Travel the world with five authentic Black owned restaurants

 As the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement continues, it’s important to note that this is a lifestyle, not simply a short lived viral trend. Standing in solidarity with the Black community can take on so many different forms, from education to marching in protest, but eating out at

Luxury consignment — all glitz and glam, yet sustainable

 With sustainability at the forefront, Dia Shams put luxury resale on the map in Ottawa when she opened Valamode, her Wellington West showroom in May of 2018. With a professional background in HR and Procurement, Shams admits that going from an office job to a dreamy walk in closet-like storefront

Support Ottawa restaurants with Love Local Delivery

 Karen Wood, owner and president of Knock on Wood Communications, is at the helm of Love Local Delivery, a collaborative platform showcasing local independent restaurants that offer takeout and delivery. As many small businesses suffer huge hits amid the ongoing pandemic, consumers are being encouraged at every turn to support

Stephanie Bullock Lights Ottawa Up With New Single Firestarter

 Photo: Stephanie Bullock, local singer/songwriter  Growing up in Kanata, Stephanie Bullock wasn’t born into the limelight. But she was born to sing. You can see videotapes of her at only four years old, singing at the park in front of her house for the whole neighbourhood, or whoever wanted to

This Facial is all the Rage Right Now and We Tried It

 While traditional facials might present colorful arrays of new masks, aromatic essential oils, and botanical infused cleansing balms, the newest treatment sought after by big name celebs (like Queen Bey herself) is more about zero downtime, absolutely no discomfort, and clinically focused results. Forget the burn caused by chemical peels

Coffee Shop, Corner Bar, and Casual Fine Dining Come Together in Corner Peach

 Photo credit: Hollie Grace James Completely surrounded on all sides by the authentic sounds and smells of family-owned-and-operated Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean restaurants, the newest transplant to the Chinatown neighborhood may come to some as a bit of a surprise. This teeny tiny corner space, which was once a South

Party Without the Pitfalls: Masterful Mocktails in Ottawa

 At the beginning of every year, plenty of talk surrounds Dry January, an encouraging health campaign where people opt to cut booze out of their lives for the entire month. Given that studies show drinking in excess is linked to all sorts of health risks like breast cancer and heart

First Ever Ottawa Coffee Fest Attracts Hundreds of Jazzed Up Java Fanatics

 All photos by Hollie Grace James Coffee – raise your hand and keep reading if you can’t live without it. One thing us Ottawans certainly have the luxury of is a plethora of choices when it comes to cute and cozy coffee shops. From cat cafes to the most insta-worthy

Gals That Brunch Ottawa Tightens Community with Female Focused Events

 Every year on March 8th, gender equality is celebrated across the globe for International Women’s Day. Considering we weren’t even allowed to vote only a century ago, women have made enormous strides, and it’s the connection, support, and empowerment provided to each other that’s key in having our voices heard

Yes I Tried Botox. And This Is Why I’ll Keep Doing It.

 It was totally out of the blue when it happened. I was glancing in the mirror one day, when I noticed wrinkles. And not just like one, but a whole bunch, in three separate locations. I wasn’t totally horrified – I whole-heartedly agree with the cute quote, "wrinkles are a

Make Time for Modern Meditation at The Peace Room

 All photos by Hollie Grace James Welcome to the Peace Room! There’s evidence that hitting the pause button for a few minutes on the daily is greatly beneficial for your mental health. And the ability to do just that is being made much easier for Ottawans with the addition of

Heat, Water, Steam: Discover the Elements of Relaxation at Nordik Spa-Nature

 Zipping along Highway 5, it won’t be long before you’re transported away from the hustle and bustle of city life and into a purely natural world. A rapidly expanding company in the midst of staking its place in the health and wellness industry, Nordik Spa-Nature (located in Chelsea QC) has

Cheesin and Pleasin at Ottawa’s Very Own Cheese Soirée

 The most recent premiere event on Ottawa’s foodie calendar, put on by Ingenium Canada/Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, was the pinnacle of Cheesdom, providing attendees with a night full of raclette, fondue, and tasting (along with making) stations. Ottawa’s very own Cheese Soirée introduced guests to a roomful of new

Luxury Gold Vacations Continue to Lavish Guests in 2019

 Photos courtesy of @luxurygoldvacations “Life is about the celebration of what we have today.” -  Brad Ford, President of Luxury Gold Vacations Imagine walking in the footsteps of six-year-old Mozart at an after-hours visit to Schonbrumm Palace in Austria, or taking an exclusive high tea on the royal veranda of

Three Things I Learned About Veganism at the Ottawa Vegan Market

 Veganism is one of the fastest growing lifestyle choices around the world according to plantbasednews.org. And Ottawa is no exception. With the annual Veg Fest in its 9th year, audiences continue to flock to this event in order to stay up-to-date on the newest & hottest trends. Since it’s been