the gypsy life

Beer Drinking Camping Long Weekend Fun!!

Alright folks, the might May 2-4 Long Weekend is finally upon us once again! That lovely long weekend where for the first time, it’s warm enough to go and drink beer in the semi-wilderness only to get shushed around 10pm by park rangers for your 8th, drunk, acoustic rendition of “Creep”.

The shops will be open (except for the Gilmour shop on Monday) and we’re staying in town - the Littlest Gypsy is visiting us from the big city (aka Toronto) and we’re showing her a good time, complete with picnics, sangria and fire escape beers.

We’re also beyond pumped to be sponsors for this years Ottawa Rock Lottery!!

If you haven’t seen the adorable web commercial for the event, do check it out here :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K55dY_pBHYA&feature=youtu.be

All the deets are on the f-book, but the nitty gritty is : Mavericks, Saturday May 19th, 10pm. 25 musicians form 5 random bands with 24hrs to produce a set. It’s always the best event of the summer!

http://www.facebook.com/events/365849923466089/

Also, we’ll be at the Punkottawa.com flea market peddling old clothes and handmade jewelry and housewares on Saturday during the day - The Gypsy Gent and I have cleaned out our closets and have many, many treasures that could make their way into your home! It’s admission by $2 donation to cat-related charities and it’s always an amazing time! Bronson Centre, 11am-5pm (I think)

http://www.facebook.com/events/187240138052909/

So folks, even if you’re staying in the city there’s plenty of fun stuff to keep you busy! Whatever you do, drink responsibly and stay safe, and above all…come and visit us!

because this weekend….WE’RE BRINGING OUT THE SWIMWEAR!

photos coming soon :)

XoXo

The Tipsy Gypsy.

Ti Amo, Mammia

Mother’s Day is always a tough one for me. For one thing, I usually forget about it and then am fraught with guilt as I see the streets fill with flower vendors and remember that I’ve neglected to send a memento my mother’s way.

But also, because any token of my appreciation has to be sent…my mother, my best friend, is miles and miles away on the other side of this massive country.

My life, my personality has been shaped by mothers. Mine, and my grandmothers, both of whom were the strongest women I have ever encountered. My mother’s mother is still a constant voice of reason, of comfort, and of inspiration in my daily life, and I’m proud to have her picture looking over me in the shop as I go about my business.

My mother is more than that - she is a friend, a confidante, a co-consipirator. Our relationship has been described as “a lot like Gilmour Girls but more tattooed and with a lot more ass-kicking,” and it’s true.

Every day spent this far away from her is painfull, and it is heart-wrenching to be away from my family on all the holi-days.

But for this weekend….mamma, Rosie, you know I love you and am thinking of you.

And for the rest of y’all….don’t forget to be appreciative of your mothers, or fathers, or even just those friends that are always there to coddle you and get you through a hard time, tomorrow and the rest of the year. Everyone needs a mom, whether it’s your biological mom or not really isn’t important.

I’m lucky enough that I know, when the Gypsy Gent and I are settled and ready to adopt some children of our own, I’ll have learned my mothering from some of the best.

Xoxox, and Happy Mom’s Day.

The Tipsy Gypsy.

PS - I have my MOM tattoo, do you have yours? If not, come see Crystal @MOD Tattoo in the back of the Dal shop!

Endless Summer Love

The warm weather seems here to stay (with the exception of the occasional rain) and we couldn’t be more excited for the gorgeous vintage pieces we’re filling both shops with!!

Delectable summer dresses, high-waist shorts, long flowing floral skirts, crop tops….and of course the ubiquitous romper, we’ve got all the faves!

And for the gents, we’ve got plenty of options too - short-sleeved westerns, vintage tees (and of course our amazing hand-screened tees brought in from Montreal!) as well as amazing vintage shorts, loafers, hats and jackets.

Plus summer means The Gypsy Kitchen is breaking out the lemonade, and our southern sweet tea.

So whether it’s refreshing fashion or refreshing food, we’ve got you covered!!

Xoxo

Tipsy Gypsy

MOD Tattoo….open for business!!

You may have heard the rumours these past few months about a tattoo artist moving into the back space of Gypsy &Co. in the Market….well I assure you, these rumours are completely true!

Our dear friend and fabulous artist, Crystal Balser, has set up a beautiful studio in the space, and is taking appointments for tattoos in a discreet, clean, and simple environment.

The inspiration for the studio comes from the history of female tattooists - who have been around since the 1930s. Most of them, not comfortable in the shops most men worked out of, set up private studios in the backs of hair salons, dress shops, sewing studios…so a female artist working out of a vintage shop? Very true to tradition!

….and tradition is what the space is all about. Decked out in retro decor, we’re hoping the studio will become a haven for those passionate about traditional tattooing - with a feminine hand, something that is often absent in the resurgent popularity of the style.

So if you’re interested, check out the facebook page :

http://www.facebook.com/ModTattooCrystalBalser

Or email Miss Crystal directly at : modtattooboutique@gmail.com

XoXo

Tipsy Gypsy

We Heart Veg Fest!!

The Gypsy gals were lucky enough to head off to Ottawa’s VegFest this weekend - leaving the Gypsy Gent to mind the shops all by his lonesome.

We had a super fun booth, with the Gypsy Kitchen selling sandwiches and bulk vegan yummies

(coconut bacon! vegan mayo! pulled-seitan faux pork!)

And the amazing folks at the NCVA were nice enough to let us bring a clothing rack full of vintage awesomeness, as well as handmade and vintage jewelery and accessories.

All in all it was an amazing time, we met so many fantastic people and saw so many of our amazing customers….And we got to hang out with fellow vegan-business-folks, including our dear friends from Auntie Loos!!

We hope everyone had as good of a weekend as we did!

Swing by the shops this week for awesome new goodies, coconut bacon, and much more.

Xoxoxo

Tipsy Gypsy.

Love that Vinyl!

As you may or may not know, we play upstairs neighbour at the Gilmour shop to one of Ottawa’s greatest independent music establishments : The Record Shaap. Peddling new release vinyl and CDs in one heck of a basement, the Shaap is the ultimate destination for rocking tuneage.

And….this Saturday, the music industry has decided to dedicate a whole day to celebrating places like the Shaap, places where John Cusak doppelgangers talk for hours about b-sides, places where kids learn about stuff like punk rock and The Bee Gees.

That’s right folks, it is that time of year again : Record Store Day.

This Saturday get the scoop on amazing new releases, or pick up that vinyl you’ve had your eye on for a while. Either way, come support an amazing local business and the industry that got you where you are today.

We’ll have crazy sale racks out for the occasion, treats and beverages and much more to show our support. Also we’ll be offering 20% off all non-food items if you’ve made a purchase downstairs.

See ya soon! 209 Gilmour St. Saturday April 21st.

Xoxoxo

Summer is Here!

…..and that means that The Gypsy Kitchen has added it’s summer drinks back onto the menu.

Lemonade and Southern Sweet Tea are going for $2.00 every day, Iced Coffee for $2.50

So come on by and cool off!

Xoxo