a peek inside the fishbowl

23 Aug, 2017

Ottawa giveaway alert: back to lunch with terra20!

Posted by andrea tomkins in: Fishbowl patrons|Giveaways and product reviews

It’s not QUITE September yet, but it’s on the horizon. Surely I am not the only person who feels a surge of excitement and energy this time of year. There’s something about it that signals change and renewal. For me, it’s a stronger feeling than New Year’s in terms of resolutions, and for many of us it’s not just back to school, but back to fitness, back to work, back to favourite routines. So of course, I was pretty excited when I got to talking with Fishbowl patron, terra20, about a giveaway regarding lunches. Because we can all use some help getting back to lunch routines, am I right or am I right?

I was at the Pinecrest location yesterday and spent a LOT of time looking at what is now termed lunch solutions. It’s the whole middle part of the store! Honestly, I don’t know of any other place in Ottawa that has this great of a selection.

Bento Lunch sets at terra20

ecokids snack keepers, available at terra20

We’ve had many years of experience with litterless lunches. Here are a few things that really worked for our family, and let’s be real, saved my sanity:

1) Large lunch containers with multiple compartments that are all covered by ONE easy-to-remove lid. No plastic baggies, or lost containers and lids! We didn’t have Planetbox, which is shown in the video below – we had Goodbyn – but the general idea is the same. (ONE container. ONE lid. Which the kids washed! #bonus)

2) Reusable baggies for dry snacks are perfect for cookies, crisps, and Goldfish crackers.

lunchskins, available at terra20

3) A really good thermos. We’ve gone through a bunch. The cheapies never last and don’t work. Spend a bit extra and it’ll last forever.

Of course, it’s not all for kids at terra20. There were MANY things I was coveting for myself during my visit:

Lunch stuff for grownups too, at terra20

Reusable FUNCH bags, available at terra20

And I wish we had thought to buy the eldest this mug. She’s going away to university and will be living in residence:

Mugs (with lids!) at terra20

In the end, I decided I needed a bit of fun in my life so I bought myself a new insulated lunch bag:

Meet my new insulated lunch bag!

Isn’t it cute? They had lots of plain gray, black, and brown bags but I wanted something a bit more lively. (Why do kids get all the colourful stuff??)

Anyway, I digress. I have a $50 gift card to give away to one winner. He or she can use it for lunch gear or something else. (Hey, it’s YOUR gift card!) Interested? Please read the fine print before you enter:

  • This giveaway is for one $50 gift card and will be awarded to one winner.
  • In order for your entry to qualify, have a look at the litterless lunch section of the terra20 website. Let me know in the comments below what catches your eye, and why!
  • One entry per email address please!
  • If you can’t post your comment for whatever reason you can email it to me for posting at andrea at quietfish dot com. Please note, I cannot be responsible if your entry is misdirected or gets stuck in my Spam folder.
  • This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.
  • I will draw one name using Random.org at noon EST on August 31, 2017. I’ll contact the winner via email, who can pick up the prize at one of the terra20 locations: Pinecrest or Wellington West. The name of the winner will be posted here as well. So please check back!
  • Did you know that terra20 is on Twitter and Facebook? Following terra20 on social media is not a requirement of this giveaway but it’s a great way of keeping up with great deals and special events.

Over to you. Good luck!


74 Responses to "Ottawa giveaway alert: back to lunch with terra20!"

1 | Carly

August 23rd, 2017 at 6:20 pm

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We too have to do the litterless lunch thing at the kids’ school and have tried both individual containers and the one box with compartments and one lid options. The containers are working best for us right now – teachers complained that our kids were spilling their food when they sometimes couldn’t get the lid off without tipping the one large container.

I have my eye on reusable baggies – seems like an easier and more compact solution to small containers and we haven’t tried those yet.

Thanks for the opportunity!

2 | Lisa Bolduc

August 23rd, 2017 at 9:35 pm

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I have heard lots of good things about the bento kits. I would love to th the bento kitten kit

3 | joy

August 23rd, 2017 at 9:45 pm

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i like the Nude Food Movers mini rubbish free lunchbox; because the name says it all :) there are so many cute things though; it is really hard to choose; I also adore all the swell bottles!

4 | Meghan

August 23rd, 2017 at 9:47 pm

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I really need a new lunch bag! I take my lunch or snacks most days and my bag is in need of replacement.

5 | KL

August 23rd, 2017 at 9:50 pm

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I love the Bento Box Kitty but the camera ice pack caught my eye too. Very cool.

6 | Samantha caldareri

August 23rd, 2017 at 10:00 pm

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I love the perfect portions box from bentology. Especially when it’s paired with that kitty in glasses lunch box. So cute!

7 | Kamerine

August 23rd, 2017 at 10:09 pm

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The So Young products are really cute! Good choice on your bag!

8 | Elnaz S

August 23rd, 2017 at 10:27 pm

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I love the Lunchbox Bunny Tile – it’s absolutely adorable! I’m really liking the entire So Young line of products.

9 | Kim D.

August 23rd, 2017 at 10:28 pm

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Divided Lunch Pak Carrier by Fit & Fresh looks really cool for my kids lunches. Looks like an item I would use often!

10 | LDC

August 24th, 2017 at 2:17 am

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So there goes 45 minutes! LOL
I’m very interested in the water hot/cold bottles BUT I lose them. It’s chronic. So, no.

I like the look/style of the Black Dome Premium w/containers because it looks professional and holds the containers upright instead of carrying them on their side, ya know? Something hubby is very picky about. (sku 371611624) But this would be for hubby, not for ME.

Back to the drawing board… I like the Flying Bunny and the Shark large cooler bags. I wish the website had visuals of what the insides look like! I also wish there was a SKULL design!

But to go in that cooler bag? Definitely the TO GO Lunch Tub!

Thanks for the chance to win!
I’m so happy to have found your blog!

11 | Brenda A

August 24th, 2017 at 6:56 am

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Wandering the food storage section of Terra20 is something my kids and I love to do! Sooo many neat containers and bags. And all so darned pretty! The cooler bag with the aqua bunny is a particular favourite.

12 | Alison in Ottawa

August 24th, 2017 at 7:48 am

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I love the graphics for the So Young line. We have a french exchange student this Fall and the youngest is now in middle school so I have given away some of our young kid lunch things and now we have to expand our options for the household lunch carriers and containers.

13 | KristaR

August 24th, 2017 at 8:16 am

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I would love one of the Lifefactory glass water bottles:
https://terra20.com/collections/litterless-lunch/products/classic-cap-water-bottle-royal-purple-650ml

Also a fan of the So Young lunch bags. My daughter has one and it is durable and so cute.

14 | jason

August 24th, 2017 at 9:01 am

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Really like the multiple compartment Planet Box lunch containers!

15 | TD

August 24th, 2017 at 9:13 am

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The FUNCH bags are really cool. I could see updating my lunch box carrier. Mt daughter has had her eye on the Swell water bottles.

16 | Elizabeth

August 24th, 2017 at 12:25 pm

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I like the Fit and Fresh multicolour container set; just the thing for my daughter’s school lunches!

17 | Randa

August 24th, 2017 at 2:03 pm

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The canvas-toned cooler bags are irresistible. Aqua Bunny? Cherry Blossom? Red Poppy? Difficult choices. Delightful designs!

18 | Christine

August 24th, 2017 at 7:19 pm

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Nothing like a pretty lunch bag and containers to make lunch fun!

19 | Alicia

August 25th, 2017 at 7:14 am

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Wow! terra20 has everything for everyone. I really like the variety and different styles. I’m particularly interested in the Bento box with the cute Owl design for my little one. Would love to be considered and thank you for the opportunity to participate in this contest

20 | Aliya

August 25th, 2017 at 8:03 am

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Haven’t had a chance to even go check out terra20 yet! I would love the Bento Lunch box set in turquoise – its a struggle getting everything to fit precisely in my son’s lunch bag and the containers end up getting jammed in there. This would be so helpful! what a fun contest – thanks!

21 | Sarah

August 25th, 2017 at 8:59 am

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I love the bento boxes! It would force me to think outside of the lunchbox.

22 | Stephanie

August 25th, 2017 at 8:59 am

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Love Terra 20! My go to for back to school shopping, especially for lunch supplies. My kids even ask to go there specifically.
I’m eying the 3 in 1 stainless steel container and sandwich container.

Thanks!

23 | Misty

August 25th, 2017 at 8:59 am

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I seriously need new snack bags!! Mine are falling apart from all the use they get :)

24 | Masuma Khan

August 25th, 2017 at 9:03 am

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Great post!!

25 | Erika Harrison

August 25th, 2017 at 9:03 am

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We have our first little jk’er getting ready to start school in September! We would love the opportunity to be placed in the draw for the terra20 gift card! Thank you!

26 | Caitlin

August 25th, 2017 at 9:09 am

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All the bento boxes look really cool. I also love the raw linen lunch bags.

27 | Jennifer

August 25th, 2017 at 9:13 am

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Great giveaway! Would love some lunchskins reusable snack bags. :)

28 | Jennifer

August 25th, 2017 at 9:17 am

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I have my eye on reusable snack bags and also a bento box. These would be so useful for my son.

29 | Hasti

August 25th, 2017 at 9:18 am

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I’ve been eyeing the planet box lunch boxes at Terra but hesitant to get a pricey option – would love to get the gift certificate to use towards it. I’ve heard awesome things about those bento-style lunch containers. I also need some reusable snack bags so the lunchskins look awesome!

30 | Sarah C

August 25th, 2017 at 9:28 am

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I want the planet box lunch box and a few reusable bags for my little guy who is starting preschool! So exciting!

31 | Tamara

August 25th, 2017 at 9:34 am

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Planetbox!!!! A million times over, Planet Box! I love those lunch boxes.

32 | Leah Williams

August 25th, 2017 at 9:51 am

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My little one (19 months) is starting at a new daycare centre in a few weeks and I really want to start using more reusable products (like Stasher bags) for her snacks. I also love the fox insulated lunchbox you scored.

33 | Melissa

August 25th, 2017 at 10:06 am

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I would either pick the lunch tote you selected (because it’s fan-freaking-tastic), or some more of the Lunchbots containers because I use them already and they are fantastic. More variety in the sizes we have at home would be great. :)

With three school-aged kids taking litterless lunches, and my husband and myself often packing lunches for ourselves (or snacks for the 2yr old), we are in love with metal lunch containers. They are sturdy and last!

34 | sarah

August 25th, 2017 at 10:22 am

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I love the bento boxes! Such a great way for packing fruits and veggies!

35 | Nikki

August 25th, 2017 at 10:23 am

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OH my! I love the Planet box series, it looks really durable;, but the lunch totes in the main add too! This GC would be so fun to shop with!

36 | Laura

August 25th, 2017 at 10:35 am

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I’m looking for a lunch box option for my son who is starting JK soon. I haven’t thought of Bento before, but I’m thinking that might be a good option! I’m afraid that if I pack his lunch in containers that he can’t open, maybe his lunch experience may not be very enjoyable.
Terra 20 likely has lots of options! would love to be part of this draw!
(nice blog, too :)
thanks!!

37 | Chris

August 25th, 2017 at 10:38 am

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the fit and fresh w ice packs included so very handy and efficient; definitely on the list for this year.

38 | Marguerite

August 25th, 2017 at 10:48 am

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As I said, would love my 3 little ones with this – it all looks so appealing – I wish I was going back to school

39 | Delia

August 25th, 2017 at 10:52 am

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I LOVE everything in terra 20! Such a fabulous store and you’re right, we are so lucky to have them! After looking through their website I’m torn, I seriously want it all! But I really love their zipper snack backs. That navy one with the stripes … come on!!!

40 | Elicia Breslin

August 25th, 2017 at 11:37 am

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I love the stainless steel containers. Easy to clean, durable and lasts forever. Also enjoy the reusable snack bags. Thanks!

41 | Kimberly Patriquin

August 25th, 2017 at 11:54 am

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I’ve eying their Bento lunch boxes, Crocodile Creek dinosaur water bottle, ice packs, snack bags and anything that will make my son happy and my life easier!

42 | Lara

August 25th, 2017 at 11:59 am

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The material patterns are gorgeous!

43 | Jamie mcateer

August 25th, 2017 at 12:00 pm

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I love all these products!

44 | Tara

August 25th, 2017 at 12:56 pm

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Wow – fab!!

45 | Melissa

August 25th, 2017 at 1:12 pm

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The Bunny Tile small cooler bag is so cute! I need a need lunch bag… ;)

46 | Melissa

August 25th, 2017 at 1:23 pm

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Entering to win the bento lunch box! First time school mom over here!

47 | Michelle thibault

August 25th, 2017 at 3:20 pm

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I really need a new lunch box (yes for myself) lol. My daughter gets all the new and nice stuff and I get the rest, or a lunch in my backpack.
Thanks a lot

48 | Pantea

August 25th, 2017 at 4:10 pm

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Such a great recommendations I would love to be considered for the contest thank you

49 | Britt Pegan

August 25th, 2017 at 4:59 pm

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I am SO into litterless lunches and would love Lunchbots (especially the trio with red dots!). Thanks, Andrea!

50 | Anne-Marie Burgon

August 25th, 2017 at 5:29 pm

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I really like the look of the Splash Blue Flip Cap Bottle!

I have already bought many containers for my dear daughter as well as for my husband so I think it’s time that I bought something for myself!

Thanks!

51 | Jenn

August 25th, 2017 at 7:55 pm

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I love the the bags pictured up top for the planetbox! We have three boxes, but no bags for them (yet!). I also love the colours of the lifefactory bottles.

52 | Rebecca

August 25th, 2017 at 8:18 pm

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We just got a Planet Box kit for my husband for his lunch and I’d love to get them for my kids! They are sturdy and easy to clean. Thanks :)

53 | Liz

August 26th, 2017 at 8:03 am

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We love the reusable snack bags and would certainly be able to put a few more to good use,

54 | Andrea Lake-Johns

August 26th, 2017 at 8:44 am

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It is so hard to choose but we’ve been eyeing the Planet Boxes for ages. Love that they are completely stainless steel, with no plastic and would last.

55 | Denise

August 26th, 2017 at 10:08 am

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Love the bento boxes.

56 | EmmyB

August 26th, 2017 at 12:46 pm

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I’d go for any of the water bottles – several didn’t make it home from camp this summer!

57 | Ar

August 26th, 2017 at 2:48 pm

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A lunch bag (the one with the Cdn flag on it) for my husband’s back to school lunch

58 | HollyStar

August 26th, 2017 at 10:24 pm

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I love the patterns on the Russbe reusable snack and sandwich bags! Forget the kids; these would be great for my lunches!

59 | Debbie P

August 27th, 2017 at 12:42 pm

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I love the Bento Lunch Box Set Turquoise from Bentology!

60 | Wanda

August 28th, 2017 at 9:43 am

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I would love a new lunch bag for work and I really like the the Allie Insulated Lunch Bag. The lower zipper pocket is perfect.

I love September for new beginnings…better than New Years!

61 | Janessa P

August 29th, 2017 at 2:02 pm

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I absolutely love the stack bento boxes from Russbe! They are perfect. Plus I would probably grab that cute fox lunchbox too!

62 | Tiana

August 29th, 2017 at 3:54 pm

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I’m super interested in the bento lunch box sets. They all stack so neatly together!

63 | Meaghan

August 29th, 2017 at 9:29 pm

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Either a new planetbox, or some new lunchskins in snack size!

64 | Kaitlin Keefe

August 29th, 2017 at 10:02 pm

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Love the Bento Lunch Box Set – Owl! My classroom (and life!) have hints of owl in it everywhere! One of my favourite teacher dresses has owls on it and the newsletter I send home to parents weekly is owl themed! I love it. Having a hoot! ?

65 | Alexandra Stewart

August 30th, 2017 at 2:33 pm

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I like the Bottle Bag Aqua Bunny. Very cute!

66 | Cath

August 30th, 2017 at 2:38 pm

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Ooh – planetbox for sure! Thanks for the great giveaway.

67 | Nicole B

August 30th, 2017 at 3:46 pm

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I love the bento box alien. I love all the options!

68 | sabrina

August 31st, 2017 at 9:11 am

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Why, oh why, has it taken me so lunch to move away from those little plastic bags that I discard every single day … to some of the beautiful solutions offered here? Please add my name to the draw, so I can begin to mend my ways. It would be hard to choose!

69 | Valerie

August 31st, 2017 at 10:10 am

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I love the little foxes ? on your new lunch bag! Also like the idea of reusable baggies. We try to do litterless but somehow haven’t given up on ziplock.

70 | Molly

August 31st, 2017 at 11:18 am

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That Bento Lunch Bag with flamingos suits me just fine!

71 | John

August 31st, 2017 at 11:19 am

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I like the Insulated Lunch Sleeve Emoji. My kids would love it and it is a great price!

72 | andrea tomkins

August 31st, 2017 at 12:37 pm

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Comments are officially closed to new entries. Winner coming right up!

73 | andrea tomkins

August 31st, 2017 at 12:39 pm

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Thanks for your entries everyone. We have a winner! It’s commenter 39, Delia, who wrote:

“I LOVE everything in terra 20! Such a fabulous store and you’re right, we are so lucky to have them! After looking through their website I’m torn, I seriously want it all! But I really love their zipper snack backs. That navy one with the stripes … come on!!!”

Congratulations Delia! Check your email!

74 | LDC

September 4th, 2017 at 5:33 pm

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Congrats Delia!

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My name is Andrea and I live in the Westboro area of Ottawa with my husband Mark and our dog Piper who is kind of a big deal on Instagram. We also have two human offspring: Emma (24) and Sarah (22). During the day I work as a writer at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. I am a longtime Ottawa blogger and I've occupied this little corner of the WWW since 1999. The Fishbowl is my whiteboard, water cooler, and journal, all rolled into one. I'm passionate about healthy living, arts and culture, travel, great gear, good food, and sharing the best of Ottawa. I also love vegetables, photography, gadgets, and great design.

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