BEST MEDICINE. CHEAPEST THERAPY

Make any relationship look better next to the dysfunctional antics of Ottawa’s award-winning Improv comedy troupe. Laugh through date night with Insensitivity Training, a politically incorrect evening of inappropriateness. Playing to sold-out shows at this summer’s Fringe Theatre Festival, these guys have become the city’s edgiest live comedy show in just over a year. Their deft and deadly humour can be found busting guts every Sunday night at the Bytown Tavern (292 Elgin St.). With a $2 door fee and wait staff on hand, you can kiss your pay-by-the-hour shrink goodbye.

www.insensitivitytraining.com

DON’T HIDE YOUR PANE

If you’re an indie-folk songstresses with a surplus of creative energy off-stage, you pick up a hobby. Sarah Hallman plays with glass. For eight years, her work with intricate glass design has yielded one-of-a-king creations divine enough for the church and funky enough to sell in Ottawa’s trendiest shops. With a degree in Art History and Studio Art – and her formal training in textile design – Sarah knows everything about how to use light and colour combinations to inspire original designs. These hangable and wearable custom pieces range from 2”x2” ($20) to 12’x12” ($250).

www.sarahhallman.com

BOLLY-GOOD

Do you ever get sick of cake and pastries? Ok, stupid question. But once you try the foreign texture and salty-sweet buttery combo of Indian desserts, you quickly will. Not only is Indian Express (1104 Somerset West) one of the only ethnic delivery joints in town, but I can tell you – having been to the far reaches of the east to taste motherland burfis and ladoos – Mr. Walia serves up some of the world’s best exotic treats. They are visual as well as culinary masterpieces, so for your first try, tell them it will be pick up. Oh, and grab a veg biryani while you’re there. You won’t be disappointed.

indianexpressfoods.com

REINCARNATION MADE PORTABLE

When old garments can no longer be brought back to life, you give them a new one. At least, Rebecca Warren or 3rd Life does. She takes unmendable or outdated vintage fabrics and reclaims them with her own fashion agenda in mind. Warren does her best to make use of the discarded dresses, shirts and suit jackets of friends and family, but does admit that original parts are sometimes a necessity. Her one-of-a-kind purses ($30-$40), pouches ($15), cuffs ($9/$12), wristlets ($25) and more are currently only available on Etsy (a DIY paradise BTW), but 3rd Life will soon be coming to Joe Mamma Urban Cycles in the Glebe and a local craft show near you.

www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5551309