Girl About O-Town

Will you be tying the knot this year?  Gettin’ hitched?  Walking the aisle?

If yes, then listen up! 

This Sunday, February 6th Wed By Hand, Ottawa’s only alternative wedding show will be in full swing at the Glebe Community Centre. 

In addition to more than 30 exhibitors from Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and beyond, this year’s event will feature several delightfully fun diversions, including a live DJ, a tasting area, and a series of “Do-It-Yourself” workshops, Wed By Hand is the perfect destination for brides and grooms looking to put a twist on tradition.

Stop by for some seriously cool shopping, and learn how to make your own invitations, arrange your own bouquet or dress up your garden if you choose an outdoor ‘do’!  And, as if the sweet samples weren’t enough to attract your attention, there will also be swag if you are arrive soon after the show starts.  The first 100 people to attend will receive a goodie bag stuffed with coupons, samples, and freebies.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Ottawa’s new Dress for Success Chapter, to help bring economic interdependence to disadvantaged women by providing them with professional attire.

So, if you think you might go, here are the details:  Wed By Hand runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm Sunday, February 6,  at the Glebe Community Center (175 Third Ave ).  Purchase online for a discount, or pay $10 at the door.

Or, leave a comment below to win 2 free tickets to the show!  What’s your dream wedding scene?  You have until Friday at midnight to enter, and the winner will be randomly selected. 

Lastly, here are a few lovely local exhibitors to check out in advance…

Vanessa Dewson Photography + Design

Auntie Loo’s Treats

Full Bloom Floral Design

Phew. 

It has been so long, I don’t really know where to begin!  Life in the last two weeks seems to have been traveling at breakneck speed, and yet somehow, I’m feeling super relaxed.  Maybe it’s the residual turkey enzyme.

Here is a bit of a random run down…

First off: The #CapitalDiningGiveaway.  There was plenty of interest in scoring a copy of Anne DesBrisay’s popular Capital Dining Ottawa Restaurant Guide, and I did actually do the draw.  Peg was the lucky winner, and her brand new book went in the mail last week.  Congratulations!

Second:  11th Hour Health-Related Hiccups.  On December 22nd, I went to bed feeling calm and in control.  I had only a few errands left to run, and I was looking forward to a few days of leisurely holiday prep.  That is until I was abruptly awoken from my slumber by the little girlaboutOtown complaining of extreme pain in her abdomen.  This is a child with a very high tolerance for pain, so I’ve learned from experience to pay attention.  After several failed attempts to comfort her, we were off to the hospital at 1:30 am to assess whether her stomach agony could be attributed to appendicitis.   These kinds of trips always seem to happen in the middle of the night, don’t they?

Anyway, the fella and I packed the little girlaboutOtown into the car and made our way to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), where we were met with impressive efficiency, true professionalism, and genuine concern.   Having experienced the same on every trip I’ve ever taken to CHEO, I can’t help but take a moment to acknowledge how lucky we are in Ottawa to be served so well.   Kudos to the hospital and its staff, and thanks to all for the generosity, humour and quality care.   

In the end, there was little evidence of appendicitis, and we were sent home with assurances that should the girl’s abdominal pain return, we would be welcomed back again. 

Third:  Boxing Week Shop for a Cause.  As you know, I’m a huge fan of Ten Thousand Villages and their fair trade jewellery, house wares and furniture.   There are just so many beautiful things to find, and each time you buy, it makes a positive difference in the lives of the people behind the product.  A great source for gifts all year round, Ten Thousand Villages is doing something special for the holidays this season.  Something that will benefit our community too.

Starting today – December 27th – and going until December 31st, 10% of all sales at both Ottawa locations will be donated to Bruce House, a community-based organization providing housing, compassionate care and support in Ottawa for people living with HIV and AIDS.   Ten Thousand Villages and Bruce House have an ongoing connection. “Two of our volunteers are heavily involved in Bruce House and we want to invest in what is important to our volunteers”, says Judy Lincoln, manager of Ten Thousand Villages Ottawa. 

Maybe these lovely little things might be just the incentive you need to stop in to this shop that also does lots of good!

1.  Mother of Pearl Photo Frame $22.00  2.  Hammered Brass Dangle Earrings $16.00  3. Gold Embroidered Silk Scarf  $24.00   4.  Etched Brass Bangles  $12.00  5.  Recycled Aluminum Serving Bowl $28.00  6.  Frosted Glass Candleholder $14.00