Spoil him on Father's Day at Warren Chase

For once, I know what to get my husband for Father's Day this year! No clothes, no booze… but relaxation! Men won't admit it, but they love getting pampered just as much as women do.

What if I told you, there is finally a place, where men can relax and feel comfortable doing it. From facials, to waxing, hair cuts to beard trimming, fashion consulting and more, Warren Chase is the "Urban retreat" for any man this Father's Day.

I had the pleasure of meeting the hospitable and handsome owners of Warren Chase, who were more than happy to give us a tour of their facility and talk to us about their services. Every single detail of the space was methodically planned. I must say, as a woman, I was a bit jealous that this place was strictly for men!


A beautiful and ruggedly decorated venue with a twist of industrial is the perfect gift for the special man in your life. Loads of free parking and conveniently located at the Train Yards to boot!

I have 2 $10 vouchers that I will be raffling off for Warren Chase on June 5th. Please leave your comment below and tell us why you will be spoiling your man (father or husband) on Father's Day this year!

Happy Shopping and remember to support local when you can!

xox Chantsy

New fashion boutique on Preston

I was walking along Preston the other day during Tulip Fest and really noticed that there was a lack of boutiques. Whether it's clothes, kitsch, home decore or give shop... All that surrounds us on Preston our pubs, restaurants and bars! Great at night quiet during the day.

Except… I discovered a little shop called Vincent. I did my thing being curious and all and walked in to see what it was all about. I can usually tell right away what it stores all about but observing a few items, checking the prices and observing the Decor. Me Gusta!

Vincent is just the type of boutique shopping Ottawa needs. On trend fashion, new designers and refreshing looks. I'm just getting pretty tired of the same old brands.

The lesson here is if you see something that intrigues you explore it. Talk to the owners, ask them questions, get out of your comfort zone and just be yourself. Small-business owners are always friendly and are more than happy to talk about their new business. They want to succeed and need loyal customers.

Check them out on Facebook, visit their website and blog.

Map for Antique Shopping in Ottawa

I am so happy to announce that I finally put together a map for antique shopping in Ottawa! Have fun and let me know if I am missing any shops :)

Sarah Richardson in Ottawa

"Are you a Designer or a Fan?" asks a young woman sitting next to me. Later, I learn it is Paula McCooey, Home section journalist of the Ottawa Citizen. We quickly chat about home decor, our kids, and our love for Sarah Richardson, as we patiently wait for her arrival.

All of Ottawa's beautiful people were dressed to the nines, some in sky-high stilettos and most with a designer bag clutch to their sides.

Sparkling Perrier and a healthy assortment of delicious sushi were on the menu. Macaroons and mini desserts with coffee followed.

I had the privilege of attending a launch party hosted by Elite Draperies and Home Decorating (Ottawa) on Wednesday, April 9. "Kravet Collections" is a print and weave fabric line by Sarah Richardson, HGTV star from Sarah's House, Design Inc. and Sarah's Cottage. Her classic, timeless, abundant, clean, colourful and bright styles are what she is best known for.

Sarah's reputation includes repurposing, refinishing and recycling old furniture, which requires talent, a good eye and confidence! Not everybody is willing to be seen picking up an old chair off the side of the road. I've done it, but it takes courage.

The designer world has a reputation for its exclusivity, riches and vanity. This competitive industry is filled with amazingly creative talent and considered a luxury for most common folk. But after carefully taking in all of Richardson's advice and talking to a few guests, interior design seems more attainable and built for real living. I like that.

Richardson, powerful female entrepreneur with international panache, shared great advice with her guests.

When you create a room, Richardson suggests using the following formula: 1 part to 1 part ratio.

- feminine vs masculine

- new vs vintage

- calm vs fun

- beautiful vs practical

Richardson says she designs rooms for living. "There shouldn't be any 'off-limits' rooms for your kids. Your space should be youthful and make a statement." she says. “Use a monochromatic colour scheme for each room, but invest in big-ticket items that are neutral tones. This way you can change up the decor by one replacing the smaller coloured items” she advises.

Richardson suggests starting by drawing inspiration from creativity like art or fabric. “Use texture and layer different patterns” she says. Reinterpreting and repurposing are a huge part of Richardson's design.   

"It's not about where you get, it's about how you use it" she says.

A powerful female entrepreneur, Richardson suggests to use fashion as an indication to help describe and understand the client’s design taste.

Richardson highlighted the importance of building relationships with suppliers.

She admits to being a perfectionist, and expects everyone that she works with to give it their best. She also stressed the importance of being vested in your own work and to be responsible for all the details.

To close, Richardson shared one of her favourite quotes by Charles Eames "The details are not the details, they are the design."

We think that’s great advice for any “fan or designer” to follow.

Ottawa 2014 Garage Sales

Think of this as a gift from me to you!

I've decided to compile this years Ottawa Neighbourhood Garage Sales. Here we go:

- May 31 Riverside South Garage Sale

- May 24 Glebe Garage Sale

- June 7 Awesome Alta Vista Garage Sale

- September 6 Old Ottawa South Porch Sale

I found this website http://gsalr.ca/garage-sales-ottawa-on.html that compiles estate sales and garage sales. Don't forget to check Kijiji for a local listing too ;)

These Neighbourhood garage sales are not to be missed!

Please let me know in the comments below if you have any to add.

Antique show Spring 2014

It's that time of year again!

Print this coupon and receive $2 off admission to the bi-annual Ottawa Antique Show on April 5-6 2014!

The Fieldhouse at Carleton University, Bronson & Sunnyside  K1S 5B6    

Regular admission $10 

Saturday April 5 10 AM to 6 PM

Sunday April 6 11 AM to 5 PM

Visit www.ottawaantiqueshow.ca for all the details 

Don't miss out on these shoes, contact the show manager at antiques.show@sympatico.ca to get on their mailing list!

Chef Chuck Hughes from Chuck's Day Off in Ottawa

Last weekend, my foodie dream came true. I met Chuck Hughes, Montreal chef from The Food Networks's Chuck's Day Off.

I bough his book a week in advance, because I am a planner, and planners know how to get ready!
I went to Costco (Merivale) really early, about 1.5 hrs before he was going to start, to get a good place in line. And I did :) I think I was about 10th in line.

Tim's breakfast panini and coffee in hand, I made friends with a girl in line in front of me, and quickly realized that maybe my crush on Chuck wasn't so unique after all  :( hahaha

He arrives! My heart is racing, and beating out of my chest, I am so nervous to meet him! I hear his deep raspy cigarette voice and can't help but to release the 12 year old giddy girl with a crush in me. It's finally my turn!

What a gentlemen- he gets up and shakes my hand, "thank you for coming" he says. I answer nervously "my pleasure"... that sounds dorky, right away I regret saying it. Calm down girl! You've been happily married for 4 years and you have a 5 month old at home, get a grip!

"Nice necklace"... um, did he just complement me?.... delayed reaction..."Oh, thanks. Ya, it's a rope in the shape of a tied knot".
"Ya, I know. It reminds me of one of my tattoos" Then proceeds to show me the back of his right elbow (I melt). The tattoo has something written in rope. I was so nervous, I don't remember what it even said. Because, OMG, we are having a conversation!

Embarrassing but worth it-  "Can you sign it, from your boyfriend Chuck?"... he stares at me. I'm thinking, man I sound like a loser, but it's worth a shot! Whatever, he doesn't have to do it, I'm just putting it out there in the universe.

He signs my book, and one for my sister, it's for her b-day gift.

After all is said and done, Chuck gets up for the million dollar shot! What a nice guy. Thanks Chuck!

As much as I felt like a creepy stalker, I feel like we could be friends. He is really cool, chill and just a genuinely nice person, not yet ruined by his famous status.



Questions I would ask him if I had the time:
1- What is your camping cooking style: Ghetto hot dogs or gourmet eating?
2- Did you cancel the last book signing to make it to the Wu-Tang concert after this?
3- Would you like to hang out? I feel like we could be good friends. (After this question, he would quickly get up and walk away as he would soon realize that I am a crazy stalker who is trying to kidnap him, hahaha)

Chuck and I (sharing the same side puff in our hair) 

The squeaky wheel gets the grease! Thanks Chuck and Universe xox
You can't see it, but I am super shaky and nervous. I immediately headed over to the vegetable freezer to cool off! (True story)