Ottawa Antique Show + Farmer's Market Snaps

If you're blessed enough to have a farmer's market in your city, I urge you to visit! I recently discovered  the farmer's market in Ottawa and I was instantly in love. It's not just fresh, local produce, but also interesting baked goods like macaroons, beer-infused bagels (yep), homemade chill, fudge, a soup stand, and a curry stand. It's a great place to go with friends on a Sunday (it's open until 3). Me and Rosie went last Sunday for lunch before the Ottawa Antique Show. Rosie had a coconut lentil soup and I had a vegetable and chick pea curry with pakoras and chai tea. After lunch, we headed to the Antique Show. It was so much fun, except that I literally wanted everything! I had never really seen that much vintage furniture before and this was rows and rows of real vintage, awesome furniture, bobs, clothes, jewelry, shoes, and artwork. I found a daisy brooch that I absolutely adore. Daisy is one of my nicknames and I'm always drawn to them, especially in fashion. After the show, we went to Ikea and then out to dinner for some sushi. It was an amazing way to end the weekend, I'd say. 

Hat: H&M, $7. Coat: Danier, Value Village, $5. Shirt: Great Glebe Garage Sale, $25, Skirt: Winners, $25. Purse: Ragtime, $20. Boots: Derango, Value Village $10. Rings: Glebe Garage Sale $3, Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show, $10. 

I love my new daisy brooch! It's so adorable. Picked it up for $10. 

"YOU ARE FABULOUS!" were the words blurted out of my mouth the second I saw this woman. She is so beautiful. I love her glasses, make up and style. And, she's thrifty just like me! When I asked her what she bought she said "I got earrings for one dollar and a necklace for four dollars." So happy she let me take her photo. 

I came thisclose to purchasing these shoes. Me. Me, who basically only shops in thrift stores or in the sales section. These are to die for. Firstly, they're black and white checkered - so MOD, classy, fun. Secondly, the HEEL, THE HEEL, THE HEEL! So cool. And thirdly they're Dolce & Gabbana. I bet you're wondering what stopped my besides price obviously. Well, they're an 8.5 and I'm an 8. On top of that, they hurt my toes after walking around in them. They will forever be in my dreams <3.

All photos taken by Rosie. 

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Put that pumpkin to work!

Curried Pumpkin Recipe

I originally bought this adorable little pumpkin just to casually sit in my room and make me happy. Then I found a Curried Pumpkin recipe and decided to put my pumpkin to better use. 

I love curry. I only learned to make it this year and I don't believe I've perfected it but it's still one of my favourite dishes. I usually use a standard curry powder and add in vegetables, ground meat or chicken, and potatoes or rice. Today, however, I incorporated pumpkin into my curry.


What you'll need: 

• 3 tbsp. grapeseed oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp. chopped ginger

• 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes

• 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds

• 1 tsp garam masala 

• salt to taste

• 1 lb pumpkin, seeded, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth 

• 1 green chili pepper, finely sliced

Directions: 

•  Seed, peel and cube pumpkin.

• Heat the grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and ginger and cook for 2 mins.

• Stir in the chopped tomatoes, fenugreek seeds (I didn't use these), garam masala (I made my own, follow link), and salt and cook for 5 mins. 

• Add the cubed pumpkin (I used a small one and it was enough), vegetable broth and chili to the skillet. Bring everything to boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cook until the pumpkin is tender, 15-18 minutes. Serve the curried pumpkin over rice. 

It was SO yummy! I added ground beef for some protein as you can see. I made it a little too spicy but it was delicious nonetheless!

All photos taken by me. Recipe from Metro Ottawa newspaper.

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