You guys, I can't even. 10,000 of you entered my massive #613giftguide giveaway in just one day! I'm pumped that YOU'RE pumped for all things local, so I've put together another guide packed with great finds. And I've got a new giveaway with $1000 in prizes!
Let's get this show on the road, shall we?
Let's get started.
indulge AT The TEN SPOT, Various $
I adore The Ten Spot. You'll find this welcoming beauty bar smack in the heart of Westboro, and I've been a convert for over a year. Their gel manis ($50), waxing (from $12), and pedis ($55) are top notch and don't cost a fortune. Every esthetician is professional and meticulous, and the whole place is spotless. Surprise your bestie with a gift card, or better yet, go together! The open environment makes it easy to chat while you enjoy your services, and they play chick flicks all day long.
Fancy some bubbly with that pretty new mani? The Ten Spot is licensed to serve drinks!
luxury goodies from Valamode, $39+
Have a pal who gets week in the knees for Michael Kors or Louis Vuitton? Thanks to an awesome local biz called Valamode (aka Vintage a la Mode), you can spoil your brand loving pals for a fraction of the retail price. Valamode is an Ottawa-based luxury consignment boutique offering designer goods in their online shop, and now through January, they have a pop-up shop located at 222 Beechwood! Luxury accessories are a great gift, and I'm smitten with this red patent wallet by Italian design house Furla.
Rayban sHADEs from eyemaxx, $219
Want to really spoil your BF or BFF? Treat them to a classic Raybans from Eyemaxx Optical Studio! You'll find this local biz on Elgin Street, and their service and incredible selection of designer frames will blow your mind. Mention me when you shop and you'll score 15% off non-prescription sunglasses, 20% off prescription glasses and sunglasses (frames and lenses!), and 20% off a year's supply of contact lenses! I love these classic Rayban Clubmaster Round shades: they look great on both men and women.
EVOO GREEK KITCHEN, various $
Shopping for a foodie friend? Treat them to a mouthwatering meal at EVOO Greek Kitchen on Preston Street. This modern Greek restaurant serves brunch, lunch, dinner, apps, and cocktails with specialties like grilled halloumi, pomegranate salads, and house-made tzatziki that will have you - or your pals - licking the plate. Swing by the restaurant to pick up a gift card for a truly delicious gift. And maybe invite yourself along. ;)
ALpine CANDLES at BOOGIE & BIRDIE, $29
I love giving candles as Christmas gifts: it's the darkest time of year and candles add a touch of cozy to any room. Add a blanket and a mug of apple cider and you've got the perfect winter afternoon! Boogie & Birdie on Elgin Street carries a dizzying array of candles, and the new Alpine Collection by Paddywax is divine. With scents like Pomegranate Spruce, Evergreen & Embers, and Wild Fig & Cedar, you may want to treat yourself too. Rustic and pretty!
fitness AT IRON NORTH STUDIO, $79
Gift the gift of sweat and self-care!! Iron North Studio has been a big part of my life since they opened in Hintonburg last year, and they've (gasp!) made gym convert outta this pizza loving gal. They offer everything under one roof, with 50+ classes a week including spinning, lifting, cardio, and yoga. Each class is super small (6-10 people) to ensure plenty of attention from each trainer. YOU WILL WERK.
For a very limited time, treat yourself or a buddy to an unlimited one-month pass at for just $79. That's nearly 50% off! Better yet, grab two passes and go together to keep each other on track. New members only, pass can be activated anytime til January 31, 2017. Use this link to get the deal!
strut jewelry, from $25
I've been a fan of Strut Jewelry for years and have oodles of her pretty gems. Owner Alyssa Spaxman crafts each piece by hand right here in Ottawa, and starting at just $25, her work is as affordable as it is beautiful. You'll have a tough time choosing between her pretty necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. My top pick: her new Gold Fill Stacking Bracelets with gemstones, $75. Also available in silver for $65! Wanna score some insane deals? RSVP for her Facebook party happening this Thursday night!
local beer by dominion city, $13+
Who doesn't love the gift of beer? Dominion City Brewing Co. is your go-to for the beer loving hoser on your list. This talented local bunch has been making small batch brews with Canadian hops since 2012, and they're among my absolute faves. Visit their east end bottle shop and grab growlers ($13-$16.50) and a branded hoodie ($65) for your your favourite the beer loving Canuck.
mega christmas giveaway, ROUND 2
Another of you lucky ducks is going to win EVERYTHING in my new gift guide! Yup, that's over $1000 in all-local prizes. You've got 10 days to enter and I'll announce the (very) lucky winner on December 15.
When the contest closes, I'll provide the winner with an all-local treasure map so they can explore our city while collecting their prizes!
Okay I promise, no cats.
The winner will take home:
a $100 gift card for The Ten Spot in Westboro
a FURLA designer wallet from Valamode
a pair of Rayban sunglasses from Eyemaxx Optical Studio
a $100 gift card for EVOO Greek Kitchen
a trio of Paddywax candles from Boogie & Birdie
an unlimited one-month fitness pass from Iron North Studio
a set of two gold-filled stacking bracelets from Strut Jewelry
a men's or women's hoodie and $50 gift card for Dominion City Brewing Co.
You MUST be a local resident of the greater Ottawa/Gatineau area to be eligible! Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below and all entry actions are optional. You'll get 5 points per action so the more you do, the better your chances of winning! Best of luck and Merry Christmas. xo
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