Vegans of Ottawa – Lise Beutel

 Photos by Lise Beutel In this series, we chat with vegans from around the region to find out what it’s like to be plant-based in Ottawa, discovering tips and tricks for living a like a local - vegan style. Lise Beutel is the founder of the chic online vegan shoe shop

Charm of Charlevoix Part 2 – Hike your Heart Away

 Photos courtesy of Charlevoix tourism. Hiking Before the first snowfall and the temperature drops is the perfect time to hike and take in the tranquility of fall. Charlevoix offers some of the most beautiful hiking opportunities just a few hours away by car, and whether you want to bring the

Disegno Fine Jewellery: The Essence of Design

 Pamela Coulston is the owner of Disegno Fine Jewellery,  launched in 1992. In Italian “disegno” means more than just “design.” The word also suggests the ability to envision a design and execute the drawing. At the heart of this notion is the discovery of fresh concepts, often from unexpected sources;.

Ottawa’s Best Kept Fashion Secret

 Consignment stores, or C-shops, are experiencing a heyday lately. While technically second-hand clothing stores, their merchandise is very gently worn and sometimes not worn at all and still boasting original price tags. The fashions at C-shops are more current and high-quality, and you’re more likely to happen upon a brand

Medieval Villages of the French Riviera: Saint-Paul de Vence and Èze

 (visited in May 2014) There is no doubt that French Riviera (la Côte d'Azur) is a hallmark of beauty in many things: architecture, design, views, people, food, and history. During my second visit to the region, I engaged a local tourist guide Boba (www.yourguideboba.com) to personalize my visit. What a

Avenir Designs: Putting Family in Fashion

 When you meet mother-daughter duo, Donna and Micaela Cook, you quickly learn their smiles and upbeat personalities reflect the bright, bold colours and fun designs of their clothing. Their women’s boutique in Almonte, Avenir Design Studios, features their fashion label, Avenir. Honing their slogan “Fashions for the rhythm of your

Boutique Le Local: A true local treasure

 Clothes nowadays rarely have Made in Canada printed on the label. Marie-France Roy and Marc Gagné, owners of Boutique Le Local on Eddy Street, are working hard to change this reality. In this historic working-class neighbourhood, Roy and Gagné “provide a place de chez nous, suggesting quality and originality,” said Roy. It’s also an exclusive shop