out with the old, in with the used

What if I told you that there are stores that sell great stuff at sale prices, ALL THE TIME. What if I told you that this same place allows you to get rid of unwanted stuff and get some money for it!

You guessed it my prittis, CONSIGNMENT shops... and what an art this has become!

Here are some of the more popular consignment shops that are in Ottawa. I haven't had a chance to visit them all, but here is my to do list:

1. The Clothes Secret (I buy/sell from this store regularly because it's close to my work!)
2. Hush
3. Heathers
4. Consignment World
5. Clothes Tree
6. Your Choice
7. Pret-a-reporter
8. Clothes encounters

When I get a chance to visit these stores, I will make sure to give you a brief review! Help me make my list complete, let me know if there are any stores that I missed!

Happy hunting!

SALE ALLERT:

Clothes Secret
Now until October 2nd 2010- 10% off for all students. Specializing in job interview outfits or simply getting ready for the fall. Free personal styling advice is always available to put it all together for you!

fancy feast... not for cats

If you are in Ottawa, and if you are into fine dining experiences and want to learn a lesson or two about food, you should try Beckta. It is located in the downtown area, away from the market and closer to the business sector in Nepean Street, just off of Bank Street. It's in the $$$$ dollar range, but quite fantastic. The best part is that you get to taste rare foods or foods that are in season for a short duration making them a delicacy.

If you are curious about my dining experience and want to see some pictures and descriptions of the 5 course meal we had from the tasting menu, check out my post on me so pritti.

Bon appétit!

oh, that, it's an antique...

According to Wikipedia, "Antiquing" is the act of shopping, identifying, negotiating or barganing for antiques. Items can be bought for personal use, gifts and in the case of brokers dealers, profit. Antiquing is performed at garage sales, estate sales and resort towns, antique districs, collectives and international auction houses.

According to me, it's a lovely Sunday afternoon treasure hunt to decorate your house with one of a kind items that hold a certain value. Antiquing is not for everyone. You must have imagination, desire to be unique and be capable of creating a story behind each peice that you own.

Lucky for me, I work right by an antiquing strip in the Old Ottawa South, on Bank Street. As you can guess, I like to go to these shops once in a while on my lunch break!

Here are a few pics of my journey to " The Ottawa Antique Market". I have only recently discovered this gem. It's kinda hidden, but it's an underground maze capable of travelling back in time. From retro teak furniture to old smelly books, there is something for eveeryone!


There is something about old linnens and quilts that just resonates cozy. I love the colours and the softness of natural materials.

I think old lady hats are so decorative, I would never wear them, I just love to look at them.

I have my eye on the blue cabinet ($1,575) and the copper bucket hanging on top ($65). Wish I could afford it!

I like this book shelf if I was decorating a baby's room... not for a long time!

I don't have any use or space for this bench, but.... I WANT IT!!!!!!! $300 thought? Is it worth it?

There are a few more antique shops walking distance to this market:

- Yardley's Antiques

- Upper Canadian Antique Mart

- Find Design (Lots of retro and teak furniture)

- Champagne dit Lambert Antiques Ltd

I may be missing some... please feel free to complete my list!


Ottawa Antique Show October 22-24 2010

Carleton University- Click here for contact information

cheese... you can't be serious

If you like all things cheese, there is a great little cheese shop called Serious Cheese, on Bank street located in the Old Ottawa South.

I've blogged about them in my me so pritti blog. Check it out!

gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, are these cookies free?

This is the Trillium Bakery on Belmont and Bank street, located in the Old Ottawa South. It's tucked away in the corner next to a laundry mat.
This is a great little hole in the wall that bakes fresh bread, cookies, cakes, pies, you name it! It's not just your ordinary bakery... they offer loads of different varieties for food allergies or illnesses like "siliac, diabetes, etc".
They bake everything on site.
What I like most about this place is that you can explore such different ingredients if you are tired of your same old bread. It also helps cut back on the calories!!

If you are ever in the area, treat yourself to a "something free "cookie... or just go nibble on their free samples :P

me discover the ottawa valley

Welcome!
Since "me so pritti", I discovered that I love blogging and that I have a keen interest in blogging about stuff to do in Ottawa and the cute shops and restaurants that I go to quite often. Originally from Toronto, I find myself in tune with urban life and I hope to show you what Ottawa has to offer.
I have lived here for almost 8 years now, and this city has really grown on me.

I hope to introduce you to many smaller local businesses that make Ottawa truly a great place to live.

Come explore the "valley" with me.