Music | Shawn Tavenier & Silver Creek

Two weekends ago I headed to Perth for my friend's Stag and Doe (congrats Melissa and Nigel). I was only planning on staying the one night, but the following day, I decided to go to Ottawa with my best friend Broghan, her sister Shannon, and her brother Eric. Now I know the last time I talked about Ottawa and the Byward Market I promised that the next time I went I'd bring my camera so I could share some photos with you. Well ... I went to the Byward, again, and I forgot my camera, again. But in my defense it was a completely unplanned trip, so please don't hate me! 

We spent the afternoon just roaming through the stalls, indulging in Beavertails, and watching some crazy Aussie street performer. Surprisingly the Beavertails didn't fill us so we decided to stop for a proper meal at The Aulde Dubliner before heading home. After debating about whether it was going to rain or not, we took our chances and chose a table outside. It ended up being the perfect spot as we had a direct view of the live music set that was going on. 

The man singing was Shawn Tavenier and he has got the most beautiful voice I have ever heard! His voice is so strong and there's so much soul to it - as I joked to my friends, as soon as he opened his mouth, I fell in love, it's impossible not to! I think all four of us were in awe at how good he was. The poor guy was probably creeped out because I swear I just stared at him all night (sorry not sorry) but I couldn't help myself, I was just mesmerized; so amazed by his talent! We sat there for probably two hours listening to him and singing along, and in Eric's case, Googling the words to all the songs he wasn't sure about. 

Reluctantly we left after a couple hours since we were all starting to freeze and had to get home. For whatever reason I had the brilliant idea to go to Menchie's for some frozen yogurt but it meant I was able to head back and watch Shawn play a few more songs while the girls went to Sugar Mountain and Eric became bff with some homeless guy who played the spoons. 

Princes and Kings

On the drive back to Perth I decided to put my creeper skills to the test and see if I could find out who this Shawn guy was so I could look up his music. (I promise I'm not THAT big of a creeper - his name was on the pub website). Turns out he's part of a band called Silver Creek which originates from Ottawa. Now, how I lived in Ottawa for four years and never heard of these guys is beyond me, but I'm sure glad I've stumbled across them now because they're simply incredible.

Another reviewer described Silver Creek as similar to 'The Band, The Allman Brothers and Neil Young' and I'd have to say that's a pretty accurate description. They certainly have rock and roll roots but you also get a little soul and blues, and even little country thrown in there at times too. 

I can't give you a proper review at the moment, as I've yet to hear the band play live, but I can tell you that after hearing front man Shawn's solo set, I know Silver Creek is a band not to be missed! Their music is just so refreshing - it's original and honest and you can't help but become a fan. And rest assured, they're playing at the Kinmount Fair on August 31st so you can bet I'll be there!! I expect to see all you other 705ers there as well. I promise you won't be disappointed. If you can't make their Kinmount appearance, Silver Creek is also playing at the Burlington Ribfest on September 1st. 

You can check out Silver Creek at: 

• Website - www.silvercreekmusic.ca
• Twitter - www.twitter.com/silvercreekrock
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/silvercreekmusic
• YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/silvercreekmusic

You can buy Silver Creek's debut album "About Time" and their third record "Princes and Kings" on iTunes (I suggest you all go do that right now!)

Who else is a fan of Silver Creek? Have you ever seen them play or do you have plans to in the next few months? Also, if you know where I can buy their second release "Follow the Sun", pleeeease let me know! I can't find it on iTunes :( 

Fashion | Rice Necklace From Byward Market, Ottawa

A couple of weeks ago my best friend Broghan and myself took a trip to the Byward Market in Ottawa. We both used to live in Ottawa during university so the Byward Market is certainly one of my favourite places to be in the summer. I unfortunately forgot my camera so I regret having no photos of the Market itself to share with you (next time I'll be sure to have my camera with me!) But if you've never been I definitely suggest you go. 

Situated in downtown Ottawa, right across the street from the Rideau Centre, the Byward Market is filled with stalls selling fresh produce, Canadian souvenirs, homemade arts and crafts, loads of maple syrup and other maple goodies, and of course Beavertails! You're not a true Canadian if you've never had a Beavertail. You've not lived, if you've never had a Beavertail! Beavertails are just deep fried pastries with different toppings - my favourite is the classic cinnamon and sugar but I'm also a fan of the Killaloe Sunrise, which is just the cinnamon and sugar with a bit of lemon squeezed on top. 

But...this post is unfortunately not about Beavertails. 

One of my favourite stalls in the market is Jammy Yang's Rice Engraving stall. This man is unbelievable. He can literally paint anything you want on a tiny grain of rice! He's even been featured in Ripley's Believe It Or Not for a crazy detailed piece he painted. I can't explain the image, you'll have to look him up and see for yourself, but it's so intricate you need a magnifying glass to see it. 

I absolutely love these necklaces, this is the 3rd one I've bought from Jammy.There are a number of designs you can choose from to have engraved on your grain of rice, or you can make it more personal by creating your own. I got my name on one side and then a pretty pink flower on the other (thanks Broghan for letting me steal your flower design). The rice is then put into a capsule (different shapes and sizes are available) which is then filled with a clear liquid and attached to a black necklace cord (I wanted mine to look a little more dainty so when I got home I took it off the black cord and put it on a spare gold chain I had laying around). 

For only $15, these necklaces are perfect to buy as a little treat to yourself, a gift for someone you love, as bff necklaces, or as I have done in the past, as couple necklaces for you and your significant other.

If you're interested, I suggest you check out the Byward Market, or you can email Jammy at: jammy.engraver@sympatico.ca

Do you love rice necklaces as much as I do? Do you have one? What design do you have on yours?