Ottawa Hair Stylists: Top Five

I find that many people in the neighbourhood are always looking for a new hair stylist. Since I'm a hair stylist 'harlot' (go from one stylist to another), I thought I would be informed enough to aid you in your search.  I have compiled a list of some hair stylist that I have seen or I have heard great things about here in the neighbourhood and in the market. These hair stylist will vary by price and may not have lots of availability. Remember when you call, don't forget to ask how much they charge because it can cost you over $200 for a cut and highlight. Also, I find the ones without the "$$" (expensive) have more availability.
Please don't tell your husband how much you paid if it's over $150 - because they would 'flip out' - men just don't understand the price of beauty.

 

Here are my top 5 hair stylists:

1. Destination Hair $$: Chris or Leandro are some of the top stylist in the neighbourhood.   613-728-7333
2. Hair Committee: Nicole is down to earth and gives a great cut: 613-761-96683.
3. Jana Pyne: Jana once worked at Destination Hair but now works from home.  613-314-7042
4. Salon Salwa $$: Located in the market, Salwa has a great reputation. 613-241-7902
5. Julian Marc Salon $$: Julian is one of my favourite stylist and he is located on Dalhousie. 613-244-4448

Let us know your experience with these stylists or if you recommend any others.

Ski Naked: Retro Ski Days





Courtesy "The Globe and Mail"

In the Globe and Mail, Iain MacMillan wrote an article about the 11 things we can no longer do on the slopes. This was a funny article because it is so true if you are over the age of 35 - we did do those things back in the day and yes, you can no longer do those things. However, I ski at Calabogie and some people there do get away with some of these things (#1, 3 & 7), but that is why I love that hill. At Calabogie, they also wear hunting gear skiing, construction or ski-doo attire, jeans and ski on their retro skis.

Here are his top eleven:

1. "Ski with a wineskin, in jeans, in rear-entry boots, set on "walk".
2. "Wear a baby on your back."
3. "Ski without a helmet."
4. "Ride a shovel, cafeteria tray or lift-tower pad."
5. "Ride a chair with the "safety" bar up."
6. "Take a turn in the gates."
7. "Smoke in the lift line."
8. "Drive in ski boots."
9. "Sit down the t-bar or Poma track."
10. "Launch your hang glider."
11. "Ski naked."

These are a few I would like to add from my days of skiing:

1. Wear K Ways skiing - when you fell on the hill, you couldn't stop yourself sliding down the hill.
2. Wear a  baseball hat attached by a shoe string and strung around your neck so it won't blow off when you ski down the hill.
3. Wear Vuarnet sunglasses or the sunglasses with leather side shields.
4. Use baby oil or Bain de Soleil (I miss that stuff) for tanning and hang out on top of the hill with a piece of cardboard lined with tinfoil for ultimate sun reflection.
5. Boogie with your boots on. Translation - go to a ski hill dance and dance in your ski boots.
6. Wear a one piece ski suit. My sisters had some beautiful one piece suits  - I need to dig up those suits.
7. Ski on 200's or 210's. The longer the ski, the cooler and faster you were.
8. We would "seal" down the hill. Translation: slide down the hill on your stomach. Wear K-Ways for increased speed.
9. Borrow a shovel from the resort and make a ski jump on the hill.
10. At our high school ski races, instead of wearing a skin suit, we would sometimes wear our long-johns for fun (we would win races wearing that). 
11. Yes, you would not put the bar down on the chairlift, but when the lift would stop half way, and you were 'somewhat' close to the ground -we would just jump off the lift.

What are your most memorable things you did or wear "back in the day" when you were skiing? Let us know by adding a comment!

Destination Hair

Ottawa Citizen

One great attribute about our neighbourhood is that there are lots of great hair stylists here. However, there is one I frequently hear about, her name is Christine 'Chris' Lee at Destination Hair on Wellington. She is an expert hair designer and colourist. I've heard that if you ever have a problem with your hair colour she is the one to see. So far this has been proven right, I have seen her transform a hair colour disaster to a hair colour that looked natural and healthy. She recently did my sister's hair and changed her hair colour from a golden platinum blond to a cool and trendy, smokey, grey blond.

I read in the Ottawa Citizen that she recently went to a course taught by the world's top creative hair designer from Vidal Sasson. She was taught all the latest styles of the season which included 'abstract designs, geometric shapes and stark, monochromatic colours'.
If you are looking for a stylist that is professional and an expert of the latest cuts and colours, definitely go see Chris at Destination Hair.

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.