Christmas is just days away. Can you believe it? There'll be oodles of turkey, mulled wine, family, friends, Bing Crosby, jello molds, cats messing with Christmas tree ornaments, the works. Then comes Boxing Day, that time-honoured Canuck tradition of hunting for bargains with thousands of your closest friends. When you're already a little, uh, frazzled from the hectic holiday season.
Ah Boxing Day. I can't remember the last time I braved a mall or a big box store on December 26th, it's been years. Like 15 or more. I don't have the stomach for the crowds, the parking lots, the blood sport, you know? I'd much rather go say hey to my favourite local shop keepers and find out how they spent their Christmas. And maybe I'd slip them a mickey of egg nog to get them through the holiday home stretch.
Readers of mine, you've been such incredible supporters of my local features leading up to Christmas, so now I want to give you an all-local #613BoxingDay. I reached out to a slew of businesses along my favourite stretch of Wellington West and asked them to pony up some sweet prizes for ya. This Boxing Day, one lucky winner will get to shop their way through Hintonburg and Welly West collecting some pretty fabulous prizes along the way. Here's what we've got!
$50 gift certificate for Mostly Danish Boutique, 1000 Wellington Street West
$50 2-week intro pass to Wheelhouse Cycle, 1279 Wellington Street West
$50 gift certificate for Twiss & Weber, 1282-C Wellington Street West
$50 gift certificate for Emulsify, 1283-B Wellington Street West
$50 gift certificate for Allegro Clothing, 1283 Wellington Street West
Want to win $250 in all-local prizes? Here's what to do:
2. Post a blog comment below telling me which of these local shops you're most excited to visit.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
3. For an extra entry, post a pic of your favourite shop on Instagram and tag @amyin613. Double points if you tag the business too. Triple points if you tag your post with #613BoxingDay.
4. For another extra entry, tweet your favourite shop and tag @amyin613. Again, double points if you tag the business and triple points if you tag your post with #613BoxingDay.
5. Share this link on Facebook and tag the Amy in 613 Facebook page in your post.
I'll announce the winner early on Boxing Day morning, and that lucky person will shop Welly West on Boxing Day, picking up their prizes as they go. Note: you MUST be in Ottawa on Boxing Day to win; prizes MUST be collected on December 26, 2016.
Contest closes at the stroke of midnight on Christmas night!
And in case you don't already know these local businesses, here's the scoop:
MOSTLY DANISH BOUTIQUE
Mostly Danish is a locally-owned interiors boutique based right here in Ottawa, and in fact, they just recently opened their doors smack in the middle of Hintonburg. They source mid-century modern and unique designer furniture and lighting from around the world, and they carry these neat animal busts too (among other things).
On Facebook: Mostly Danish Boutique
On Twitter: @MostlyDanishOtt
On Instagram: @MostlyDanishOttawa
WHEELHOUSE CYCLE
Wheelhouse Cycle is a boutique-style indoor cycling studio with a focus on wellness of body, mind, and soul. Plus they have Beyoncé vs. Jay-Z ride nights. Co-owners Heather Andrews and Nadine Hogan created Wheelhouse with one goal in mind: to build an intimate, high-energy environment that would encourage people to pursue their health, wellness, and fitness goals with the support of a tightly knit knit community. Hey, they've got Beyoncé so I'm down.
On Facebook: Wheelhouse Cycle
On Instagram: @wheelhousecycle
On Twitter: @wheelhousecycle
TWISS & WEBER
This local shop has plenty of sass, which naturally I love. Laura Twiss and Tonya Weber met in 2009 to develop a line of women's apparel, and years later, these talented gals are designing, cutting, sewing, and selling their line in their shop on Wellington West. Doesn't get more local than that, eh? I love this place!
On Facebook: Twiss and Weber
On Instagram: @twissandweber
On Twitter: @twissandweber
EMULSIFY: THE OIL & VINEGAR EXPERIENCE
Emulsify was founded in 2012 by Chris DeRuiter and Jesseka Blom, who came across a similar concept while vacationing in the US. It was love at first slurp! They realized they had to create that same experience back home. Emulsify has a tasting bar with early every single product is available for sampling. I highly recommend their white truffle olive oil drizzled on popcorn, and sprinkle a bit of grated parmesan on there while you're at it. Then settle in to watch the Griswolds and their crazy antics.
On Facebook: Emulsify
On Instagram: @Emulsify1
On Twitter: @Emulsify1
ALLEGRO CLOTHING
This shop has been around -- in one form or another -- for decades. Their Wellington West boutique carries both Canadian and international brands like Dex, Cut Loose, Click, Second Yoga Jeans, Yumi, and some pretty sweet accessories too.
On Facebook: Allegro Clothing
On Instagram: @allegroottawa
On Twitter: this little shop isn't on Twitter, so tweet with #613BoxingDay for your extra points.
UPDATE
WE HAVE A WINNER! A big congratulations to Katrina Turnbull, who's won my #613BoxingDay giveaway. Not only did Katrina enter the contest via all the usual means, she ventured out of the house on Christmas Day in her most festive onesie to take a selfie in front of one of her favourite shops featured in my giveaway: Twiss and Weber! She even managed to capture Emulsify and Allegro in the relection. Amazing!
Congratulations Katrina, have yourself a merry little Boxing Day!
A big thanks to all of you who entered, I hope you have fun shopping the hood today. :)