Chantsy’s Gift Guide: Have yourself a Uashmama Christmas

Ugh, I have a soft spot for these little paper bags, and I can’t shake it off! When I was unemployed over 3 years ago, I started a marketing and virtual assistant business, and Uashmama was one of my favourite clients to work with. See, the Canadian distributor is located right here in Ottawa! Although I didn’t have the chance to do some groundbreaking work, I did help the humble team with a few proposals and odd marketing jobs. I have to say, I do miss those days, but I am so grateful for my stability today. It’s sort of has come full circle, now that I get to work with them on the blog!

For those who don’t know, Uashmama (pronounced Wash+Mama), is a line of lifestyle goods made of leather-like paper. The paper fibre is treated like leather and offers a durability and similar look to leather and it’s all the way from Italy.

UASHMAMA IS NOW OFFERING FREE SHIPPING ON ALL HOLIDAY ORDERS!

Uashmama makes different products for the household like their famous paper bag meant to be used as a gift bag, container or basket. They are both practical and beautiful! The toughest part is making a decision because you will want them all. There are so many great colours and sizes to choose from. I have some all over the house. In the bathroom, I use them to hold my hairbrushes, my hair products, makeup brushes and small towels. In the kitchen, I use them as a bread basket or a plant holder.

PRO TIP: I use a Uashmama bag to ripen my avocados! See? They are so very versatile!

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And last but not least, they also have a gorgeous selection of handbags, wallets, purses, clutches, lunch bags, hampers, and.. backpacks! I have had my eye set on this chrome backpack since last year and finally it’s all mine! It will be travelling with us this January on our trip to Hawaii! (More on that later!)
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These Uashmama bags are the perfect and original addition to your holiday gift giving this year. Two years ago, I used them as the container to my Christmas gifts, and for a joke, I put one as the star on top of my Christmas tree! That’s how much I love these little guys.

The main message here is that Uashmama is offering FREE SHIPPING for all your purchases until the end of the year. So if you hate paying for shipping, like me, this offer is for you!

A big thank you to Uashmama for supporting this post.

The photography on this post is brought to you by Debra Cowie, Ottawa’s famous product and food stylist! She has been a great photography and flatlay coach and is lovely to work with. Stay tuned for more of her great work on the blog!

I dug up some old photos from my Instagram, from two years ago… back when I used to get a whopping 7 likes! Bahahahaha

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My predictions of how ‘the Internet of Things’ will affect the fashion industry

What is the Internet of Things? According to my friend Wikipedia, it’s a proposed development of the Internet in which everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data.

Is your fridge out of milk? Let me add it to your grocery list! Not sure how to clean your coffee maker? Just ask your machine! These are just some of the conveniences you could expect from the Internet of things. The scary thing is that we are almost there, it’s just that the Internet of things would be a global strategy to have everything talking to each other. I mean, we already have smartphones and smart TVs… so this would just mean that all your household appliances would also be.. well …smart!

Because this is a fashion blog, not a tech blog, I have decided to share my predictions of how the ‘Internet of Things’ could potentially affect the fashion industry:

  1. Cher’s closet will become the norm. It’s a brilliant idea, but why on earth is this not mainstream yet? Whether it’s automated purchases to complete a look, or styling advice based on your schedule of activities, I think getting dressed will become more digital than we think. I also saw this body measurements tool that helps you buy jeans online! Now that is pretty cool!
  2. Smart jewellery. Wearable technology is already a thing, I know, but I think more of it. For example, I just bought myself a gorgeous lavender and gold Fitbit Charge 2! An all-in-one accessory and watch that will track my health score all while keeping my wrist looking gorgeous. I can also get involved with an online network to keep me motivated and engaged. And what about changing colours? Michael Kors has already released a smartwatch that has an interchangeable face.
  3. Colour changing makeup. Remember those mood lipsticks from the dollarstore? The colours always seemed to turn into this dusty pink that would stain your lips. Well, I bet there is a fancy brand out there looking at developing a better digital lipstick that would give us a plethora of colours to choose from. Just point at a colour you like and “bam!” instant lipstick change! Have you also seen the nail polishes that change colour based on your temperature? A similar technology could be used for the lipstick I just invented.
  4. Colour changing clothes. Apparently, the 80’s had all of this figured out. Remember the hypercolour t shirts? Man, I wanted one so bad. I think there would be room here for digital improvements, don’t you?
  5. Shopaholic budgeting. Yes, I think we can use this technology for good. Maybe if we start tracking more where our money is spent or the cost-per-wear of our clothes, we will be able to make more informed decisions… and waste less! I’ll take a little budget-friendly and eco-conscious with a side of technology, please!

So maybe, my predictions aren’t super riveting, but what can you do?!

Plus, do you really think I would share a million dollar idea on my blog for all my readers to see for free??!! Any smart business woman would say, helz no!

 

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#PDOBlackFriday: How to shop Black Friday sales at Place D’Orleans

I’m just coming down from the thrills of hosting my first ever Facebook Live event, I’ve done lots on my own page, but nothing of this scale. We had a few technical glitches, but tonight we filmed a segment for Place D’Orleans‘ Black Friday deals and it was a blast! I was joined by two Ottawa bloggers, Ashley and Coralie who also presented some of their favourite steals that were under $50 at Place D’Orleans!

PS- the secret password tomorrow at Guest Services is “PDOBlackFriday”. If you’re one of the first 10 people to arrive, you can get a $50 gift card!

For once in my life, I focused on gifts that I could get my husband, instead of things that I like for myself (selfish much? Not today!). Some of the deals are insane, like these leather Aldo loafers for $35, or this men’s shaving and skincare kit from The Body Shop for $33. These polkadot men’s socks from MoxyMaus were also a perfect complement to the loafers!

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I found this red waffle shirt and fun pjs bottoms from Eddie Bauer. This is basically my husbands bedtime uniform, I can’t believe they had it in stock!

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Although this gorgeous blanket from the Bay is not under $50, I promise you the candle and books are! Bath and Body Works has a “buy 3 get 3 free” promo tomorrow on their scented candles. I am partial to fresh Christmas scents like Balsam Fir or masculine ones like Amber Mahogany ( you may also hear me referring to this scent as handsome man! haha). In addition, Wayne Gretzky’s “Story of the Game” and Mike Myers’ “Canada” books are only $15 each at Coles! Again, these books are right up my husbands alley- he loves all things Canadiana.
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He may not need a coat, but this $50 winter jacket by Mountain Warehouse is just too good to pass up. You can’t buy a winter coat for under $50, it’s just unheard of. If you donate to the snowsuit fund, this shop would be a perfect place to stock up on good quality suits for a great price.

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What I wore

The outfit I wore tonight was all purchased at H&M! I love the H&M inside Place D’Orleans, it’s got a great selection and it’s huge too! Tomorrow H&M has crazy deals (like $7 for the pants I’m wearing) and their main focus will be featuring all black fashion for Black Friday!

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Other favourite shops at Place D’Orleans

I mean, there are a million stores I could name, but some of my favourite shops include The Bay, Forever 21 RED, Le Chateau, Reitmans, Dynamite, Soft Moc, Footlocker, Watch it, Sunglass Hut, and Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s for my son Victor!

In case you missed it, you can watch the entire Facebook Live video here!

A big thank you to Place D’Orleans, for supporting this post! It’s been awesome to work with you!

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Christmas in Ottawa: 10 ways to celebrate the holiday traditions in our nation’s capital

No, we don’t have the lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller center, nor do we have Mariah Carey unveiling The Bay’s annual Christmas window display, but by golly, Ottawa’s got some really great community rituals that should become official annual traditions.
I grew up in Toronto, so I am just now creating my Ottawa traditions with my family. Here are some of my faves!

You look forward to the reveal of Flower’s Talk Tivoli Christmas window display.

You start shopping at Tinseltown Christmas Emporium in Hintonburg because it is now acceptable.

Deparent 56! #ottawachristmas #ottawa #department56

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You head over to your local farmer’s market to get your Christmas tree

 

You round up the gang and make boxes for the ShoeBox Project

 

You tune into Majic 100.3 on December 1 like clockwork for their all-day Christmas music

You take the family on a slow drive down Taffy Lane in Orleans because it’s warmer in the car and it’s free. You also wonder “who is paying the hydro bill?”

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Bethany: Is your house on fire, Clark? Clark: No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights. ? . . Have you been to Taffy Lane in Orleans? It’s the best and cheapest way to get your Christmas light fix?Theses are some pretty committed citizens and we thank them for their duty! I saw a house hosting a food drive, so make sure you pay it forward ? This is part of our Christmas tradition in Ottawa… what’s yours? . . #myOttawa #ottawa #ottcity #igersOttawa #613 #yow #ottawalife #narcityOttawa #613style #ottawaphoto #yowstyle #ottawastyle #ottawafashion #ottawau #ottawablogger #ottawablog #ottnews #canadianblog #canadianblogger #canadianstyle #canadianfashionblogger #canadianfashionblog #canadianfashion #orleans #taffylane #christmaslightshow #ottawachristmas #thingstodoinottawa

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You take the kids to see Santa at Billings Bridge. It’s tough competition out there, but he’s the best lookin’ one in town!

You take out your copy of “Santa’s coming to Ottawa” and keep it on your kids’ TOP READS list for bedtime stories

You hit up Lansdowne for their tree lighting ceremony and Christmas markets

You pack snacks in the car… “We’re going to Kanata to see the #Magicoflights at Wesley Clover Parks Campground!”

What’s your favourite thing to do in Ottawa at Christmas time?

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