Lately we’ve been trying to do more and more as a family, with my mom and all the sisters, so this past week we went for tea at the Brigadoon Restaurant. It was such a cute historic spot, and made for a great family occasion; and yes, I had everyone dress to the 9’s to go out!
We’re trying to find original (and economic) ways to get the family together more often but I recently read an article about how Canadians are ‘Doomspending’ their way into financial crisis, on an individual and on a national level…
66% of the ~1500 participants admitted to spending on ‘non-essentials’ in the past 6 months due to financial stress, 50% of whom saw a financial consequence as a result of their spending.
and oh boy, do I ever get it. I find I’ve been window shopping more and more lately, although I have managed to keep any actual spending to a minimum. It can be so hard though when you’ve behaved all week, made all your lunches, brought coffee to work etc, but the weekend comes around and all you want to do is try out that new restaurant, or go see that play. Not because you’re willing to blow money, but because you want to do things and make memories with friends and family but everything just seems to add up. So on that note, here is some of my current window shopping items…
- Maclean’s Article on Naagan Restaurant– in Owen Sound, featuring chef Zach Keeshig and an indigenous inspired menu. Micheline star worthy, this restaurant is making it onto the bucket list, without question!
- Swan Lake & The Nutcracker– are coming to Ottawa! Ever since I took my mother and daughter to a ‘Candle Light Concert & Ballet’ for Gal-entines, theatre and dance have been on my mind and these are totally on the bucket list! Fun Fact: The nutcracker premiered on December 18th, 1892, and Swan Lake premiered March 4, 1877; you know I love history & I adore the idea of going to see The Nutcracker on its premier date, and Swan Lake 150 years after its premier!
NOTE: The Ottawa NAC offers $15 tickets to Under 30 Years Old, if you’re looking to cultivate a love for the arts, or even just a passing knowledge and appreciation for theatre in yourself or a young adults life, definitely consider these as gift options! - The Booker Prize Shortlist– was announced Sept 22nd and I’m a bit torn. I’ve been trying to read more ‘critically acclaimed literature’, ie. Pulizter, Gov. Gen Awards, Top 20, New York Times list and overall I’ve just been a little underwhelmed. However, Elizabeth Strout is on this list, as well as my TBR so I might have to give ‘The Things We Never Say’ a go! (Scratch the might, it’s been added to my library list!)
- Donni– Keeping with natural fabrics, I’ve been browsing this brand and am actually loving their basic & classic pieces. Currently out of stock, but this bulky pearl necklace has me swooning! Luckily I was able to find an in stock option at Nordstrom and one that also happened to be a little more economical at Bloomingdales.
- Bedside Work Table– When you live in shared spaces (Family, Roommates) it can be hard to find a quiet space and downtime to get the computer work done. Often times I find the communal spaces too loud/busy, with the only alternative being the bedroom. A little shopping and I found this happy alternative to get me through until the end of the Airbnb season, when I can return back to my own kitchen island.
- Online Window Shopping– I am absolutely loving these dresses (Dress #1 & Dress #2) from BGSW, but my only qualm with so many clothes lately… can we get them in cotton or natural fibers?? I’m also obsessed with these Vineyard Vines Shell & Hydrangea purses! (If only they shipped to Canada!)
- Serena & Lily– has stone inspired outdoor candles that I am absolutely in love with after my Homesense finds quickly stopped working. These ones look like they could weather the storm, and who knows, maybe there will be and end of season sale!
Do you find yourself stress-spending? How are you curbing it and finding an outlet for that energy?! (Any tips, greatly apprecaited!)
-Anna R.
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