Sustainable shopping: terra20 seeks to make eco easy

terra20 is Ottawa’s first large-scale sustainable retail store, located at 2685 Iris in the Pinecrest Shopping Centre. (Inside the old Ikea.)

Pamela Tourigny is the community manager for terra20, a 15,000-square-foot retail store strictly offering eco-friendly products — from cosmetics to clothing to cleaning supplies. Tourigny calls terra20 a “totally different shopping experience” where people are welcome to browse for hours, educating themselves on the topic of sustainable shopping.

Would you call Ottawa a green community? How do we compare to the rest of the country?

Purple Urchin soap is one of the local eco products terra20 sells. (Photo credit: terra20′s Facebook page)

I can’t answer this scientifically, but I would say that Ottawa as a whole is a well-educated, healthy-living oriented, conscious-consumer community.  There’s a notable subset of individuals who take their consumer purchases very seriously, with a strong locavore streak.  Many people in Ottawa like it when they know the story behind what they’re buying (the wild success of all the farmer’s markets here demonstrates that), and I think terra20 fulfils that. Ottawa also walks that line between town and city; it has the amenities of a city and a growing population, but a small-town feel that puts great value on word of mouth. That’s been beneficial to us as a start-up.

What’s the driving force behind terra20? Why launch now?

The driving force is really making it super easy for ordinary people to make better, more sustainable consumer purchases.  There are many small, localized businesses that provide some of these products, and that currently serve their specific communities well — and they will continue to do so.  We want to attract people who aren’t already making these purchases to come and check out terra20. We want to change consumer behaviour.  It’s a lofty aspiration, but we believe that it is an absolute necessity if humans are to slow down the rate at which the planet is being harmed. Why now? Well, this was nearly three years in the making.  We were ready, and we think Ottawans have been waiting for this. The initial enthusiasm and excitement we’ve seen backs this up.

A terra20 staff member sorts through a selection of shirts ahead of the store’s opening. (Photo Credit: terra20′s Facebook page.)

What’s behind the name “terra20″ anyway?

In this new millennium, as the world’s population soars, it’s up to us to explore a more sustainable, earth-friendly lifestyle. The year 20-something will be the year we get it right.

terra20 has moved into part of the old Ikea building …. it’s 15,000 square-feet! Did size matter to the concept? (Why go so big so fast, if the green market is still gaining ground?)

Size does matter: We wanted to create an environment where we could cover a broad range of product categories, but also, to provide people with selection within each category. Nobody wants to be told: “Here are the two types of hand creams we carry; these are your choices.”  We also need to have the room to accommodate the customer requests we’ve already been getting for new products! The idea was to create something that reminds mainstream customers of the kind of store where they’re accustomed to finding a large selection, so that we can be competitive.

You’ve only been open for about a week, but what green gear is Ottawa most excited about?

Ottawans clearly want to go green in a clean way without the nasty toxins, as nearly all of our top selling individual items are in our cleaning category and half are from our fabulous ecobar assortment!. (At the ecobar, you pay a one-time fee for a reusable container that can be refilled again and again, with the customer paying for the amount they buy.) Our kitchen and apparel departments have also had strong sales.

The “Greens” are a line of kitchen utensils made from recycled material. (Photo credit: terra20′s Facebook page)

What’s one product you sell that Ottawans won’t be able to find anywhere else?

This is a really tough question in the age of eCommerce, but we do have some outstanding and simply stunning home accents that will wow even the most discerning designers, as well as gizmos for the techie such as solar rechargers, bamboo speakers for your iPod, and cork USBs.  I don’t think these are very readily available locally.

If you could describe Ottawa’s green community in three words, what would they be?

Discerning, well-intentioned,  enthusiastic.

If you want to see more of what terra20 offers, check out these reviews from EF Magazine and Ottawa Magazine. Or visit terra20 yourself (2685 Iris, in the Pinecrest Shopping Centre).

Introducing… Ottawa’s Locavore Artisan Food Fair!

Nicola Maule is an event planner who is always trying to bring a bit more excitement to Ottawa.

In recent years I have been struggling with the overwhelming commercialization of Christmas. Everywhere I turn, I feel as though I am bombarded with ads for new technology gadgets and latest toys.  This year, my eight year old’s letter to Santa this year  consisted only of items that started with an “i”! 

http://www.ottawalaff.ca

So instead of hunting for the latest electronics, I have been cruising the local craft shows for items that have been made with love and care for my loved ones.

So, I can recommend to you one fair that is not to be missed this December – the Ottawa Locavore Artisan Food Fair. On Saturday December 10^th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 26 of Ottawa’s finest artisan food producers will be gathered at Memorial Hall at 39 Dufferin Rd. in New Edinburgh (part of the new Crichton Cultural Community Centre).

The locally made gourmet products will include cookies, pies, breads, macaroons, tortieres, teas, coffees, jams, chutneys, marinades, salsa, olive oils, granola, cheeses, soups, chocolates, ice creams, mustards, take home meals and gluten free baking – all wonderful gifts that will also reduce the stress of your holiday cooking and shopping.

Wood-fired pizza from The Flatbread Pizza Company (Photo Credit: Gen Brisson)

There will be lots of sampling of the products and the on-site café will be serving delicious soups all day long and The Flatbread Pizza Company will have their wood burning oven outside the hall making irresistible pizza that will make you dream of Italy!

Some of Ottawa’s well known food artisans that will be there such as Life of Pie, Pascale’s Ice Cream, Art-is-in Bakery and Rochef Chocolatier. Just think you can get all your holiday shopping done in one day, in one place and know that you are supporting the local Ottawa food scene.

Also, you can be sure that your taste buds will thank you too!

Admission to the fair is free and there will be a silent auction at the fair with products donated by the vendors. The proceeds will go to the School Breakfast Program which feeds 11,000 children in Ottawa every day.

Thanks Nicola! For more information visit: www.ottawaLAFF.ca.

A trip to the Third World Bazaar with the Reynolds family

Mike Reynolds (blog/Twitter) is an Ottawa born-and-raised husband,  father to one and soon to be second. He’s obsessed with making sure his daughter says ‘daddy and mommy’ and not ‘mommy and daddy’ and with finding junk he thinks will one day be considered an antique. He also blogs about his admitted cluelessness when it comes to raising a child.

Have you ever thought to yourself “I think what our living room really needs is a 200 pound elephant sculpture carved out of one piece of wood?”

We regularly ponder such things in our house, so I always assume the same thing happens to families all over the Ottawa area. We recently made the decision to see what such a piece of furniture would look like close-up when we took a visit to the Third World Bazaar, a “we have everything from everywhere in the world” kind of market held annually in October and November near Manotick.

The Third World Bazaar is found at the corner of Mitch Owens Road and Manotick Station Road

There’s something for everyone at the Third World Bazaar, no matter how eclectic your taste.

We visited the bazaar this past weekend. It was a typically chilly Sunday and the three of us were bundled up as though it were December. Previous trips had taught us that the cold from outside often made its way into the modestly enclosed buildings that house the majority of the wares.

Once we navigated across the bumpy grass parking lot, we made our way toward the almost open-air building. Before we even step inside, we’re greeted by the too-big-to-fit-in-the-building pieces, like the giant elephant. You could spend an entire day looking at the driftwood sculptures and one-of-a-kind cabinets that dot the ground and line the walls.

All day that is, if you weren’t spending every minute worrying that your daughter was going to rip off a monkey hand and force you into purchasing it.

Eventually we made our way into the larger indoor area. The market areas are sectioned off mainly by décor. Taking in the building from the entrance, the impression you get is that you’re on a tour of all the crafts that have ever been made in the world.

The musical instrument section

In one corner you’ll find musical instruments from international destinations. If you’re traveling with a child like we did, make sure to think about how much noise the instrument will make if your child plays with it 20 hours a day. Similarly, if you’re a 30-something like me, try to resist the urge to purchase a den-den daiko just because Daniel used one in the Karate Kid.

Part of the massive scarf collection

In another section you’ll find all the scarves one could ever imagine owning. My wife, Andrea, has a very powerful scarf imagination. If you’re weary of walking in small spaces or of elbowing people gently to get from one place to another, you might want to avoid this room all together. If you do, you’re missing out on some of the best priced, won’t-find-anywhere-else scarves in Ottawa, though.

Then there’s our favourite section: the Christmas one. The room is filled with different representations of Santa, big and small reindeer, fat and skinny snowmen, silver and gold stars as well as any other icon you can imagine associating with the holidays.

Christmas ornaments

On this journey, Leah took particular interest in the many reindeer (or moose as she refers to them) that populated the Christmas section.

“Daddy, mooses,” she would say to me over and over, falling prey to one of the most ridiculous pluralisation mistakes in our language.

“You mean meese,” I try to correct her.

“No, it’s moose,” my wife tells me as people bump through on their way to the checkout.

“It must be meese, one is called a moose, how can two also be called moose, it just doesn’t make sense,” I reply.

“It’s moose,” she says again.

“Mooses daddy,” Leah persists again, and I realize who cares? Let’s buy two and figure it out at home.

The market holds many more treasures as well and you won’t be disappointed if you decide to stop by for yourself. The prices are great and the people running the show are even better. I guarantee that you’ll come away with a one-of-a-kind item.

The bazaar is open just two more weekends this year – November 11 to 13 and November 18 to 20, so be sure you get out there while you still can.

Finally, and this is important, make sure you treat yourself to some apple cider and maybe even a bag of fries as you take your leave. It will be the perfect wrap-up to your day.

Sounds like a great weekend adventure, Mike, although frankly we’re a little disappointed you didn’t walk away with a 200 pound wooden elephant (maybe next weekend, huh?). Have any of you ever uncovered any treasures at the Third World Bazaar?

Shopping for a cause: Exploring Ottawa’s sustainable fashion scene

Michelina Teti (Twitter) is a fourth-year journalism and gender studies student at Carleton University. Originally from Brampton, Ont, she’s a huge fan of a great yin yoga class, horrible television and hanging out with a pile of magazines in the traditional print form. She’s also Starbucks and agenda obsessed.

It’s the perfect weather for window-shopping.

Maureen Dickson and Malorie Bertrand

Maureen Dickson, a sustainability consultant and co-founder of Slow Fashion Forward, and EF Magazine editor-in-chief, Malorie Bertrand, joined together recently to create Fashion on Display, Ottawa’s first-ever boutique tour. The event has been going on since October 6, but doesn’t end until the 20^th, so don’t worry, there is still plenty of time to peruse the streets of Ottawa!

The tour matches locally owned eco-fashion boutiques, vintage shops and thrift stores with a local artist who then creates a window display for the shop that spreads a message. The cause behind the event is to promote conscientious consumption. 

During the tour, locals are invited to visit each location, admire the displays and learn about the shop’s sustainable brands. 

Both Dickson and Bertrand are hoping the event sparks some debate in Ottawa about the eco-fashion options in the city. The tour also promotes the great local shops that do provide sustainable choices for customers. 

It was only a few years ago that Dickson used to shop just like the rest, tempted by the latest fashion trends and cheap retail prices. She’d buy at stores like H&M and Zara, and she’d shop a lot. 

Dickson gained new perspective and shopping habits during her time in Sweden, where she graduated with a master’s degree in strategic sustainability.

Now, when it comes to her clothes, Dickson is eco-conscious.

For those interested in sustainable fashion, the girls recommend shopping at second-hand stores and consignment shops. They also suggest having a clothing trade with your friends.

It’s when you need a piece of clothing that will last a lifetime that you should buy new and high quality, Dickson says.

Bertrand says her best finds are from thrift shops.

Her latest highlight? She recently went thrift shopping in the states and bought 20 things for $12! She boasts that she always gets compliments on those types of steals.

“At the end of the day we are all individuals and we all want our own sense of style as well. I find this so much more rewarding and satisfying,” Dickson says. “I’ve always loved rummaging for things and finding things that are unique that nobody else has.” 

As for me, my shopping trip down Dalhousie was a complete success. I found three new shops, all local and unique, and even bought a pair of earrings!

Here’s a sneak peak for you: I’m not going to tell you where the photos shown below are from – it’s your job to check the shops out for yourself. All I will say is these three shops were very close to each other, and visiting them could be a great little walk-and-talk kind of coffee date with a girlfriend.

Visit your Ottawa locals, shop at some great boutiques and learn a little bit at the same time.

Enjoy!

Sounds like a great way to combine shopping AND design (two of our favourite things). Well, Michelina has presented a challenge: do you recognize any of the window displays in the pictures above? Let us know – we’re curious too!

Fiona Tapp spends a perfect day in Ottawa

Fiona Tapp is a British Elementary School Teacher, who has called Ottawa home for the past five years. As a native Londoner, she tries to explore and enjoy Ottawa as a tourist, and so far is pretty impressed with this “tiny but brilliant” city!

On the last day of school, before the summer vacation started, amongst the “Best Teacher” mugs, Starbucks cards and boxes of chocolates that littered my desk, a very generous parent of a child in my class had given me a gift of an “Essential Facial” at York Street Spa.

I decided to make a day of it and build a spa/shopping trip around my appointment.

Fiona at the Chateau Laurier pool

First up was a visit to the Chateau Laurier — and for a $20 fee, I was able to use the gym and art deco swimming pool. The gym is fairly well equipped as hotel gyms go, sporting an array of cardio and resistance machines, as well as free weights and a rowing machine. 

After I had worked up a sweat, I retired to a lounger around the edge of the pool and admired the 1912 geometric designs and architecture, including an unused fountain.

The water was warm, and apart from a family, ironically enough all the way from England, I had the place pretty much to myself. It really is quite a unique swimming pool, and seemingly in a time warp, the monogrammed brass door knobs, wooden benches and sunburst motifs ferried me away to a time of jazz, Charleston dancers and talking pictures!

Art deco details at the Chateau Laurier pool

Next up, and just as a light drizzle of rain started to fall, I walked down to Dalhousie to check out three boutiques all in a row: Victoire, Workshop and Milk.

I really enjoyed browsing the one-of-a-kind jewellery in “Victoire”, especially a selection of gold heart necklaces with rather saucy secret messages engraved on them! This store has a wonderful sense of design and whimsy and displays their wares on cake stands, retro furniture and mirrors, which all gives the illusion of having found the jewellery while snooping around a fashionistas bedroom.

Shopping on Dalhousie Street

I moved next door to Workshop and fell in love with a beautiful soft red jacket with a stripy print on the underside of the collar, which the wearer could pop up to reveal, sadly it was slightly out of my price range, but beautiful nonetheless.

Onto Milk, where a fabulous sale was taking place, with great bargains to be had.

What I love about all three of these stores is that you can find something truly unusual or unique that people will ask you about, and of course the customer attention and personal greeting.

I astounded myself by not buying anything, shopaholics can be tamed after all!

The Tea Party

Feeling peckish, I headed to The Tea Party on York Street, and enjoyed a pot of “Windsor Castle” tea and a cucumber sandwich, I loved the cosy feel of this tea shop with its eclectic mix of furniture and dainty china cups and saucers, a trip to the washroom, revealed a claw footed bathtub, which completed the home away from home experience.

Cucumber sandwich from The Tea Party

It was now time for my appointment at York Street Spa, I was met by my esthetician Ioana, a softly spoken Romanian lady who handed me a super soft robe and asked me to soak my feet while she helped me to choose the oils I preferred by scent, they all smelled wonderful.

http://www.yorkstreetspa.com

My treatment included various masques, oils and hot towels applied to the face, while my legs, arms, hands, feet, neck and head were all massaged into blissful abandon.

Despite my “relaxation to the point of catatonia” state I recall misting sprays, the feeling of warmth and the aroma of peppermint — all delivered by such a nurturing, kind lady with a lilting accent that lulled me almost to napping.

At the end of the treatment Ioana hugged me and said she hoped to see me again- no doubt, she will.

Thanks for sharing, Fiona! Got a list of must-hit places in Ottawa? Share your list below!

Happy Birthday Venus Envy!

If you’ve never been to award-winning sex shop and bookstore Venus Envy, this is your weekend to go.

Today the Ottawa shop is celebrating its 10th birthday!

Don’t know anything about Venus Envy? Well, it is probably the most cool and comfortable sex shop out there. The staff are super-friendly, with the mandate to treat sex with an attitude of fun and respect, and the store is full of all kinds of information and goodies you won’t find anywhere else.

All day today Venus Envy (320 Lisgar Street) is featuring discounts, baked treats, free samples…and probably a whole lot more.

Tonight, hit up Club SAW (67 Nicholas Street) to keep the party going – they’ll have burlesque dancers, live DJs…and its guaranteed to be a great crowd.

Happy Birthday Venus Envy!

Mike Cullen on Mags & Fags

Photo credit: Mike Cullen

A young public servant, Mike Cullen is also a regular contributor to (Cult)ure Magazine as a music editorialist. His passions include music, coffee, writing, travel and comic books.

There are many places you can go to get the this week’s trashy celebrity tabloid, the latest MixMag or any other number of periodicals, but my favorite in the city is a little hole in the wall with a lot of charm called Mags & Fags.

Mags & Fags is located near the corner of Elgin and Somerset Streets along Sens Mile. Their specialty is magazines and newspapers, but the store is much, much more than that. It is a store that brings people not only from community but from other reaches of the city (including myself) for their favorite periodicals.

Photo credit: Simon Schuck

Mags & Fags may be a local privately owned magazine shop, but it features an international flavour with magazines available in store from around the globe, including newspapers from some of the world’s largest cities. One can spend quite a bit of time browsing through the extensive racks of publications (I once spent nearly an hour going through just the music section alone!), and for the hard to get or find publications, the friendly and super knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide assistance.

Also available are a variety of cigarettes and cigars (obviously since it’s your traditional magazine and cigarette shop), and while I can’t speak for the selection as a non-smoker, I’m told that they are one of the best places in the city as well.

In recent years, the store has branched out in the gift card and small gift idea niches, giving them more pull for customers to come in, surprisingly without sacrificing shelf space. My friend Mel and I spent a few minutes perusing the blank journals and day-timers yesterday, drooling over the options and possibilities.

Mags & Fags is definitely worth a visit the next time you find yourself walking along Elgin Street, or find yourself in desperate need of the latest issue of OK! Magazine.

Thanks for the post Mike!

Holiday shopping in Ottawa – Part III (The ByWard Market)

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As Christmas bears down on us, we at LTOttawa bring you one last holiday shopping guide: The ByWard Market! Essentially the heart of the city, the Market is a great place to check out because of its variety, focus on local vendors and the ability to avoid mall crowds as you duck in and out each storefront, grabbing some fresh air at the same time. While you be be sidewalk-jostling with the more organized denizens of Ottawa planning their food choices for family meals and holiday entertaining, there is bound to be something for everyone, allowing you to cross off those on your “nice” list by Dec. 25.

We’ll start on the Market’s west side, with Sussex, and work our way through.

Trustfund (493 Sussex Drive)

In tune with the store name, holiday shopping at Trustfund is a bit of a splurge; I wouldn’t suggest it as your average gift-giving destination. However, there are a few items that make this little boutique worth the visit. First off, their extensive jewellery collection is very trendy and equally affordable; you’ll be able to find something different for both the classic and scene-setting females in your life. Also, the men’s tees, while pricier than average, are often soft, bright and visually interesting. My faves are the vintage hockey tees and the Out-of-Print line featuring classic novel covers. They also have a great collection of moccasins and Hunter boots (plus socks!) for keeping toes cozy this winter. Finally, pick up some brightly coloured Happy Socks and heavenly Capri Blue hand-poured candles for stocking stuffers.

The other place you can check out is Trustfund’s sister store, RoadTrip, located beside Planet Coffee in the courtyard between York and George. It has lower price points but a very similar vibe.

The Zone (471 Sussex Drive)

Stuffed floor to ceiling with funky housewares and furniture, this is nearly a one-stop shop for gift buying. The bright lights and white walls really make the goods shine — and you can buy anything from a modern wall shelf or leather chair, right down to a funky ring or new wallet. I frequent the Zone often for its large collection of jewellery, decorative accessories and interesting kitchen gear. They’ve got some pretty great wine racks too. My faves this year? Matryoshka-doll measuring cups, Umbra wall art and a pretty cool “floating” clock right by the cash.

Nicholas Hoare Books (419 Sussex Drive)

Located at the end of Sussex, this is a place I wouldn’t have found had I not been a frequent National Gallery of Canada visitor. (Which also, coincidently, has a pretty great gift shop if you want to pick up a beautiful poster or silk scarf.) It has quickly become my favourite book store for browsing in the city. Its large, spacious design means you don’t feel trapped by free-standing shelves that could topple over on you at any minute, similar to my nightmares that involve the Ottawa Public Library’s main branch. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are lined with great authors, with a pretty strong focus on fiction. They also have the movable ladders that bring me back to my childhood and one of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical numbers The tables are laden with themes often relating to current events. The store also offers a decent selection of kids books, cookbooks and music.

Nicastro’s La Bottega (64 George Street)

Back on George Street is the Market’s favourite Italian grocer, with shoppers cramming the narrow aisles every weekend and during their lunch break. If you have a food on your list, a quick stop here can create a wonderful gift basket full of chocolates, coffee, flavoured oils and vinegars and colourful pasta. Since you’re shopping last-minute, why not pick up a few cheeses, a lovely wooden serving plate and some antipasto to take as a housewarming gift? Also, as most in Ottawa know by now, a trip to the sandwich counter at the back will keep you stuffed for the rest of your shopping expedition without blowing the bank.

DNA 11 (70 George Street)

Hidden just one door over and above La Bottega is DNA 11, a stop you MUST make for the friend or family member who has everything. This custom art store takes a person’s DNA and transforms it into one-of-a-kind art tailored specifically to an individual, essentially capturing the essence of a human being! Check out the classic DNA portraits, the KISS prints and the FINGERPRINT works. Each piece starts at $200, but will be unlike any other out there. It may be a little too close to Christmas to grab one of these gifts, but keep it in mind for the future. The awkward part will be trying to secure some DNA without your intended recipient knowing ….

Allegro (53 William Street)

This female-focused clothing store is one of my favourite shopping destinations to outfit myself. Although pretty crammed with good, the store colour-blocks its clothing, meaning you can quickly locate that perfect red dress or bright blue sweater. Like a few others on my list now, it has a great jewellery collection. It also has some excellent choices for shoes, bags and hats. Plus, check out its vintage collection for some one-of-a-kind finds.

Bang-On T-Shirt Design (51 William Street)

Located right next door to Allegro, Bang-On is a fun place to really personalize a gift. Although the shop has some pre-made designs and funky examples in the windows, the point of the store is really to let your creative flow. Choose the style and colour of blank T-shirt from the far wall and browse the books for a design you love. I’ve bought many a gift here that can be sweet, funny, embarassing or clever; either way, the intended recipient is going to know it was made exactly for them. Some creative ideas I’ve capitalized on in the past? Favourite song lyrics (The piano has been drinking … not me), nicknames (Team Rox, which is the name my family gives itself when we are doing chores for my mother) or somewhat-witty job titles (I’m a freelance adventurer). The sunglasses and hat collections are also unreal.

Tickled Pink (55 Byward Market)

Heading across the street and into the Byward Market proper, you’ll find lots of great gifts here in a very efficient space. And if you have a special child on your list, you’ll have to make a stop at Tickled Pink. Catering to the stuff only children’s dreams are made of, this store offers up some beautiful costume-themed clothing and accessories. Think tiaras, capes, kid-sized feather boas and tutus. A little on the expensive size for such tiny (and cute!) items, even a window shop is worth it.

The Sassy Bead Co. (11 William Street)

This is another great option if you want to personalize your gift, always a good idea to show someone you care during the holidays. Jar upon jar upon jar …. upon jar of beads stuff this space, creating a seemingly endless place for jewellery possibilities. The helpful staff will teach you how the shop works, guide you through the purchasing process and help you assemble your creation, whether it be earrings, a necklace or a bracelet. Be forewarned not to go overboard though; they charge by the bead and the prices can quickly add up if you’re picking up the more ornate pieces. They also offer pre-made options. Check out next door, at FrouFrou for some other great gifts. Our friend Melodie Cardin has already written her take on FrouFrou. (And we hope for more shopping insight from her in the future!)

The Expedition Shoppe (43 York Street)

This adventure outfitting store is a traveller’s paradise. The relatively small lower floor can be deceiving; immediately head upstairs to check out a wall of travel guides, adaptable hiking clothing and outerwear, rugged boots and other accessories that can be used for a weekend in the wild. I personally think a stainless steel canteen or winter hand warmers for the upcoming ski season make great gifts.

Paper Papier (18 Clarence Street)

Although another of our shopping guides by the lovely Annie McEwan included a trip to the Glebe’s Papery, a trip inside this cozy store is also worth the effort. Pick up festive holiday cards, some beautiful wrapping paper and ribbons, and the gifts under your tree will be the best-looking in the city. The store also offers some high-end pens for that particular person and a great flower store (Tivoli Flowers) in the back to decorate your home.

Domus Housewares (85 Murray Street)

Attached to John Taylor’s Domus restaurant, this home store offers some amazing kitchen gadgets that are guaranteed to last and impress any cook in your social group. Domus stocks the best of the best and offers a range of equipment, from utensils and stemware, to mixers and cutting boards. I like the Henkel knives, Riedel wine glasses and silicone egg poachers. If you’re ever shopping on a weekend, tuck in next door for an out-of-this world brunch.

Workshop Studio and Boutique (242 1/2 Dalhousie Street)

You’re probably a little tired now with all the shopping you’ve done, and the sad part is that we haven’t even scratched the surface. But tucked in the far corner of the Market is one shop I walk the distance to visit when looking for gifts. I like Workshop because it offers clothes, jewellery, T-shirts and kids gifts all in one spot. The focus on reconstructed goods also means the gifts will be a little different. Check out the Wine on Sundays printed earrings (by the store’s co-owner!), the knitted patchwork stuffed animals and the reconstructed sweatshirts. One new item this year is the Fish on Fridays Stephen Harper puppet for the politicos in your life.

AND, one last suggestion for an easy-but-great present is gift certificates to any of the Market’s great restaurants. I’d suggest Play Wine and Food, Murray Street, Navarra and Domus. A night of not cooking following the busy holiday season is all anyone could ask for.

No doubt we’ve missed something here, but please, tell us about it!

Holiday shopping in Ottawa – Part II (Westboro – Wellington)

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Annie McEwen is the best. She is currently studying at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. We miss her! And we’re sure she misses us too. Last week, Annie shared a little holiday shopping nostalgia with us, writing up a great guide to shopping in Ottawa’s Glebe.

This week? Westboro – Wellington.

I’ve lumped these together, which is sure to offend some, but maybe it’ll inspire and extra long Christmas walk from one end to the other? Or maybe I’m forgetting how cold Ottawa winter is…. in any case, here’s my picks East to West of this constantly evolving area.

Wabi Sabi

Too the very far east you’ll find Wabi Sabi. I love this place. If you’ve got a fibre-artist in your life, or would-be-knitter, consider encouraging them with some of the beautiful yarns and fibres stocked here. Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll be regifted the yarn as toque or socks! Also consider checking out their workshops on offer for everything from dyeing to weaving.

World of Maps

Whether outdoor adventurer, global backpacker, or armchair traveller, this place inspires. From travel books to posters and topomaps, this place is interesting even if it doesn’t fit the bill for someone’s gift.

Nectar Fine Teas

Specialty teas from a special place. Stop in to collect a stocking stuffer of exotic tea, or warm up with cup yourself!

Ottawa Bagel Shop and Deli

I prefer Kettleman’s Bagels for my bagels, but the Bagel Shop is stocked to the brim with interesting foodie delights and chocolates. Stop by to pick up finishing salt or a pound of Callebaut chocolate (apparently at a much cheaper price than the competition I’m told).

Bushtukah

Westboro it the mecca for yuppie (that’s Young Urban Professional, in case you’re too young to know the less-derogatory origin) outdoorsy gear, and heading east to west it starts with Bushtukah. Even if you haven’t got a skier on your list, you might find something neat for the world traveller or summertime camper in here. You can also check out Mountain Equipment Co-op in this area, if that is your preference.

Quichua World Market

A relatively new addition to the Westboro scene, this import store has some great affordable gifts from South America and the wider world, including some very cozy alpaca toques last I was there!

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Roots, Lulu Lemon, and American Apparel

If you really must go for the big brands, a few have storefronts on Richmond Road. Easy in and out without the mall music.

The Candy Store

Well, the name sort of gives it away. Stop in to treat yourself or grab something to stuff a stocking.

The Expedition Shoppe

Another source for outdoorsy and travel things, but really, who doesn’t love smartwool socks?!

Ten Thousand Villages

If you’re feeling a little more ethical and the consumption of Christmas is getting you down, the fairtrade offerings of Ten Thousand Villages might be a good idea.

Food and drink while you shop…

Thyme and Again

A well-known Ottawa catering institution. Mostly I’m listing it here because it carries my very favourite bread in Ottawa… and no, I’m not talking about the ubiquitous Art-is-in breads. True Loaf bread is simply the most marvellous baked thing to have hit Ottawa since the French Baker brought real croissants to town, and last I was there Thyme and Again was stocking it!

Three Tarts

I simply love everything they bake. No place really to sit down, but consider picking something up for a treat on a cozy evening in.

Bridgehead

Always popular for a break from the winter weather.

Where are you doing your holiday shopping?

Craft sales! (and delicious jam…)

The wonderful and deliciously talented Margaux Carson reminded us earlier this week to check out some of Ottawa’s great winter craft sales happening this weekend.

So, true to the theme of this blog – we headed out to the Shang Winter Craft Fair at the Shanghai Restaurant on 651 Somerset.

We saw some familiar faces (including local artist Karina Bergmans!) and picked up some delicious jams and other treats from Margaux.

Check out how busy it was:

Margaux Carson of KitchenGraffiti.com

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Did you find anything great at the Ottawa craft sales this weekend?