Old Ottawa South Porch Sale- Sept 8 2012

If you are like me and love digging in people's junk, the Old Ottawa South Porch Sale is where it's at!

Similar to it's sister "Glebe Garage Sale", I personally enjoy this event a whole lot more. In the spirit of making lists - here's why:

1. September 8th is cooler weather than May 28th, so you can go farther and longer!
2. Less people around, less crowded so you can take your time a look
3. Less people means you can bargain more ;)
4. Less people means you have access to parking
5. Access to parking means you can bring your car around with you and buy huge things like furniture
6. Less garage sales per capita means you increase the number of garage sales attended (sorry this is my science brain talking! hahaha)
7. The demographic is...older. Which means you have better items for sale (if you like antiques and more interesting things)

So, as much as I want to support this event and invite people to come, I may be shooting myself in the foot by increasing attendance! Just kidding, it's for a great cause! Sellers are asked to donate a portion of their proceeds to OSCA (the guideline is 10%) to help cover costs of various community initiatives.

Don't forget to take advantage of the street sale on Bank street too! Last year Taylor's was serving delicious take-out pulled pork sandwiches for $5! Wonder what they will be serving this year!

Hope you can make it!
Here are some treasures I found last year.

Jumbo mason jar! Great for punches or lemonade.

Copper pots worth big buck$!! Paid $5 for both! Great for even cooking (like making sauce and melting chocolate)

Cute antique storage box for beauty products.

There's a new salon in town...

And it's here to stay!

I'm talking about Hair Republic, on Bank Street at Sunnyside Ave. It has an edgy and clean look to it. It reminds me of Mad Factory in Toronto (p.s. they give free hand massages there!!). Everything white, with modern art hanging on the walls... my favourite part is the chandelier that greets you at reception! That's like saying "Hello, how can I make your day shine today?" I. love. shiny. things.

I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle, owner and senior stylist at her new salon.

She is such a kind, warm hearted and friendly person. I walked in, the first day the salon was open to get more information about the place, the type of product lines they sell and to find out what their hair philosophy is. Plus, let's face it, I am the most curious person on arth! Also, I've been finding it difficult to stay faithful to a stylist :S I just haven't found the one!

Michelle explained her salon's unique business model; green, healthy and beautiful! They recycle everything, all the way down to composting the hair! They sell shampoo that doesn't contain harsh chemicals, it's based from natural oils and ingredients. They also offer a rewards program where you collect HR dollars when returning empty shampoo containers to redeem against other products.

I am always looking for good shampoo, because my hair can get really dry. I got my hair washed to test the products before I commit to buying it and got my bangs trimmed too. I can't wait to get my hair done soon!

They haven't even been open for a week yet and they are almost fully booked! I'd say, if you are going to cheat on your stylist, do it with class and go treat yourself at Hair Republic!