Tag Archives: ottawa

Breakfast and a Bargain – The Christmas Edition

Yesterday, it was time finally to get into the spirit of the holiday season and to track down the perfect Christmas tree.   I have always found the natural pine scent and the twinkling soft lights of a Christmas tree to be both calming and uplifting, and so as overwhelming as the busy month of December can be, I  prefer to get the tree up early.  This way, I can enjoy its presence as the excitement and anticipation build slowly.

Keeping it simple, this girlaboutOtown can whip out the small box of baubles and sparkles that stays buried in the basement during the rest of the year, and with help, can have them all hung in less than an hour.  No “matchy matchy” on my tree, and nothing too fancy.  Instead, a very small collection of treasured objects – each with its own story – is embellished by only a few store bought balls.  This means it is the lights that shine, the tree that is seen, and the memories of year’s past that feature most prominently.   

Sunday brunch at Von’s Bistro in the Glebe seemed to be a good place to kick start a cold day.  Once my favourite hangout for dessert and high school gossip, I had not returned since.  To my surprise and satisfaction, this low key but sophisticated bistro has grown up, just like me.  Tall ceilings, dark floors and sizeable windows convey a sense of openness, while subtle lighting, colourful original art and simple decor evoke a relaxed warmth.

With jazz in the background, my mate, my little girlaboutOtown and I indulged in scrambled eggs, crepes with apples and cinnamon, and eggs benedict Florentine, respectively.  Then, we sat back, sipped on rich coffee and surveyed the surroundings, pleased to have discovered a new and different breakfast destination.  No doubt, we will return.

von's-graphic

Following this fabulous brunch, we were off to find a fir tree…

Heading straight into town, we made our pick at the lot right outside of Ottawa’s Metro Central YMCA at 180 Argyle St.  In addition to the excellent recreational programs, exercise facilities, childcare, and newcomer services offered at the Metro Y, this important organization is helping to build our community by providing temporary and emergency housing to those in need.  Run by the wonderfully cheerful volunteers at Ottawa Y Focus, a service club dedicated to supporting the work of local YMCA centres, this Christmas tree lot offers more than a great selection of very reasonably priced freshly cut trees in a wide variety of species.  It also offers an opportunity to give back in the spirit of the season, if even in a small way. 

yfocus-tree-image

So, having done just wee bit of good to help in our community, we found ourselves back in a comfortable home, with full stomachs, and a lovely tree.  We three have most definitely caught the true spirit of the season once again, and will do our best to remember when and where it is most needed. 

Photos by me

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Stylish Men – A Rare Local Species on the Rise

According to this girlaboutOtown‘s unofficial style council (or gang of girlfriends) – dapper, debonair and style confident men have traditionally been a rare local species here in Ottawa. 

However, there is some evidence this may be changing.  While utterly unscientific, promising signs have been observed that this uncommon population may be on the rise.

On the street, an increasing number of grown up men appear to be emerging unafraid to express a bit of personality through their sartorial selections. Starched shirts, sharp ties and smart shoes have also been spotted.

This trend might be attributed to a more “conservative” context here in town, or it could be the result of some kind of generational or demographic shift. 

Regardless of its cause, the effect is downright positive!    

PlaidJkt

Lets face it – grown up men walk a fine line. Those who walk it well stand out. 

For most women, there is nothing less attractive in a man than obsessive vanity, but slovenly nonchalance is equally unacceptable. 

Stuck somewhere between a deep fear of  fashion and the everyday necessity of getting dressed to go to work in a town where its casual Friday every day, too many men fall back on their chinos.  The golf shirts demand no thought or foresight and the sport coats are an effortless accompaniment.  In some locations, white socks and baseball hats are de rigueur, and suits are reserved for “the suits”.  Unfortunately, once these unspoken dress codes are established by a group of men, their patterns are difficult to break – especially if left to their own devices. 

(Hint: The girlaboutotown style council reports that typically, it is at the early stages of mating that these behaviours can be most successfully influenced.  Later on in a partnership may be too late!) 

TSMonk

Anyway, I count myself fortunate to call a few of Ottawa’s best dressed men my friends (you know who you are!). 

These are not business heroes, movie stars or famous politicians, and they’re not made of money.  Instead, these are great guys who take care with their appearance without taking themselves too seriously, and who make sure their outside look matches what they’re feeling inside.

I congratulate these men for raising the bar… and encourage the rest of Ottawa’s male population to follow their fine example!

For more details on “how to”, check out these basic men’s style rules from a trusted source on the subject: Holt Renfrew.

Images from from The Sartorialist, selected as one of Time Magazines’s Top 100 Design Influencers. 

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