In the words of Alvin and the Chipmunks: 🎶Christmas, Christmas time is near!🎶 Holiday shopping is in full swing and I often go online to save time and avoid crowds and line-ups.
The downside? The dreaded hang tag on my door when I miss my delivery. UGH. Then it's a schlep to some far-flung shipping centre to get my parcel. Anyone else feel me on this?
But I've got great news for ya: Purolator opened a Mobile Quick Stop in the Glebe! It's is a brand new service that'll help you save time during the busy holiday season, and lucky us: Ottawa is one of just four cities in Canada trying this out (Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have it too).
parcel pick-up in a jiffy
How does it work? Purolator has a truck (just like the one below) parked at 683 Bank Street throughout the holidays. If you live in central Ottawa, you'll now get a special door knocker that sends you to the handy mobile quick stop in the Glebe. YAS.
These Mobile Quick Stop trucks are open now through December 28, 2018, and operate Monday to Friday from 3pm to 8pm. Perfect for stopping by after work or after a workout with my pals at The Dailey Method.😉
Photo c/o Purolator
your guide to the glebe
Since you're gonna save heaps of time by going to the Glebe instead of a remote shipping facility, why not keep it local and explore the hood while you're there? Here are four of my nearby faves for gift ideas and holiday entertaining.
Il Negozio Nicastro
Whether you need a take-out platter for your office Christmas party or want help with a holiday meal at home, you've gotta stop at Il Negozio Nicastro.
This Italian deli on the corner of Bank and Third has take-out salads (try the artichoke!), artisanal cheeses, charcuterie platters, homemade biscotti, delicious canoli, and or fresh-filled canoli. They even have fresh produce like tomatoes, leafy greens, squash, and pumpkins. Like this one.
alta vista flowers
Just a little further down Bank Street in Old Ottawa South, you'll find Alta Vista Flowers.
I love this local shop for their unique finds: everything from black roses to succulents to pretty bouquets and holiday centrepieces. I'm gonna pop by this weekend and check out their Christmas wreaths and outdoor planters!
the dailey method
You folks already know how much I love this cheery fitness studio in the Glebe. My workouts at The Dailey Method help me carve out time for myself during this busy season, with the added bonus that I can do some Christmas shopping while I'm there.
The Dailey Method has a beautiful boutique with pretty athletic wear (think Spiritual Gangster and Ottawa-inspired pieces), plus healthy cookbooks, durable water bottles, and gift certificates.
mrs. tiggy winkles
Y'all often ask me where to find this pretty mural: it's in heart of the Glebe at Mrs. Tiggy Winkles! This local Ottawa toy store has been in business since 1977, and it's where you'll find all the best toys for the kiddos on your list.
And upstairs you'll find Lost Marbles, their sister store with gifts for grown-ups/big kids at heart. Think funky cocktail glasses, board games, and plenty of cat merch (YAS).
gifts and the glebe
To go back to Alvin and the boys: 🎶We can hardly stand the wait, please Christmas, don't be late.🎶
This year you won't be late getting your holiday packages thanks to Purolator's handy Mobile Quick Stop in the Glebe. And once you've picked them up, stick around to explore a few fab local businesses: you'll find some real gems for the holidays.
All photos by Hello Lovely Studio unless otherwise stated.
This post is sponsored by Purolator but all opinions are mine all mine.