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) 

Antiquing Weekend at Fieldhouse- Oct 19-21

Hello my O'Valleyers!

Just a quick heads up that the bi-annual Antique show is on next weekend! Here is the message from Catherine Knoll, show manager. Please contact her to be added to the email list.

Hope to see you there. Let me know what you end up getting in the comments section below.

Antiquing at The Fieldhouse is coming on October 19-21, 2013

Print this page only (or simply show the ticket taker on your smartphone).

Hello Everyone:

It's a lot! Country pine, Deco, Manhattan glass, reclaimed antique lumber furniture, gorgeous art, designer handbags (typically including Gucci, Fendi & Ferragamo), fun fleas, vintage watches, Persian carpets, haute couture, Maritime carvings, cottage quilts, fine furniture, book & paper conservation, silver accents, vintage clothing, fashion jewellery and fabulous fine jewellery (typically including Tiffany, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels), plus more (much more)! Retro. Vintage. Antique.

The Fall Ottawa Antiques Show has everything from decorator finds to one-of-a-kinds, from designer stock to just plain fun. For you, your home, condo, or cottage- 40,000 square feet of fabulous awaits you!

Hope to see you there.

Catherine Knoll
Show Manager

Antiquing at The Fieldhouse

Carleton University, Bronson Ave. & Sunnyside Ave., Ottawa K1S 5B6

Friday October 19, 5pm-9pm Saturday October 20, 10am-5pm, Sunday October 21, 10am-4pm

Regular admission $10 Free re-admission Under 18 free (613) 521-1970

Lots of parking available, but no longer free. Please check directly with the venue for rates.

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.

Glebe Shopping Spree Contest

Hello O'valley'ers,
I am happy to annouce that the Glebe construction has ended today!

They have also launched a Shopping Spree Contest until Dec 31 2011.

Here how it works:

1. Get a passport from participating stores
2. Get a stamp/sticker for every $20 spent at participating stores
3. Collect 10 stamps and submit your entry!
4. Win $10,000 dollars to spend in the Glebe!
5. Visit their website incase I am giving you wrong information!

What would I buy with $10,000 in the Glebe? Glad you asked!

• Bose speaker system at the Audioshop
• New pots and pans at the Glebe Emporium
• New jewellery at Magpie (pandora available)
• New bike at Kunstadt sports
• Groceries at Metro Glebe
• Spa treatment at Thann

What would you buy?

It's Antique Show time again!

People always ask me where I get my antiques and why I didn't tell them about it! I want to ask them why they don't read my blog!!

There will be lots to see and buy at the Ottawa's Antiquing Event. Bring your cash and your imagination! This three day event come twice a year and will definately keep you coming back for more. Make sure you book October 21, 22, 23 2011!

Loads of parking (No Longer Free, sorry!!) available at the Carleton University Fieldhouse.
Print this coupon to save on your admission fee.

Contact Catherine Knoll (show manager) to be added to their email list.

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!