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.