OUT & ABOUT with Seeker Chick Mai-Liis – time flies when you’re having fun and it all started with popcorn …

What a beautiful weekend that just passed and I love the fact that living in Cornwall I can walk everywhere. So when Sheldon said he was going to be working out at our property I planned my weekend route, starting of course on Saturday (October 3rd) with a visit to the reopening of The Happy Popcorn Co. which outgrew it’s home on First Street and moved to 109 Pitt, the former location of The Birchwood Cafe (that has moved to 119 Sydney Street).

109 Pitt was also the former home of Love Love Food and the colours inside were always earthy tones so I wasn’t sure what to expect inside as The Happy Popcorn Co. just doesn’t say earthy tones to me! I was pleasantly surprised. Of course there was a line-up outside (that didn’t surprise me) but it didn’t take long to enter and I was greeted by the doorman – Dan Allaire – who immediately said “hi Mai-Liis” and beside him was owner Bill Halman at the counter.

How many of you are surprised when you enter somewhere with your mask on (feeling like you are in disguise. and immediately you are greeted by name?

Also is there anyone else who finds themselves complementing others on their masks – really, who would have thought this would be happening … Speaking of masks I do have a new kind to show you – but first let’s see what’s inside The Happy Popcorn Co.

The earthy tones are all replaced by a clean white which complements the bright colours of the packaging for the so many flavours of popcorn and the different types of candies – popular, retro and even imported sweets. The Victory V and Extra strong mints from England were a must-buy for me, as being from England these took me back to my younger years). I also picked up some dark “Peace by Chocolate”. The popcorn that I chose was Honey Mustard and Smokey Bacon Cheese that were both OMG excellent…

Congratulations to owners Bill Halman and Kristin Davey on the beautiful new space, certainly a safe shopping experience! and I am always excited to see Kristin’s hair colour as I never know what it will be – I so love the new purple do!!!

Did you know that the idea for The Happy Popcorn Co. came from Bill and Kristin’s son Jack and his love of popcorn and it is a family run business where you can often see Jack and daughter Delilah helping around the store – actually I think they may be more the “popcorn testing crew”! Check out this photo where I might have actually caught some of the testing crew in action back in the open area where customers can watch the popcorn being popped.

Now that there is more space Kristin and her team will be able to fulfil their dream of creating a place of inclusion – not only for Jack (who is on the Autism spectrum) but for others too. Says Kristin “ We’re very lucky that our decision to move came when it did; Our landlord had another property he was looking to fill, and the folks at Birchwood were ready to take over that space, meaning their spot was opening up. The square footage of 109 Pitt St, allows us to purchase some new equipment which will let us increase our production and finally actualize some of the exciting programs and opportunities for the community we have planned.” I for one am very excited to hear about these programs and opportunities so stay tuned and keep an eye on their website at https://thehappypopcornco.com and make sure to visit the store often to check out the latest gourmet flavours.

Next stop was a quick visit across the road at “Life’s Little Pleasures” with owner Chris Munro (in photo above). This wonderful Gem is located at 108 Pitt Street and the store is packed and I mean packed yet so well laid out with gifts for everyone and for all occasions.

Way back in the store is a unique clothing section called BE RARE: a fashion-forward selection of clothing and accessories to help you – be you!

Check out the website at: www.lifeslittlepleasures.ca – 613-933-8595

Due to the size of the store the doors will be locked at all times and customers must knock for entry, proper use of masks is mandatory, hands must be sanitized upon entering the store and only 3 people will be allowed in the store at a time.

A short walk up the street took me to the Pop Up Stores and three wonderful business that were showcasing themselves.

First there was Morgan Clermont with Happy Goth Creations – happygothcreations.com

Next was The Children’s Aid Society who were advertising Dress Purple Day which is happening on October 27th supporting the fact that every child and youth has a right to safety and well being. Also in the lead up to Dress Purple day they are inviting all Ontarians to create and post a video explaining why they will be wearing purple on October 27th and use the hashtag #idresspurplebecause. On October 27th you are invited to post a picture on social media of you all decked out in purple and use the hashtag #dresspurpleday2020. You can purchase a purple T-shirt and a mask (part of a fundraiser) at Baxtrom’s Your Independent Grocer (31 Ninth St. E. Cornwall) and also at Auto Glass and Trim in Alexandria (20295 Kenyon Concession 1, Alexandria). You can also support this fundraiser by purchasing a purple pumpkin available at Marlin Orchards & Garden Centre at 6864 Orchard Rd, Cornwall, ON – 613-931-1213 www.marlinorchards.com

and the third Pop-Up Shop was Quilling it Nature’s Jewelry (check out her Facebook page @quillingitbyElise) and Hillam House, Cornwall ON – 613-571-9306 with a great display of Halloween items!

Speaking of Halloween items I continued on to Spirit Halloween in Cornwall Square. This store appears each year around this time and never ceases to amaze me with their interactive and scary displays.

There are only 2 stores that have costumes, this is one and Cornwall also has Dazzling Costumes at 305 McConnell Ave, Cornwall, ON – 613-935-9356 • dazzlingcostumes.com (I will be visiting this store in the next few days – stay tuned!)

On my way home I saw my first Halloween House being decorated … it won’t be long before the Witching Season will be here!

Oops I almost forgot … I mentioned that I had a new mask to show you … it can be purchased at Serendipity Boutique (331 Second St W, Cornwall, ON • 613-935-5419 • check out their Facebook page). This mask has the classy chic look designed by French Dressing Jeans and is more a going out and getting dressed up accessory kind of mask. The best part of it is the cost is $20 and proceeds go to Maison Baldwin House. Check it out for yourself and maybe check out Serendipity Boutique – the shabby chic thrift shop where only the look is expensive!