What did I find of course you are all wondering? Well a Christmas tree in black which is now all decorated with red and is in the Seeker Office at our Fourth Street location – Red and Black being the Seeker colours.

I know this isn’t quite the traditional Christmas tree colour but ever since I saw one 10 years ago (and regrettably didn’t buy it at the time) I have been on the hunt for one and a few days ago, right here at Monique’s – Cornwall’s Largest Bedding & Mattress store, I finally found one and I’m sure you have all seen the Ikea ads where the woman gets all kinds of great deals, comes running out of the store and yells to her husband “Start the car” – well that is exactly how I felt except for the fact that I was driving my own car and left with the new Christmas Tree sitting proudly in the front passenger seat.

I believe that it is always important to support our local businesses as much as we can and that is even more important during these times of uncertainty. I have such a good feeling when I leave one of our local stores with a bag in hand containing something I have purchased because The Seeker is, after all, “Local Supporting Local” and this saying is super important in my world!

Have you been to Monique’s – Cornwall’s Largest Bedding & Mattress store lately? Well if you haven’t, find yourself a day when you have a lot of time on your hands as when you walk in there there is soooooo much to look at. It’s one of those stores where, if you don’t take your time, you are bound to miss something important and be sure to go upstairs as well as that is where I found my latest treasure. If you are looking for the very popular red buffalo plaid pattern then you have come to the right place… and Monique herself loves helping people put together a perfect space for themselves, helping choose everything that you need for your “personal oasis”! Stop by at 405 9th Street W., visit them on Facebook or call 613-362-5047 / 613-930-3436.

How are your feathered and Squirrel friends doing?

Mine are very happy since I picked them up some food at H. Moise Jr. Feed & Seed ( formerly Gosselin’s) located at 1433 Pitt Street, Cornwall – 613-932-1653. By the way pictured above are just a few of my outside friends – I have lots of birds who come every day! Anyway as I was saying – I visited the store to get bird food but couldn’t believe how many varieties they have and the wide assortment of bird feeders as well. Not only that but they also have a large assortment of locally made crafts and home decor. If you are looking for a place for Christmas Shopping, look no further! This is a locally owned and family operated store and I even got a pic of mother and daughter.

Where else have I been Out and About, safely with my “Cornwall Seeker” mask on?

Joe’s Quality Meats & prepared meals … on the corner of Fourth and Pitt (formerly Sub Place) – 407 Pitt St, Cornwall – 343-475-0185 or visit them on Facebook. Here is another locally owned and family operated business. I went in on their opening day and was so excited to see a line-up outside the store. Joey and his sister Melanie were busy behind the meat counter, dad was busy preparing meals and mom was at the cash. The Cornwall Seeker (thanks to Neil and Jane Macmillan) did a 5 Question Interview in September before they opened and you can read it here https://theseeker.ca/2020/09/a-juicy-meaty-story-in-cornwall-the-seeker-welcomes-a-brand-new-business-to-our-community/ to get some great info about the store OR just stop in and visit in person. I can guarantee that you will be glad that you did!

I am always downtown Cornwall visiting and shopping at my favourite stores including, Life’s Little Pleasures, (108 Pitt Street – 613-933-8595) The Squire Shop (113 Pitt Street – 613-932-6605), The Happy Popcorn Co. (109 Pitt Street – 613-937-2677) and Fantasy Realm (227 Pitt Street – 613-933-7997), but recently I visited (for the second time) the store that is on the cover of the November Seeker, namely dg vintage located at 5 First Street East, Cornwall. Another store that you really have to check all the corners for the treasures that you do not want to miss. I couldn’t resist taking a pic of the owner, Dayna Gunn, holding a copy of the Cornwall Seeker in exactly the same spot where I photographed her for the cover of the November Seeker. dg vintage is open from 10 am to 2 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, as well as 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Online sales are available and they are also on the current shop your own bubble list of participants. To find out more about the shop, visit @dgv1ntage on Instagram and Facebook.

Cailuan Gallery, (225 Pitt Street – 613-935-4141 – www.cailuan.ca) was calling my name this past Saturday as they are hosting the “Holly Jolly Xmas Show. This show runs every Friday and Saturday until December 19th. You can definitely Christmas Shop here as there is an amazing selection of Artwork, Gifts and One Of A Kind Treasures by Local Artists with prices for every budget. Fill out a ballot and you have a chance to win 2 Snowmen Christmas Oil Paintings compliments of artist Dan Burgess. I had a wonderful visit with owner, Tracey Lynn Davies in a gallery so well spaced out and safe. Remember to wear your mask though when visiting! In fact wherever you go it is important to wear your mask (over your nose and mouth) social distance and wash your hands often – hopefully this way we will avoid anymore closures and will be able to spend time with our loved ones this Christmas!

A few more places in my Out and About travels that I would like to mention are Flowers Cornwall Inc. (1325 Pitt Street, Cornwall – 613-933-9439 – where I purchased a special gift for a special someone. Christmas is very evident in this store which is packed full of Christmas present ideas. Their website is: www.flowerscornwall.com

I also stopped in recently at Dempster’s Frameworks (258 Pitt St, Cornwall – 613-938-6947 to visit my college buddy Dawn Dempster. Check out their website at www.dempstersframeworks.com or better still stop by the store for all your framing needs!

Red Cart Books is another place that I stopped by recently and I am amazed at how many second hand books have found their home here at  812 Pitt St Unit 52, Cornwall – 613-935-3711. A wonderful Christmas gift idea for the Book-Lover in your life would be a Gift Certificate. Their website is: www.redcartbooks.com and it is true when I read the description of their store online “We offer books in every genre and subject as well as hard-to-find and collectible books”.

One more stop while you are in this area would be Marrow and Spice (40-812 Pitt St, Cornwall – 613-933-3330) Stop by the store that I like to refer to as ” Cornwall’s indoor, all year round farmer’s market” full of local produce of all kinds and you can even pick up a quick home cooked meal here. You can also visit them at: www.marrowandspice.com

Well I think that is it for my Out and About. Remember that Sheldon and I are also in the process of building the first “Official Tiny House Build in South Glengarry”. It is a English Style Thatched Roof Cottage and you can follow our journey on our Facebook pages – Mai-Liis Renaud and also on Sheldon Grant and I also write a small column every month in the Cornwall Seeker.

See you all soon and meanwhile have yourselves a Super Duper Week!