  “The main floor opens into an exquisite foyer, set behind a custom mahogany door with sidelights and a transom. The gorgeous living room offers stylish symmetry focused around a feature fireplace. With elegant coffered ceilings, a picturesque banquette seat in the window and four sets of French doors to the back terrace, this is the perfect place to host.” A look inside the five-bedroom, five full bath home for sale on Grandview Road in Ottawa. (Christie’s International Real Estate/website) This five bedroom, six-bathroom home in Ottawa’s Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood is for sale at $5.5 million. A home for sale on Willingdon Road in Ottawa’s Rockcliffe neighbourhood includes a indoor salt water pool, home gym and nanny suite. It’s listed for sale at $5.5 million. (Realtor.ca/website) “This well-placed mid-century stunner offers an exceptional design with open flow, plenty of natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows,” says the listing on Realtor.ca. “Wrap around terrace, walk out lower level with full-sized indoor saltwater pool, home gym, and nanny-suite. Cathedral ceilings throughout and luxury finishes for a perfectly 21st century ready home with a nod to mid-century touches.” The one-storey home, built in 2000, includes an attached garage. A look inside a home for sale on Willingdon Road in Ottawa’s Rockcliffe neighbourhood for $5.5 million. The home has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. (Realtor.ca/website) Located on Lansdowne Road North, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is for sale at $4.95 million. This five-bedroom, five-bathroom home in Rockcliffe Park is for sale at $4.95 million. The listing on Christie’s International Real Estate says the property includes a “phenomenal private backyard with pool and pool house. (Christie’s International Real Estate/website) “This exquisite Rockcliffe Park home offers rare views of MacKay Lake, a phenomenal private backyard with pool and pool house, gorgeous light conditions throughout and a sensational layout,” says the listing on Christie’s International Real Estate website. “The home has been beautifully renovated by Casa Verde Construction to feature state-of-the-art security, a Lutron lighting system, incredible theatre and custom built-ins. The approach to the house is picturesque, with a fabulous circular driveway leading to the front of the home.” The home includes an “incredible home theatre,” a game room and an attached garage. A look inside the home on Lansdowne Road North features five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a sound proofed home theatre. There is also a private backyard with a pool. (Christie’s International Real Estate/website) This seven bedroom, seven-bathroom home in Ottawa’s Rothwell Heights neighbourhood is for sale at $4.495 million. This home on Oriole Drive in Rothwell Heights is for sale for $4.495 million. The listing on Realtor.ca says the backyard oasis includes an in-ground pool and an outdoor kitchen. (Realtor.ca/website) “Introducing a truly exquisite luxury property that redefines elegance and sophistication,” says the listing on Realtor.ca. “The spectacular main level features an office, large dining room, butler’s pantry, primary retreat with 5-pc en suite and expansive walk-in closet, finished mudroom with built-ins, and a 2nd bedroom with its own en suite.” The home features a family room, game room, gym, an in-ground pool in the “stunning backyard oasis” and an outdoor kitchen. A look inside a home on Oriole Drive in Rothwell Heights, listed for $4.495 million. The listing on Realtor.ca says the great room has coffered ceilings and a striking floor-to-ceiling stone accent fireplace and “expansive windows.” (Realtor.ca/website) The home with “stunning waterfront acreage” along the Ottawa River in Ottawa’s west end is listed for $4.2 million. The home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. This home on Berry Side Road, called a “stunning waterfront acreage property,” is for sale at $4.2 million. There are two homes in one on the property. (Realtor.ca/website) According to the listing on Realtor.ca, the home is located on 5.6 acres, with easy boat launch and “amazing views in both directions. “Two homes in one. Newer build side has 2 bedrooms, 2 renovated baths, full finished basement, birch floors, newer heat pump/hrv/windows. Original home side is more rustic with older kitchen area, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath & large porch w/electric retractable blinds overlooking the Ottawa River. Large great room.” A look inside one of the two homes on a property for sale on Berry Side Road. The listing calls it a “stunning waterfront average property” and it’s for sale for $4.2 million. (Realtor.ca/website) Listed at $3.988 million, this home in Ottawa’s Rideau Forest neighbourhood has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. This home on Queenscourt Crescent in Rideau Forest is for sale at $3.98 million. This five bedroom, five bathroom home includes an in-ground pool with a fountain and slide. (Realtor.ca/website) “Upon arriving, you’re greeted with tremendous curb appeal, mature trees & well-maintained front gardens. A 2-storey front door with rod iron detail makes for a great first impression while entering the home,” says the listing on Realtor.ca. The home includes an expansive primary bedroom with a balcony overlooking the backyard and a three-sided fireplace. The entertainers’ basement includes a bar, cigar lounge, wine cellar, large rec area and a gym. Outside, there is an in-ground pool with a fountain and a slide. A look inside a home for sale on Queenscourt Crescent in Rideau Forest. The home, with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, is listed for $3.98 million. (Realtor.ca/website) This six bedroom, five-bathroom home on Shoreway Drive in Greely is listed at $3.95 million. This home on Shoreway Drive in Greely is listed at $3.950 million. The home, built in 2023, has six bedrooms and five bathrooms. (Realtor.ca/website) “Welcome to an extraordinary residence that redefines luxury living at every turn,” says the listing on Realtor.ca. “From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a sense of grandeur, with soaring ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, and exquisite finishes throughout. From the radiant floor heating in the basement and garage to the gourmet chef’s kitchen and multiple balconies offering stunning views backing to a private pond, this home is designed for the homeowner who seeks both luxury and functionality.” The home, built in 2023, includes a detached garage. The kitchen of a home on Shoreway Drive in Greely. The home, with six bedrooms and five bathrooms, is for sale at $3.950 million. (Realtor.ca/website) This home on Monkland Avenue in the Glebe has six bedrooms and six bathrooms. The home, originally built in 1910, is for sale at $3.9 million. (Realtor.ca/website) Located in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood, this six bedroom, six-bathroom home on Monkland Drive is listed at $3.9 million. “Renovated and re-designed by the brilliant minds at O’Keefe-Fiorenza – find a 21st century family-ready layout yields flow and function,” says the listing on Realtor.ca. “Hardwood floors, marble, leaded windows, wall and ceiling trim, high ceilings. Wood burning fireplaces, heated floors. A nanny or in-law suite and dedicated home office grow with your changing needs.” The home was originally built in 1910, and includes an attached garage. A look inside a home on Monkland Avenue in the Glebe. The home, originally built in 1910, is for sale at $3.9 million. (Realtor.ca/website)

Some people love to wash their car, and for others, it’s their most hated chore. It’s a necessity for car owners, so no matter where you fall on the love-hate spectrum, you want a car wash that’s going to give your car a deep clean that lasts. Automatic car washes are at almost any gas…

  When you take your car to the car wash, there are multiple add-ons available, and one common choice is spray-on wax. It may seem like it doesn’t make a difference, but there are some important benefits. And these benefits go beyond how shiny your will car looks. What Are the Benefits of Waxing Your…

Even when you are lucky enough to start with an empty room, it can be overwhelming to design an interior that you can enjoy for years to come. Following some basic interior design principles, you can transform your space into a relaxing room you will be comfortable and happy with. Decide what your focal point will be and build out from there.  For best results, keep proportion and scale in mind as you decorate as well as these tips!

 Deciding on Your Focal Point
Do you have a magnificent bay window with an incredible view?  Is there an ornate mantle that is the reason you fell in love with your home? Or is there something you absolutely MUST HAVE in the room? Situate your furniture around your chosen focal point to create balance and equilibrium. If your room does not already have an existing focal point, create one with oversized art or add an accent point like a free-standing fireplace, they come in a variety of sizes and styles. Symmetrically balance the room evenly so that both sides mirror one another.  This will help your chosen focal point stand out all the more! Use matching accent tables to flank your sofa or use different pieces of furniture to create a copacetic visual impact, like two similar armchairs to balance a sofa.
Repetition for Rhythm
Rhythm creates a flow and helps direct the eye to the differing visual elements in your room. Just as the notes of a favorite song repeat to create the rhythm, repetition in decor will create a rhythm throughout a home. Establish visual interests with a rhythm throughout your space by placing similar colours or patterns at intervals and repeat in artwork, cushions or area rugs.

Perfect Proportion and Suitable Scaling
Who doesn’t love a large, overstuffed chair? But if your room is on the smaller size it may look out of place and make your room seem even smaller than it is. Keep proportion in perspective. Proportion is the ratio between a piece of furniture and the size of a room. Scale is the size of a piece of furniture in relation to the other pieces of furniture in the room. A super large chair will overpower an apartment of loft size sofa or loveseat and create a sense of unbalance in the room.

Have your room humming harmoniously
Creating harmony will enhance how much you will continue to love your finished. Pull the room with a subdued colour palette for a pleasing, harmonious vibe.   together for a pleasing, harmonious look with a subdued color palette. You can also use a single colour for elements that vary in size and shape. Check out our blog on Doing White on White Right! for more tips!

What is the focal point in your room?  What is your best tip to find harmony and balance through your home?