Tennessy Willems: The Wood Oven Pizza Joint



Courtesy Ottawa Magazine

 I was so happy to hear that the new wood oven pizza restaurant in Hintonburg had just opened. The minute I arrived back to Ottawa from the holidays, I went straight to the Tennessy Willems: The Wood Oven Pizza Joint for dinner. I was told that it was booked that night however there was room at the bar or take-out. My guests and I were pleased to sit at the bar - this way you can see everything going on in the kitchen and restaurant and chat with staff.
First off, I found the restaurant had a cool vibe about it. It seemed relaxed and friendly, my kind of place. My sister who just moved here from Toronto was also very happy with this place also since it reminded her of some cool places she haunted in downtown Toronto.

I was quick to chat up the service staff to find out more about the owners. First I found out the place is named after the owner's son and daughter. This is their first restaurant and that they didn't have any previous experience. Rumour has it that they own a tree farm - that would make sense since they can easily supply the wood for their oven :) They wanted to open this type of restaurant because they had no luck tracking one down in the area after experiencing this type of pizza in the States.


Courtesy Ottawa Magazine

The Tennessy Willems menu had a great selection of pizzas that I had a hard time picking just one. It also included a selection of salads, apps and other main courses like chicken, fish and beef. Something for everyone. I was pleased to read that the restaurant supports local farming and they use organic produce when available.

On tap they had Beaus and St. Ambroise beer - which my husband was very happy to hear - they are two local beer companies. They also have a very good wine selection - almost too good for a pizza joint.

I had the house salad which was made with arugula and mushrooms - very delicious. The pizza I had was nice and light with a thin crust and delicate ingredients. I liked is so much I ate the whole pizza and didn't want to share!!

I would definitely recommend the Tennessy Willems restaurant to anyone. Go check it out and I dare you not to finish your pizza. I should add that my sister's comment about the food that it is good but it needs more love or passion in it. I said I think it will come since they just opened and they are getting use to this business.

Note: The staff told us that it has been really busy over the holidays and that you should call ahead for reservations: 613-722-0000.

Address: 1082 Wellington Street (Across from Giant Tiger in Hintonburg)

Solar Gel Nails Part Two: The Refill

This post is a continuation on my post about my Solar Gel Nails experience, I finally went in to get my nails refilled. What is a Solar Gel Nail Refill you ask, well let me tell you...

As your nails grow, it pushes the solar gel nail part up so the bottom of your nail by the cuticle is exposed. This is the area where you get it filled in, about every 3 weeks. I had no idea how labour intensive and time consuming this process was. I thought it would take 30 minutes to do but I was wrong - it takes an hour!!

1. First they file down the top of your nails both the regrowth area and the existing solar gel nail part. They file it down with two different type of files to ensure surface is even,but with a rough texture, so that the new gel coat will adhere to the nail.
2. Second they cut the nail down to the length you like and file that so you have nice, smooth edges.
3. Third, they spray paint white tips on your finger nails. This was really cool.
4. Finally they add the solar gel coat on your nail and then they put some sort of polish over top to make your nails shiny.

As I was getting my nails done - I had lots of time to think about it. First I noticed that some of the esthetician wear masks while doing our nails. I noticed how much powder was coming off my nails as they filed down the gel - it was dispersed everywhere like when you sand  drywall. This made me think - should I be wearing a mask too? What is in this powder that I am inhaling? What is being absorbed through my nails? Are solar gel nails good for my health?

I have decided to look into this and will do some research and find out if Solar Gel Nails are safe. If you have any information on this, please let me know. Once I have all the info I will write a post on it.

I should also mention, I am getting lots of compliments on my nails. They do look fantastic!

Kunstadt Sports

Now that winter has finally arrived with a nice, white blanket of snow, its time to prepare for it and get your gear to enjoy the snow. The best place to go buy your winter sports equipment is Kunstadt Sports, unfortunately they are not in the neighbourhood, but they are not too far away in the Glebe on Bank; other locations include Kanata and Ottawa South on Bank.

For the kids, they carry a selection of new and used downhill, cross country skis and snowboards. If you are contemplating getting your toddler downhill skiing, they carry the small toddler skis and all the training gear (tip clips and ski harness) to get them on the hill with you.

For you, they also carry a wide selection of ski and snowboard equipment. Check out their website for what brands they carry: http://www.kunstadt.com/snow.cfm

For the ski racer, they will help get them prepared and equipped for this season. My niece who is downhill racing has been in at Kunstadt a few times getting all her racing gear. They take the time and ensure that she gets the right equipment for her racing needs.

They also offer tune-ups for your skis. This is important for the beginning of ski season, since your skis have been rusting away all spring, summer and fall.  Their service department has the Wintersteiger automated ski and snowboard tuning machine and they give you a nice, professional tune-up. They claim that your bases will look as they did originally from the factory they were produced in.


They also carry a variety of jackets, helmets, goggles, clothing and bags for winter. One item I'm thinking of getting is the Kunstadt Boot Backpacks for downhill ski boots. These are really cool and they are 50% off right now - $45. Your ski boots go on the sides and your helmet and lunch fit in the middle. I think this would be a great gift for me...just saying:)

So if your are thinking of buying ski equipment for this winter, check out Kunstadt Sports. I think you will be surprised with their friendly, superior service and will feel comfortable with your purchase because of their expertise and care.

Few More Neighbourhood Gift Ideas

Bija-Bijoux: This cute little jewelry shop is located on Wellington. Whatever your budget, this store is great to buy a gift for that special woman in your life. They carry a wide selection of crafted jewellery from Canada and around the world. Anything I have purchased from this store, I have loved.

Destination, Hair Committee, Red Salon & Bobbi Pin: Any of the wonderful hair salons in the neighbourhood offer great hair product gift packs (i.e. Moroccan Oil) or gift certificates. Why not purchase a gift certificate for a blow dry and style - any woman would love this when she has a special evening planned.

I do want to note that most of these hair salons don't have web pages - can someone tell them to join the modern age:)

Flock: This new store on Wellington street beside St Vincents, carries a wide selection of unique handmade goods, clothing, accessories, housewares, gifts and jewellery from up and coming Canadian designers. I have received a few jewelry items from this store for my birthday and they were real cool pieces. Lots of people have been raving about this store, so I'm sure you would be able to find a great gift here.

LCBO: Go for some sparkling wine or champagne as a present. Or even better purchase the ingredients to make a holiday cocktail or martini and package it all together as a gift. For example for a Holiday Cosmo.  Package together two martini glasses, a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka, simple syrup (buy or make), bottle of lemon juice and a bottle cranberry-pomegranate juice. Check out the LCBO's website for more cocktail ideas.

Three Bakers and a Bike SOLD!

I just went into Three Bakers and a Bike on Wellington to buy some cupcakes and was greeted by a friendly man behind the counter. My kids were a bit surprised and asked me who this man was. If you know this cafe, it was always run by women and it was strange to see a man there. Anyways, I had to ask who he was and he told me he was the new owner!

The cafe/bakery looked the same other than a few personal items that have been removed. My son noticed that the Cookie Monster figurine was missing - he was somewhat distressed with that but was soon comforted when I ordered cupcakes.

The good news is that the previous owner, Lyle will still be involved with the business. I'm not sure how long though, probably a month or two, to help with the transition.

I look forward to positive changes to Three Bakers and a Bike and wish the new owner all the best. Just keep making those small cupcakes - don't change them.

Neighbourhood Christmas Gift Ideas

I thought I would put together a list of some gift ideas that you can pick up in our neighbourhood for that special woman in your life - your wife, sister, Aunt, Grandmother or good friend. Okay this might be my Christmas wish list, but hey I think it's a good list for any woman.

Renu Spa

Manicure and Pedicure  The Renu Manicure ($37+) starts with a moisturizing hand soak, then they will shape the nails and condition the cuticles, then they will apply OPI nail polish. Also includes a relaxing hand and arm massage.
The Renu Pedicure ($60+) allows you to relax and enjoy the comfort of their chairs that offer you personalized massage at your fingertips. The pedicure treatments include a herbal foot soak in their whirlpool footbaths, followed by nail and cuticle care, smoothing of rough skin, exfoliation treatment and moisturizing mask. Also includes a therapeutic foot & leg massage and your favourite OPI polish application. Perfect for someone who likes to socialize, to be pampered or just wants to have nice looking nails.

Oresta's

One of their Signature Facial Treatments ($105-$145). All of their facial treatments include an eyebrow clean-up as well as arm, shoulder, decollete and foot massage. Perfect for someone who likes to be pampered and who wants glowing skin.

Lululemon

Classic Lululemon Scuba Hoodie ($98-$128). Any woman in the neighbourhood would love to have one of these hoodies. If she already has one, there is nothing wrong with buying her another one. These hoodies are cozy and warm and they also look great. Perfect for someone who loves Lululemon, or likes to be cozy and warm.

Mountain Equipment Co-op

Fox River Pippi Ski Socks ($9.50). These are nice and warm wool ski socks - they are really cute because they are pink with stripes. Perfect for someone who is active, downhill skier or who have cold feet.

David's Tea

Tea Kit - Seductive Selection ($35). The small tea kits includes 6 different teas (30 sachets)  in a magnetic lid tea chest. Perfect for someone who loves tea or to entertain.

Truffle Treasures

Truffles ($2 each). You can choose from a wide  assortment of authentic Truffle  Treasures original truffles. They are handmade, fresh, and delicious. Perfect for any woman because all woman love chocolate.

Roots

Coin Pouch ($24). This is a cute little leather coin pouch, perfect for any woman who has trouble finding change in her purse.

Starbucks

Coffee Mug ($10-$15). They have a wide assortment of lovely coffee mugs. Perfect for someone who loves coffee and likes to have a nice big cup of it.

Happy shopping. I will add some more gift ideas in the next couple of days.

Capital Beauty Supply: Hair Dryer

Great Gift Idea

For my birthday I got a new hair dryer and WOW what a difference a good hair dryer makes when styling your hair.  My husband picked up the Dannyco Avanti Ultra AV-3D hair dryer at our local beauty supply store called Capital Beauty Supply Ltd (613-722-7655) on 318 Richmond Road right by the Newport Restaurant in Westboro.

The Dannyco Avanti Ultra AV-3D hair dryer is compact, lightweight and efficient. My hair now takes less time to dry - which as you know, every minute counts in the morning. When I finish drying my hair, I find it looks more smooth and less frizzy - they say it's due to the hair dryers Ion Generator.

I thinks it is totally worth spending the money on a good hair dryer. We use our hair dryer practically everyday. We spend lots of money on our hair - getting it cut, coloured and styled so why not continue good care of our hair with a superior hair dryer.

A funny Santa Video: 24

Here is a funny Christmas video of Santa Claus on the show 24 starring Kiefer Sutherland as federal agent Jack Bauer and Santa Clause as himself.

 

http://www.rebelchristmascard2009.com/

Poor Santa!

Nice One Nails: Solar Gel Nails

Okay I've been totally pampering myself lately. Since I was going on vacation I had to go to my favourite "in and out spa" called Nice One Nails http://www.niceonenails.ca/. This is the best place near our neighbourhood that you can get a quick pedicure and manicure. It is also cheap - $38 and they do a good job - not super but better than what I could do. 

For the first time ever, I decided to get Solar Gel Nails. I find that manicures only last a few days and I wanted my nails to look great the whole week of my vacation. Solar Gel Nails are artificial nails similar to acrylic but are more natural looking French manicure.

Not my nails but they look similar :)

There are a few steps involved in getting Solar Gel Nails.

1. First your nails have to be prepared for the application by cleaning and buffing them.
2. Second step, the nail technician will glue on the white plastic tip of the nails. These will be long-like-claws, but the technician will cut them down to whatever length you like. I opted for short nails. 
3. Then you need to put your nails under the UV light to set the glue.
4. The last application is the “pink part”, which is a gel like substance that is brushed on and smoothed over your whole nail and the white plastic tip.
5. Then this is solidified and set under the UV light.

Positives:

• The great thing about these nails is that you don't need any nail polish once you have them, because they look fantastic and so shiny.
• There is no way of ruining them in the salon when you go pay for the procedure because they are dry and ready to use once they are set. 
• They feel somewhat like your own nail and I think it looks quite natural.

Negatives:

• Honestly I spend way too much time looking at my nails. I find myself preoccupied with them - it looks so odd to have nice nails. :)
• I was told they need to be refilled about every 3 weeks as your nails grow - not sure how that process will go.
• If you need to pick up a coin off the floor, good luck! For some strange reason, these nails are rounded off on the tips and make it impossible to pick up a coin with them.
• If you have an itch, again, these nails can't scratch an itch like your real nails.
• You kids keep complaining that you poke them with your nails when you need to groom or wash them.
• Typing - I am not used to longer nails and I keep hitting the wrong keys on the keyboard with the nail tips. It takes me twice as long to type anything out.
• I also heard when downhill ski season comes around, you can flick the nails off with just buckling up your ski boots - which is also painful and you need to get it fixed right away.

I'm not sure what will happen when I decide I don't want them anymore or what my nails will look like when they come off. However I try not to worry about that right now, I'll just enjoy my fantastic looking nails.

Enhance Those Eyebrows

My sister introduced me to a fantastic product by Benefit - its a brow shaping kit for your eyebrows called Brow Zings.

I find you get your eyebrows waxed and shaped but they still need some refinement, well this is where the brow shaping kit comes in handy. Now I've tried eyebrow pencils before to darken my eyebrows, but when I looked in the mirror it looked like I just applied an eyebrow pencil on them; it did not blend in at all. This Brow Zing product allows you to smooth and refine your brows so they look incredible.

The brow shaping kit contains a pigment wax for shaping, tinted powder for setting, tiny tweezers for those stray hairs, a mirror, hard angle and blending brush.

Here are the directions from the kit: "Dip the angled brush in your soft, pigmented wax. With smooth, angled strokes shape & define brows. Use the blending brush to apply your setting powder. This powder fills in sparse areas and locks brows in place."

You know this is a great product because it was selected as the "Best brow product"  for Allure 2008 Best of Beauty Awards.

Before your next Christmas party, go out and get this product at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart or online at Benefit Cosmetics.

Oresta's Spray Tan

As a birthday present for me, my close friend gave me a spray tan at her spa Oresta's http://www.oresta.ca/ on Wellington. She wanted me to look nice and tanned for my Cuba holiday. I have also heard that tanned skin can make you look 10 pounds slimmer - so sign me up!

This was my first spray tan. It was a very interesting experience - what I can say is that you can't be shy getting a spray tan. There are a few steps to follow to help ensure a good tanning experience. First you are supposed to exfoliate your skin, wear no makeup or creams, wear no jewelry and also wear dark preferably black clothes - so not to stain them.

When you arrive, you have the option to wear your bra and undies - if you want to opt for disposable undies - you can ask for them. I however decided to wear my birthday suit since it was my birthday present. To get your tan, you stand in this special tanning tent and she will start spraying you with the tanning solution. You are asked to do all sorts of poses while you are being sprayed to ensure a nice even tan.  If you have large "natural" breasts, they may ask you to lift up your boobies to spray under them. God forbid if you have a shadow under your boobs.

The result - I would say I am very satisfied with the tan. It looks natural, and I don't even feel it on my skin. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. It is also great for when you feel like "crap", it gives you a beautiful glow and boost.

And do I look 10 pounds slimmer? Well I feel good and I think it's the confidence that makes me look slimmer.

Stay-at-home Mom Look

Wanna look like you're from the 'hood of Wellington West', or more specifically assimilate into the Wellington West stay-at-home mom fresh look? You can even wear this ensemble when you're not in the neighborhood for a distinct and immediate nod to your lifestyle.

First you need to be pushing a stroller, not any stroller, a Chariot or Bugaboo. http://www.chariotcarriers.ca/ http://www.bugaboo.com/
Holding a latte cup from Bridgehead or Starbucks. http://www.starbucks.com/ http://www.bridgehead.ca/
Sunglasses on top of your head - you even have them if it's raining.
Lululemon sweatshirt. http://www.lululemon.com/
Lululemon yoga pants
If it starts getting cold, a Lululemon coat.
A scarf.
Comfortable shoes or sandals - never heels.
Of course something from Joe Fresh, to show off your thrifty side. http://www.joe.ca/

If you have all this, you will fit right into the "hood". Oh, I shouldn't forget to mention, you do need to have a child to complete this look.

The Best Places to Buy Shoes

Our neighbourhood is not the best place to buy shoes unless you are looking for kid shoes or hiking boots. You have to travel outside of our "hood" to a few good shoe stores. Here are some of my favourite places to go:

Glebe Trotters in the Glebe on Bank Street.

Letilillier http://www.letelliershoes.ca/ downtown on Rideau Street.

Browns http://www.brownsshoes.com/ and The Bay in Rideau Centre. The Bay is great especially on Bay Days - because of their great discounts.

Solea on Carling http://www.solea.ca/

Kilborn's http://www.kilborns.ca/ in Newboro on Rideau Lakes is a fantastic place to go if you don't mind the drive (almost 2 hour drive). When I entered this store I was shocked, for a small town this store has a crazy selection of excellent shoes and is definitely worth the drive if you are having trouble finding the right shoes or boots in Ottawa.

Boutique Burro Borracho (Facebook Page) if you are ever passing by or in Wakefield check out this store for their coolest selection of the latest fashions.

If you don't want to leave the house, I recommend these two online stores: SoftMoc http://www.softmoc.ca/ and Walking on a Cloud http://www.walkingonacloud.ca/. I've ordered from both of these online stores with no problems.

Happy Shoe Shopping!!

Three Bakers and A Bike

Three Bakers and A Bike is a little bakery/restaurant on Wellington right by Bridgehead. This is one of my favourite spots to have lunch with the kids and my Mother-in law because of the nice, friendly atmosphere and affordable lunches. The kids love going here, but it's more for the cupcakes.

They have these perfect mini sized cupcakes that let you "cheat" a little without feeling that guilty. I noticed lots of preteens and teenagers quite frequent this place buying cupcakes at lunch.  If you like their cupcakes, they also make yummy birthday cakes in all different sizes.

If you do go their for lunch, the Friday vegetarian chili is very filling and delicious and the bread is to die for -nothing like fresh, soft bread. Any other day they offer the Soup of the Day and various sandwiches. My kids usually get a grilled cheese and it always comes with a plate full of fresh veggies (which Mom likes).

One thing I don't get a chance to do is grab breakfast at Three Bakers - I've heard its a great place for that too.

I should add, another aspect I like about this place is that all their plates, cups and saucers don't match. I heard they buy all their place settings at St Vincent's - which is kind a cool I think.

Goop: Another reason to love Gwyneth

Do you want to live a similar life to Gwyneth Paltrow? Or want to know what she is up too? Well you are in luck, my girl friends introduced me to "Goop".

Goop is a weekly newsletter created by Gwyneth Paltrow. In this newsletter, Gwyneth shares her recipes, interesting products she comes across, recommends books to read and also gives advice on health, beauty and life in general.

I am curious why this newsletter is called "Goop" but then I remembered she is the one who called her children "Apple" and "Moses" - not your most common names.

Goop, if not inspirational, is definitely an entertaining read. I would recommend subscribing to this if you are interested in the lifestyle of Gwyneth Paltrow or just curious what the rich and famous do in their spare time.

Check out her website: http://www.goop.com/ and let me know your thoughts on it.

Calabogie Peaks

The weather is getting colder and that means it's going to start snowing soon. When there is snow, ski season is right around the corner!!

My family and I have been skiing at Calabogie Peaks www.calabogie.com/pages/winter-fun.php for the past few years. Before we had kids we religiously skied at Mont Ste Marie and granted we had a great time there. Now with two kids, we wanted to ski at a smaller hill and found Calabogie Peaks "fit the bill".

This is an awesome hill to start your child skiing because they have a magic carpet ski lift on the beginner hill. The magic carpet lift is like a conveyor belt that you step onto and it slides you up the hill. It is the least threatening type of ski lift out there and is key to teaching your child to ski without frightening them or straining your back. Because of the easiness of the magic carpet, we were able to start our children skiing a lot earlier, our daughter was 2 years old and our son was 17 months.          

Calabogie Peaks also has an excellent snow school program. I highly recommend that if your children are beginners, register them for the "ski wees" program - it's taught on the magic carpet hill. Both of our kids have been through "ski wees" and we found it taught them the basics of downhill skiing but also taught them to be independent skiers -  like how to use the magic carpet by themselves, how to put your skis on and how to take them off - all things that make life easier for parents on the hill.

Calabogie Peaks also has a great recreational racing program too - its called "Snow Stars". Our 6 year old daughter is in the "Snow Star" racing program and had a blast in it last year. We are hoping to introduce our 4 year old son to downhill ski racing too, we just have to see if he can keep up with the 6 year olds.

There is a competitive racing program for older children, I've heard good things about it but unfortunately I'm not too familiar with it.

Don't despair adults about skiing at a smaller hill, Calabogie Peaks is surprisingly challenging and has lots of different hills to ski on. There is also a great bar in the main lodge that we tend to hang out in for lunch and a for few apres ski drinks.  They also provide live music on Saturdays, which is entertaining for kids and adults.

For accommodations, there are lots of chalets to rent in the area or you can always stay at the hotel right next door http://www.calabogie.com/pages/resort-accommodations.php.  However, Calabogie Peaks is close enough to Ottawa, that you can drive up for the day (about an hours drive).

If you are planning on skiing at Calabogie Peaks this year, don't wait to buy your season pass - they have a sale on now until October 31st.

Check out some video I took of our kids skiing at Calabogie Peaks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-osMg-T6cc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=815KiVI_zs4&feature=related.

4Cats for Birthday Parties

4Cats Art Studio http://www.4cats.com/ recently opened in Hintonburg on Wellington. 4Cats is a franchise art studio geared towards kids and teens with a variety of art themed programs and camps. One thing I didn't know is that they also host birthday parties.

My 6 year old daughter was invited to her friends "Paint Splatter" themed birthday party at 4Cats on Saturday. This was one of the 6 different art themed parties they have. The party runs for an hour and 45 minutes and within that time they created a masterpiece, had a parent supplied snack and cake and then opened presents. Creating the masterpiece I was told was a "great" time. All the girls got to splatter paint on a canvas. The splattering experience involved spraying paint with paint brushes, throwing "paint" balloons and squirting syringes filled with paint.

I must let you know, I highly recommend that you read the birthday party invitation supplied from 4Cats. I just read what time the party started at but skipped over the other details, particularly the one that said "Please wear really old clothes and shoes. Things get messy!". My daughter was wearing her normal dressy birthday party attire. 4Cats did supply her with an old t-shirt but with paint being sprayed everywhere, she still managed to be covered in paint. Her black boots, dress and tights were covered in a rainbow spray of paint, she had paint all over her face and my favourite; she had a pink streak of paint in her hair. Luckily the paint washed off, so Mom and kid were happy.

Local Tea Shops

'Never trust a tea drinker' is what I say - this is coming from a latte drinker. Okay jokes aside, I do enjoy the occasional tea but I'm not sure who is going to be drinking so much tea in our neighbourhood since we will soon have 4 tea shops in the 'hood.
The oldest tea shop in the area is Nectar Fine Teas on Wellington. I have been there to buy loose leaf teas for a gift but I'm not what you call a regular customer.  I however have been tempted to try out their Devonshire cream tea. This is tea served with Devonshire cream (made from clotted cream), jam and fresh warm scones. The last time I had this was in England and it was delicious.


If you have seen the aqua and white take away cups in the neighbourhood, they are coming from the newest tea shop called Davids Tea www.davidstea.com on Richmond. You can find a Davids Tea shops all across Canada and rumour has it that the owner is a veteran of Westboro and that is why he opened one here. I went to check them out and it was very reminiscent of Starbucks but they serve tea. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable on their tea selection. The only thing I didn't like about it, is that they let you smell the canister of tea leaves before you try it. I'm all for smelling tea leaves, however everyone sticks their nose in these canisters and I'm not sure how hygienic this is. I just have a vivid imagination and I just think what if someone has a runny nose and sticks their nose in that canister and then they make you tea from those leaves. Call me crazy, but that grosses me out.


The other tea shop is The World of Tea across from Mrs Twiggy Winkles on Richmond. Now if you are a tea snob you will love this tea shop. They sell loose leaf teas and as the owner says, these are pure tea leaves not mixed with anything. If you have time on your hands, the owner is happy to make you a tea sample of his tea of the day or you can go to his beautiful wooden tea sample table to try a selection of teas. You can't be in a hurry at this place, as the owner says, tea takes time to make. With that being said, there is no take away brewed tea at this place, but in the future, you will be able to enjoy tea and pastries in store. I did go in there for a take away tea, so I had to settle for a tea sample; it was chrysanthemum tea. As the owner said, these are special chrysanthemums, they are closed flowers not like the open chrysanthemums they sell in other stores. All in all, it tasted like chamomile tea to me.


Now rumour has it, that we are getting a fourth tea shop right beside Mountain Equipment Coop. Currently there is an open space (formerly a framing store) but soon a building will be erected and one of the newest inhabitants will be Tea Store www.teastore.ca. You may recognize them from their store in the Byward Market. They are very popular in the Byward Market and I'm sure they will do quite well here. Looking forward to them opening.


My question is, will all  the neighbourhood tea shops survive the year? Time will tell.

Groupons

Groupons: if you haven't heard of them, you are probably wandering what they are.  It's a daily notification that you receive through email, Facebook or Twitter that alerts you of a deal or coupon for an Ottawa local business. I registered for Groupons and have been receiving quite a few great deals.

Some specific deals I have seen are 50% off admission for Saunders Farm Halloween celebration www.saundersfarm.com  and 60% off the price for two weeks of unlimited Yoga classes at Westboro's Metta Massage and Yoga Clinic www.mettamassage.com. Some other deals included 50% off laser hair removal, pedicures and one deal I missed was 50% off at The Gap http://www.gap.com/.

Check out their website to register: www.groupon.com/ottawa. I should add it's FREE!

Let me know if you have registered for any other sites that notify you of deals in Ottawa.

I want a Latte!

I like to start my morning off with a large skim milk latte or should I say "non-fat grande latte" or was that a "skinny" latte. What I'm trying to say is I need a latte in the morning and our neighbourhood is an excellent place to get one. On Wellington, we have the locally run fairly traded/organic cafe Bridgehead http://www.bridgehead.ca/ and further down on Richmond we have two more Bridgeheads and the famous Starbucks http://www.starbucks.ca/. I hate to say this I do love the lattes at Starbucks, however I prefer the atmosphere of Bridgehead and what they stand for.

Surprising to some, there are a few other places in the neighbourhood that serve lattes and are quite good. If you want to avoid the strollers, housewives, Starbucks lingo and wifi surfers, try some of these places for a latte: Ottawa Bagelshop http://www.bagelshop.ca/, Nicastro's on Wellington and Truffle Treasures http://www.truffletreasures.com/. You may not get fast service like in a traditional cafe but it is worth experimenting and trying a different coffee bean. The Ottawa Bagelshop usually serves their lattes with a cookie, Nicastro's serves Italian style lattes and the great thing about Truffle Treasures, you can pair your latte with one of their mouthwatering truffles - yum ... chocolate and coffee.

Do you know of any other places in the neighbourhood that serve lattes?
Who serves the best latte?

The Wellington Gastropub

When I want to go out for a wonderful dinner experience and leave the kids at home, my favourite restaurant in the neighbourhood or rather in all of Ottawa is The Wellington Gastropub http://www.thewellingtongastropub.com/. This is definitely not a restaruant you want to bring the kids to; it's more of a place you want to enjoy with your partner or a group of friends.

First off ,the staff is incredible and are just really cool people.  They are professional, very educated on the menu and wines and make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Now the food is also fantastic, they have a very eclectic, yummy menu. I would love to suggest a menu item but they change the menu frequently. I'll just say this, I have never ordered anything there that I didn't like.

If you are planning on going there, don't forget to make a reservation. If you don't and you still want to go, they sometimes have room at the bar and it's fun eating there because watching the bartender make drinks can be surprisingly entertaining.

Let me know if you checked out The Wellington Gastropub and what your experience was.

Agave Grill

One weakness I have is that I love going out for dinner, but taking the kids with you can be a bit of a 'circus act'. There is one place in the 'hood' that makes it easier to enjoy a meal out, it's the Mexican restaurant Agave Grill on Wellington: http://www.agaveottawa.ca/. The staff is friendly and accommodating, the food comes out quick so your kids don't get impatient and they have a good food selection for them too. For the adults, they make a 'mean' margarita, I always order the Agave Special Salad and my husband usually gets the Mexican Flag.

I should also mention, they have a private room in the basement which was perfect for a meeting I had with the nursery school board and for a dinner out with a group of our friends with all of our kids.

Do you have a favourite, family friendly restaurant on Wellington or in Westboro that you recommend? Post your comments and let us know.

Hair Committee: Kids' Haircuts

Where is the best place in Westboro or Wellington West to get a great kids haircut?

I'm always nervous taking my kids into a new salon for a hair cut. I have had some bad experiences with some hair dressers because they either cut too much off or just butchered my kids hair. One of my friends recommended the Hair Committee (613-761-9668) on Wellington across from Bridgehead and to ask for Nicole. Well I was nervous going in with my children but she was amazing. She had a great rapport with the kids, she listened to what I suggested for their cuts and she would inform me if she was going to try something different before she cut their hair. She gave an excellent haircut and my kids looked beautiful. I would definitely go back to her.

Fluevog Has Arrived

Finally Fluevog shoes has arrived in Ottawa! No more trips to Montreal or Toronto to shop for Fluevog, we can now just shop around the corner at Solea on Carling http://www.solea.ca/. I haven't had time to check out the selection but I hope it's good.

If you are not familiar with Fluevog, they are some of the most unique, cool, comfortable shoes/boots out there. Here is their website: http://www.fluevog.com/.

Oresta's Organic Lip Gloss: Love it!!!

A staple in any women's purse is this fantastic organic lip gloss created right here in Ottawa: Oresta LipKiss.
I just purchased this perfect fall colour lip gloss called "Twisted Kiss". You can order it online at http://www.oresta.ca/  (http://oresta.myshopify.com/products/orestas-lipkiss-lip-glosses) or check them out at Oresta's located in the Glebe on O'Connor or in Hintonburg on Wellington.

Welcome

I'm a housewife in Ottawa's Wellington West Village and will be informing you of the latest and greatest events, gossip and goods in my area including Westboro. I will also include some of my personal tastes and comments ranging from my favourite TV shows, stars, clothes, makeup, coffee and food.