I have two sisters with whom I am desperately in love. Most of the time I miss them like a missing thing due to the fact that they both live miles and miles away and make their homes on the Canadian and American eastern seaboards.
But when we’re together it’s magic.
Which was why this past Christmas vacation was so brilliant – we had the chance to spend an extended amount of time together and really get up to some sisterly mischief.
It’s so crazy when I think about how similar we are in so many ways (our strong work ethic and passionate natures are two traits that immediately spring to mind), while at the same time being so, so different.
My older sister is the social justice champion; I am the academic drama queen; and my little sister is the business-minded chef.
And when I say that I am in awe of everything these two brilliant and beautiful women have achieved (and continue to achieve) it is no lie – these ladies are doing incredible, important, and brilliant things.
So whenever I get to witness these things in action, it pretty much blows my mind.
For instance, when we were in Halifax this past December, on Christmas Eve day I got to work in my little sister’s butcher shop and storefront – Highland Drive Storehouse: Butchery and Local Produce (she also runs a catering and cooking lesson business out of the store).
She had given all her staff the day off (what a fab boss!) and in turn, recruited myself, M, my older sister Kate, and her fiancée to help out for the day.
It’s was a pretty bonkers, but brilliant shift, as we had many people coming in to pick up their turkey orders, as well as other last minute planners who were just desperate to procure something to cook for their family and friends, having forgot to request something in advance.
In the end we made sure that no one left empty handed, and I kid you not, for the entire day I was just swelling with pride to witness (and be a part of) all of the action.
I mean first – who gets to say that their little sister owns a butcher shop.
This is pretty badass.
And then just to watch how amazing Jessi is with all of her customers; how much time and care she puts into providing a superior shopping experience – one that is equal parts positive, educative, and hilarious – whether it’s her relaxed banter with her regular shoppers (she easily recommends different cuts of meat and then offers up recipes for how to cook or prepare the dish) or the care she takes to speak with every new client who enters the store – she truly goes above and beyond to create a really fabulous atmosphere.
Not to mention the fact that as she’s doing this, she is also making her own bacon and sausages, preparing orders, writing menus for her catering jobs, and coming up with easy, but delicious ideas for upcoming cooking lessons.
What can I say folks? The girl is a champ.
A TOTAL CHAMP.
So if you’re ever in the Halifax area, head over the Hydrostones (a fab historical district of the city) and check out Highland Drive Butchery and Produce.
And when you get there, tell the beautiful proprietress that Ethel the Dean sent you.
And that she couldn’t be a prouder of her little sis.
Not even if she tried.
Rant and Roll 
Wow… how cool does that place look? Very. I would sooooo shop there if I lived in Halifax.
And giving her employee’s off on Christmas Eve…. best boss EVER!
So glad that you got to spend time with the fam through the holidays! All of your posts certainly “show the love”! Hope you get back there soon!
I know right? It is the absolute coolest! And yes, she is a very rad boss lady (and treated us, her indentured workers, that day like family. Err..you know what I mean.)
I’m counting the days until I can return. Must…work….on…teleportation device….
Ethel, I am just the luckiest sister in the world to have so much love and support from you. I wish you could always work at the store!!! Everyone loved you xoxoxooxoxoxoxo Hugs, kisses and I miss your beauty cat face
Awww, sistah! Everything that I write is the absolute truth :) xx
That store is fabulous, you can just see the love and care that goes into it. If I’m ever in Halifax, I will be sure to stop by!
Definitely do! It is the shop that love built :)
What a great tag line for advertising!
Great Post – I can feel the love for your sisters coming out of your words – Beautiful!!! Happy Monday:)
Thanks Ms. R! The love is strong in this one. :)
You had me at meat. Seriously; being a butcher is a secret dream job for me but people mostly don’t take care where their meat comes from around here so I feel like it’d be a bust if I were to open up shop. Also; I’d have no idea what I was doing.
Well, if you ever want a lesson, I know a gal who would be more than happy to have a student for a day. Plus, she’s a hell of a lot closer to you than to me. :)
True; though Halifax isn’t exactly close.
And what a fantastic looking butcher shop it is! Oh, Ethel, this post was wonderful! Not only is it delightful to read about your sisters’ accomplishments, but also to witness these great shots! How lovely it must be to work here! And really, what sister wouldn’t feel special to read the lovely words you’ve strung about her? Seeing all your sister does, it’s easy to see why you’re so proud of her!
Thanks so much Bella! I really am agog at all she has done, and want the world to see it too! Us three sisters make for a pretty fab team. :)
That is such a cozy shop :-)
It really truly is! :)
This is so cool! Love hearing about all the pride and love and joy you have for your sisters. They both have got to be just amazing ladies!
And seriously, why doesn’t your sister just move over this way because I would totally get all my foods from her for always. Yum! Such a cute place, great decor, and no doubt the awesome service is there to go with it.
Happy post!!
They really are brilliant gals. My heart feels all twitchy just thinking about them!
Haha, I will have to convince her to open a satellite shop here out west. :) It really is an amazing space, so homey and cosy, and beautiful. Love built it, and love sure does run it! xx
That is hands down the best butcher shop I have ever seen! There is actually only a handful of butcher shops left in my neck of the woods but I remember one that we went to when I was little that always handed me a wiener when I walked in. I thought it was the coolest thing to gnaw on that hot dog while my mom shopped. Your sister’s customer service sure blows that place away that I remember from my childhood!
That is such an awesome memory! I will be sure to pass it along to my sis. :)
And I’m so happy that you and others like her store. It is seriously fabulous! xx
I love the love with which you talk about your sisters! I think you’re an amazing sister yourself and would have glowing reports from your family. Thank you for being so openly proud (and I’m sure incredibly encouraging) of your sis!
Why thank you! But seriously, I really am flabbergasted by my sisters and all that they do. We make a pretty good team the three of us together :)
Reading this post makes me want to call my sister – you said “magic” and I immediately thought of her! The store looks fabulous! Cheers :)
I love that you think of magic too! Totally, totally fab. Have a brilliant weekend! x