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

Lazypants: What’s Your After?

 Whether it is when you first roll out of bed in the morning or when you get home from a long day at work, nothing sounds better than throwing on a comfy pair of sweatpants. Right? I’ll admit it. I consider myself a somewhat-fashionista by day and a sweatpants addict

Creating a Community: Cohousing at Terra Firma

 On Canada Day, Valerie Gapp baked strawberry and rhubarb muffins. Valerie, her husband Thomas and their 14-month-old twins Audrey and Alexis joined their neighbours across the street for a potluck brunch. They celebrated two birthdays: Canada’s and Terra Firma's cohousing community. Terra Firma residents have lived together for 17 years,

Working to Build a New Ottawa: Martin Canning

 There is a change happening in Ottawa, according to city councillor hopeful Martin Canning, and he wants to be a big part of that change. Canning’s campaign began in January with the launch of his website and vision, ‘New Ottawa’. The Somerset ward candidate defines New Ottawa as the most

The Chaos that is the RCMP

 I have read in various media reports that the RCMP officers in Moncton who responded to the call of an individual walking down a street brandishing a firearm were only equipped with pistols and shotguns. I was very shocked and dismayed to read these reports because in 2009 I was

Stepping Into Medieval Times

 It’s only 30 minutes from downtown--but the Osgoode Medieval Festival makes you feel as though you are far from home. Inside the Kingdom of Osgoode, there are sword fights, knights clad in shining armour, horses, dancing and even hotdogs. “If something fires toward you, duck!” Yelled the referee, wearing a

Want the Best Pizza in Ottawa? Head West to Stittsville & Kanata

 Horace Greeley, the nineteenth-century politician, author and proprietor of the then extremely influential New York Tribune newspaper, famously offered this sage advice: “Go west, young man.” One could argue that Greeley’s reasoning could also apply to the quest for gourmet pizza. Why you may ask? Summer is upon us and

WOMEN IN THE TRADES: Gender Equality, Gender Titles and Respect

 It might make a feminist linguist cringe, but the title “journeyman” is one most women in the trades industry are proud to be called. It refers to those who have completed their apprenticeship and are completely qualified in their chosen field. While women seek the same respect given to anyone

Ottawa Symphony Orchestra: 50 Years Young

 The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is gearing up to start its 50th season on a high note. The OSO announced its milestone anniversary line-up at the final concert of its 2013-2014 season. The upcoming five concert series will showcase talents ranging from local composers to Juno award winners--sure to be music

Bike Repair-DIY Style

 No amount of rain, sleet or snow will keep Ottawa pedal pushers off their bicycles. But now with spring weather officially here and summer creeping around the corner, more people than ever are hopping on their two-wheelers to get around the city. Ottawa supports the cycle culture with bike lanes,

Day of Pink: Realizing the Power of Pink

 Everyone can admit to being bullied in their lives, but here’s something harder to admit: that everyone has been a bully in their life too. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the International Day of Pink. On April 9, participants everywhere will wear pink shirts to raise awareness in

Talent Nation Brings the Superstar Experience to Ottawa

 Calling all Ottawa performers! Open auditions for Talent Nation will be held at the Novotel Hotel on April 26th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Talent Nation will host an eclectic mix of musical and music-related performers, from singer and dancers, to rappers and specialty performers. It's a competition geared

Western Newfound is Shelter for the Soul

 Western Newfoundland: A place that rush hour forgot. As you step out of the airport in Deer Lake, you can almost immediately sense a downshift in pace. There’s a calmer, gentler atmosphere in Western Newfoundland. Our trip began with a drive south toward the town of Stephenville. The location of

Jim Watson’s mission: Reverse post-9/11 tourism slump

 Concerned about a "travel deficit" in Canada resulting from the combined impact of terrorist attacks and a stagnant economy in the United States, Jim Watson, president and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission, spoke to these concerns in a recent interview with Ottawa Life reporter Hank Reardon. An abridged version