The gift: A classic children’s book

Where to get it: Frantic City, 123 Ossington

Price range: Starting at $10

Who would like it: Children, their parents for encouraging their children to read, and adults who would like to be reminded of a simpler time when they read books instead of tablets. Frantic City has a fantastic range of titles for kids and adults, so you’ll be able to find a classic for everyone on your shopping list.

February 14 is this Monday, and have you even thought about what to get
for your special someone? If not, we’ve got some great ideas for you that
you can get on Ossington. We did not visit every space on the street, and
we know there are lots we missed, but here’s a small sampling.

The first stop we made had to be Jaidens Petals, because Dani is our source for beautiful flowers and arrangements. She will be working overtime until Valentine’s Day is done to make personalized bouquets, and she also has some pre-made beauties at $20, $30 and $40.

Our next stop was Venezia Bakery, because everybody likes sweets on Valentine’s Day! And do they have sweets! Tarts, cakes, cannolis, pies – all sorts of tasty treats for your sweetheart! My mouth is watering just looking at them!

So the traditional Valentine’s gifts of flowers and food are taken care of, we move on to Frantic City. You can pick out a record album or book by your or your sweetheart’s favourite musician or author, or go with a book of poetry by a well-known Canadian. Browse around and see what works for you! All of the above are suitable for man or woman.

At I Miss You Vintage, you’ll find a lot of options for the fashionable woman in your life. It may be hard to pick out clothing for someone not there to try it on, but accessories will always work! And I Miss You has a wide range of vintage handbags, belts, and jewelry for your retro-leading lady.

C1 art space has a lot of cute stuffed toys, quirky cards, and these beautiful (but affordable) necklaces for your lovely!

At Ministry of the Interior, we found some beautiful boxes – even if there’s nothing inside, it’s a nice gift to open!

Finally, if you are feeling like it this Valentine’s may be the right time to take your relationship to the next level, Downtown Lumber will gladly make a copy of your key. Stick that in an envelope and seal it with a kiss!

Now that you’ve got the shopping done, don’t forget to make a reservation at one of your favorite restaurants! We have a guide for that too.

Happy Valentine’s everyone! XOXO

]]> http://ossingtonvillage.com/2011/02/last-minute-valentines-gift-guide/feed/ 2 http://ossingtonvillage.com/2010/10/opening-soon-more-than-pasta/ http://ossingtonvillage.com/2010/10/opening-soon-more-than-pasta/#comments Sat, 02 Oct 2010 19:45:31 +0000 Melinda M http://ossingtonvillage.com/?p=1244 . . . → Read More: Opening Soon: More Than Pasta]]> 121 Ossington, just south of Frantic City, will soon be home to a retail location and manufacturing for “More Than Pasta.” I exchanged emails with Gabriella of Hollywood Foods, and they are planning to open by the end of the month.

They have “gone back home to Italy and are producing…unique pasta on an old artisan machine.” As we any food stores, especially gourmet, on Ossington, we consider this a welcome addition.

Besides creating “homemade Italian pasta, whole wheat, spelt, and high protein, high fibre, low carb/low calorie vegan products” they will also offer frozen products for take-home.

According to their website, these products are currently available at Fiesta Farms and The Health Shoppe, among other retailers. We will soon be able to purchase them on Ossington.

What’s your business?

Cantadora Naturopathic Healthcare Centre

How is your business unique?

We are a community-based wellness centre with a collective of therapists offering services such as naturopathic medicine, registered massage, acupuncture, shiatsu, craniosacral therapy and osteopathy.  We have a small natural products shop, a book-lending library, and offer some educational
programs and cooking classes.

How long have you been in business here?

Since April 2008

What drew you to be here on Ossington?

I lived in the area for years – it’s where I walked everyday, got my coffee, pho, saw live music, and so on.  This area is a beautiful melting pot, with a variety of ethnicities; people of all income levels (all the way from absolutely nothing to too much); musicians, artists & creative people…all kinds of perspectives and states of mind converge here.  All are welcome.

What changes have you seen on Ossington since your business has been here?

There is a lot more foot traffic than there used to be, especially during the daytime, which is great.

How do you see your business and Ossington five years from now?

My hope is for it to be more like Kensington or Roncesvalles (or that it become it’s own special and unique community with a broad range of businesses and residents) and less like Yorkville or King West.

What is your favorite spot on Ossington, other than your own? and why?

Frantic City, formerly Babel Books, is great for unique and cheap finds in the books and music department.  I think Dakota Tavern is brilliant for live music and it’s family-style Bluegrass Brunch is a good time.  Yet I Deal Coffee takes the prize, because it’s delicious.