Girl About O-Town

UPDATE:  Due to the ongoing labour dispute at the Canadian War Museum, the 2nd Ottawa Timeraiser will now take place at the National Gallery of Canada, in the Great Hall.  All other details of the Timeraiser have remained the same. 

I don’t know about you, but this girlaboutOtown’s most significant decisions almost always come down to either time or money.

Lately, I am definitely more greedy about my time.  Rather than dwell on what I can’t have, I find myself increasingly frustrated by what I never have time to do, and totally ambitious about what could be accomplished if there were just more hours in the day. 

For me, time invariably wins out over money when it comes to making important choices in life.  I shamelessly guard against unwanted incursions, distractions or diversions, and to the extent possible, try to invest my time carefully in the things I value most, including relationships, personal goals, creative endeavors and the occasional cause or two.  

Interestingly, a few young community-minded catalysts have also become  fixated on time, and so far have been very successful at finding it…

Non-profit and cause related organizations often spend a great deal of time raising money, which does go a long way in supporting their efforts and can make a tangible difference in their ability to create positive change.  Sometimes though, it is help in the form of volunteer hours that are needed most.    

Enter Timeraiser, a clever and compelling social enterprise founded on the notion that many hands make light work.  The Timeraiser team set out in 2002 to promote civic engagement among young Canadians and to assist community-based agencies in finding the skilled people they need.  

A Timeraiser is part volunteer fair, part silent art auction and part night on the town, bringing causes and people together in an innovative, fun and appealing way. 

Ottawa’s 2nd is coming up on Saturday, November 14th at The Canadian War Museum.  Tickets are only $20, doors open at 7pm, and the art auction begins at 9.   

Mix and mingle with like-minded guests and representatives from a variety of local agencies and non-profit organizations.  Munch on a few yummy appetizers, contribute at the cash bar and match your skills with their cause.  Once a match is made, you will then be eligible to bid on beautiful artwork by pledging your time!  If you bid enough volunteer hours and win, you will have 12 months to repay your commitment and a fabulous new masterpiece to remind you of your goodwill.   

Confused?  This might help:

Anyway, this girlaboutOtown is pretty excited about this cool community-building concept, and will definitely be going out November 14^th.

For more about Timeraiser, check this out -  or for registration info click here.

Image source, clock.

This week’s Cherry Pie networking event was a bona fide convention for the courageous. 

From those just starting up to the most seasoned pros, the evening was a celebration of the brave women who have ventured out on their own to develop a business.   The energy of these entrepreneurs was downright contagious, and the atmosphere at LAGO Bar & Grill most definitely alive with encouragement for those still considering the plunge.  

In a swank yet informal setting, women of all kinds met and mingled to make their pitches, share their successes, and learn from the experience.  The friendliness factor was high, the mood confident and the goodwill around the room completely genuine.  From cupcakes and chocolate to graphic design and gear for babies, a diversity of goods and services were on display.   And, as if a glamorous girl’s night out wasn’t enough incentive to go, there were plenty of goodies to sweeten the deal.

Make no mistake however, there is much more to Cherry Pie than glitz and giveaways.  Being in small business is often a true expression of one’s skills and talents, and can be a meaningful way for a woman to engage with the world and make a unique contribution.   But, starting a small business is also a big risk, both personally and financially.  Success takes a strong vision, a commitment to persist and tremendous self-discipline, so all women bold enough to give it a go should definitely be commended.

Sometimes I can be shy, but it wasn’t so at Cherry Pie.  I was instantly inspired to  inquire about so many of the interesting new endeavours, and enthusiastically included in every conversation I initiated.  This was one dynamic crowd, and a great way to end my day.

Here are a few of the enterprises new to me that I encountered along the way…

What was not to love about finding about good food, especially when The Flour Shoppe provided such sweet samples.  A welcome addition in a town where the demand often outstrips the supply, The Flour Shoppe is a delightful new cupcake bakery owned and operated by Melissa Somers.  Currently available for order online, these cute cupcake treats are a definitely dessert lover’s dream come true.

Speaking of treats, I had not yet heard of Koko Chocolates until I came across the work of local chocolatier Lori Sword.  Her lovely little bites, made with all natural ingredients and premium Belgian chocolate, are enough to make any girl giggle with glee.    Lori makes her artisan truffles all by herself in her kitchen at home, and takes orders over the Internet here.  Get some for yourself, or give them away as gifts.

Oh, and if there is anyone I know wondering what this girlaboutOtown might be wishing for during the upcoming giving season, why not consider a gift of time?  Here are a few slightly less than subtle hints. 

Chef Julie Broczkowski, owner of The Magic Fridge, provides fresh and healthy meals prepared right in your own home.  Long convinced I would probably eat better and stress less if I had the help of a personal chef service; I have yet to try it out.  Instead, I still travel to the store and toil over the stove, all while wishing I were doing something else!

Then, of course, there were The Everything Girls, ready, willing and able to help.  Run by Jen Sarumi, The Everything Girls can certainly save you time, particularly if you have very little to spare.  From environmentally friendly cleaning and personal errands to vacation planning or administrative staffing, this recently launched concierge service is ready to do just about everything to ensure a happy customer.

Images via The Flour Shoppe, Facebook, Koko Chocolates, The Magic Fridge and The Everything Girls.