Mad Docs and Zombies and Ghosts, Oh My! Happy Halloween!

 We here at Ottawa Life want to wish you a safe and spooky Halloween. Catch up on some of our more haunting reads from October. Just remember to keep the light on. The Undead Are Coming: The history and ghoulish fun of Ottawa's Zombie Walk.     Saunders Farms Celebrates 25

Luxury Byward Boutique Hotel Opens with a Bang

 All photos by Danika Leminski. Ottawa is now home to the first Canadian luxury boutique hotel by Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market marked its historic grand opening with a spirited evening of festivities, food, and drinks in an exciting preview of what will be offered at this dazzling new

Ending Homelessness Through Housing First Initiatives

 Up to 15 per cent of the homeless population in Canada is struggling with mental illness. Could giving them a permanent home be a way off the streets and into a healthier life? In this interview, Evidence Network's podcast editor Mélanie Meloche-Holubowski speaks with Dr. Jino Distasio, Director of the Institute of Urban Studies

#OLMExplores – Wellington West

 All photos by Samantha Lapierre What would you do if you were a tourist in Ottawa? As part of our #OLMExplores series, Ottawa Life Magazine writers have spent a day in the ByWard Market, on Parliament Hill and along Bank Street to see what makes each area tick. Now, with

Interlangues Celebrates 40 Years in Ottawa

 Surrounded by the Canadian Museum of History’s inspiring collection, Interlangues language school will be recognizing its own history on Friday, September 16. This year marks the school’s 40th year in business. Today, Interlangues employs thousands of teachers to educate students all over the world. In 1974, two years before founder

Sam Roberts is Coming to the TD Place

 The group behind ‘Brother Down’ is teaming up with the union who supports public servants like our health inspectors and librarians this November to put on an enormous, free concert at the TD Place. To be more specific, November 14 the Sam Roberts Band will take over the TD Place

Blue Rodeo Slams Harper In New Protest Song

 It’s been merely a month, but yet another anti-conservative diddy has gone viral. Following the controversial suspension of federal government scientist Tony Turner, Superstar country-rock group Blue Rodeo are the newest band of Canadians protesting the Conservative party with their new hit, “Stealin’ All My Dreams.” In a recent trend,

Holiday Giveaway

 Sparkle this holiday season with OLM and Originals by Andrea! Share with us your favourite holiday tradition for a chance to win this stunning, one-of-a-kind necklace from Ottawa’s own Originals by Andrea. To enter, head over to our Facebook page and leave a comment on this post telling us about your favourite

Publisher’s Message: Spaces

 Tanya Collins is one of the premiere interior design and decorating firms in Canada’s capital. Established in 2006,Tanya has quickly developed a clientele who appreciates her passion for style, design and her highly-personalized and intuitive approach. Tanya’s trademarks are her ability to see space used to its fullest potential and

Publisher’s Message

 Numerous Canadian public policy academics, public health experts and writers, including André Picard and Jeffrey Simpson at The Globe and Mail, claim that Canada’s health-care system is lagging behind other western countries. As Picard noted in a column last spring in The Globe and Mail entitled Dragging Medicare into the

In Flanders Fields

 The day before he wrote his famous poem, one of John McCrae's closest friends was killed in the fighting and buried in a makeshift grave with a simple wooden cross. Wild poppies were already beginning to bloom between the crosses marking the many graves. Unable to help his friend or

OLM & The Body Shop Celebrate New Look with Prize Giveaway

 The Body Shop has recently unveiled its new store look across the country which puts skincare, make-up, body care and values centre stage. To celebrate, Ottawa Life Magazine is offering you a chance to win a prize pack, from The Body Shop, filled with the new special edition Vineyard Peach

OLM’s Summer Sizzlers: Crêpes Your Way

 Celebrate this long weekend with crêpes. This versatile dessert can be topped with anything from Nutella and bananas to bacon bits and cheese. The savoury and sweet combinations are endless; let your taste buds lead you to your perfect crêpe. Crêpes can be made ahead of time and whipped together at

DIY: Metal Frame Collar for your Blouse

 Blouses are one of the staples in anyone’s wardrobe. They can be dressed up with pencil skirts or dressed down with a pair of boyfriend jeans. Blouses are always in style and one can see that the metal collar blouses are the latest trend. Instead of buying a new blouse,

DIY: Hemp Bracelets

 Remember the friendship bracelets back in grade school? While we may not see those colorful bands much anymore, the idea of it is still around. Hemp bracelets are the new friendship bracelet of 2012. They are easy to make and can be customized in so many ways, and who could resist

DIY: Fringe Necklace

 Living in a cold climate such as Ottawa can really put a damper on one's wardrobe. However, no matter how fridgid the temperature is, you can always use a statement necklace. Frindge necklaces are flashy and can be used to dress up or down any outfit. They look great over

DIY: Christmas in a Jar

 December is finally here and with it the Holiday festivities are about to begin! It's time to dig out your holiday decorations, festive lights and other yule-tide goodies. One of my favourite Christmas decorations are Christmas Villages. These are fun and adorable but it takes years to collect a perfect