Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

With the holidays in full swing, you are likely stressed, extremely busy and wishing for just one more day (or 12) before the family arrives for New Year's.  But in between cleaning, putting batteries in the kids' new toys, and keeping the dog away from the ornaments, you have to take time for yourself.  A few moments of relaxation and peace will make your holidays that much sweeter and will be a good start to a very happy new year.

My favourite way to relax? A hot, calming bath.  I would love for it to be in this gorgeously designed Balneo Naos Thermomasseur from Bain Ultra.

 

But even if it's in my regular tub, bubbles and fresh scents are essential, like this Cake Desserted Island Bath and Shower Froth. 

 

Light the room with a Candy Candle from Kokimo Candles and enjoy. 

 

 

The alone time may only last a few minutes, but you won't regret sneaking away from the family fighting entertainment and busyness ;-)

I know a lot of people who like to read in the tub.  I never could get into it.  I prefer to lie there and either reflect on the day or dream of the future.  Some of my best planning or ideas have come while in the bath tub. If you are a tub-reader, maybe now would be the time to start reading the Twilight series (or in the case of many, perhaps re-read it?). If you're short on soaking time, maybe a magazine would be a better choice. Canadian Living magazine has great short articles and tips to make any Mom's life a little easier!

How do you like to relax? Are you able to find the time during the holidays to rejuvenate? Share some de-stress tips!

Here is the last instalment in my 4-part series on Canadian-made stocking stuffers from the Dollarama. Yes, that's what I said; you can find Made-in-Canada items that retail for $ 1.00 (and a few for $2.00)!

If you missed the previous posts, you can read them here:

Part 1 (stocking stuffers for kids)

Part 2 (stocking stuffers for Mom)

Part 3 (stocking stuffers for Dad)

And of course, let's not forget about our beloved pets at Christmastime!  They provide us with joy and unconditional love all year long, so why not fill a special stocking just for them? Here are a few things they will appreciate on Christmas morning:

 

Clockwise from top:

1. Just for Me dog biscuits (340 g)
2. Loving Morsels dry cat food (800 g)
3. Rex dog treats (pig ears)
4. My Buddy sunflower seeds
5. Just for Me dog treats (113 g)

Total cost (before taxes): $ 6.00

And of course, the treat your pet will enjoy the most is free: a nice long walk or a good scratch or an invitation to join you on the couch!

I hope this series has shown that buying Canadian does not always mean spending more money. But it always does mean spending money more wisely, as it contributes to our local economy, keeps jobs in this country and cuts down on our carbon footprint. Now that's a good deal!

From all of us here at Buy Canadian First, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season filled with joy, peace, family and love!

This is Part 3 in a 4-part series about buying Canadian on a budget this holiday season.

If you missed the previous posts, you can read them here:

Part 1 (stocking stuffers for kids)

Part 2 (stocking stuffers for Mom)

So I decided to shop for Canadian-made stocking stuffers at Dollarama... and I actually found some! It's Dad's turn this time. Let's see what we can hide in his stocking to put a smile on his face on Christmas morning:

 

Clockwise from top:

1. Dippity-do hair gel (350 ml)
2. Super-Max shave cream (250 g)
3. Cedar grilling planks (2)
4. Percara analgesic gel (227 g)
5. Felt insoles (one pair)
6. Duct tape (7 m)
7. Concept Inferno fire starter (2 x 7 cubes)

Total cost (before taxes): $ 8.00

Why not add a simple list of your favourite things about Dad, and watch him melt...

Stay tuned for the next and last post: treats for the family pets!


Image source: Isabelle Remy

If you have not read the first instalment of this series, please read it here before you continue...

Basically, I thought it would be fun to look for Canadian-made stocking stuffers at Dollarama... Buying Canadian on a budget? Yes, it can be done! Here's some fun things for Mom to find in her stocking on Christmas morn:

 
 

Clockwise from top:

1. Chocolate-covered almonds (75 g)
2. Premium Cotton Pads (100)
3. Delon Daily moisturizer for face and body lotion (221 ml)
4. Delagar bath oil pearls (15 capsules)
5. Capra Farms goat milk soap (141 g)
6. Promofil Polyester yarn (70 g)
7. Cutex nail polish remover (100 ml)
8. Delon Body scrub (170 g)

Total cost (before taxes): $ 9.00

And of course a lovingly made craft or framed family picture will top it off perfectly!

Next on the list: Dad !

Image source: Isabelle Remy

Christmas is a little tougher than usual for many families this year. 2009 has been a difficult year financially for many Canadians, and money is tighter than ever. In difficult times, it seems even harder to buy Canadian. It is undeniable that products made in Canada are often more expensive then the imported ones; it's the price of quality. Shopping with a conscience for the Holidays is trickier than ever this year, but thankfully, we're here to help!

In the past few days, I've been hard-at-work scouring my local Dollarama for made-in-Canada stocking stuffers (did you notice how prices have increased at the dollar store this year?). I'm not saying it was easy, but I did find a few fun things your family will enjoy finding in their stockings on Christmas morning. I prepared a series of 4 posts, which will cover 4 different themes.

As usual, let's start with the kids!

 

Clockwise from top:

1) Dora honey graham snacks (80 g)
2) Funstuff liquid paint (236 ml)
3) Caillou hand-soap (237 ml)
4) Mini hockey stick
5) Hannah Montana chocolate-covered marshmallow (22 g)
6) Original Dubble-Bubble gumballs (100 g)
7) High School Musical decorative wall decals
8) SpongeBob Colgate toothpaste (75 ml)

Total cost (before taxes): $ 10.00

Not bad! Now add to that some homemade treats (your recipe or ours ) and you've got it made!

Next, let's take care of Mom...

Image source: Isabelle Remy

I think the most fun I have while Christmas shopping is when I am specifically looking for stocking stuffers. A stocking stuffer needs to be small enough to fit in the stocking of course, but it should also be fun and sometimes even practical.

Most importantly, the perfect stocking stuffer will make that special someone whose stocking you are filling feel important and happy.  

It is true that some of the best things come in small packages.  I've put together a stocking wish list for me women.  Feel free to ‘accidentally' leave this window open for your significant other or family to read (and hopefully grab some ideas from!)

• Accessories are a girl's best friend right? Help her be warm and stylish with a great scarf from Roots.

• For the coffee or tea lover, slip in a package of Kicking Horse - I would love to try the 454 Horse Power or the concentrated Indian Chai.

• Not sure if your loved one favours a dark roast or decaf coffee or if they only stick to tea? A Tim Horton's gift card, in any amount, will be put to good use.

• Fruits and Passion hand soap found its way into my stocking last year and I hope it returns again. The orange-cinnamon scent will just make you smile and think of the holidays year round.. (Note: There is also hand lotion in the same scent!)

• She'll be ready to give thank you kisses if she finds Cake Kiss - Whipped Pink Berry Lip Cream   in her stocking.

Make sure Santa has you on his Nice list so that some of these fun, festive or flavourful goodies may end up in your stocking.

Do you have a stocking wish list? What would you like to find Christmas morning? Or what do you love giving in a stocking?

Image sources: Roots Canada, BuyCanadianFirst.ca, Tim Hortons, Fruits & Passion

Our pets; beloved companions that live to love. They may scratch our curtains or destroy our trash bins when we are not looking, but it doesn't mean they love us any less. In fact, our pets don't care what we look like, how we are dressed or what our bad habits are. So I say, for this unconditional love and everlasting companionship, our furry friends should never be overlooked during the holiday season.

 

Taking care of your pet includes more than a healthy dose of love and 'scratches'! You should include yearly vet visits, keeping vaccinations up-to-date, spay and neutering, identification, proper shelter, grooming, exercise, water and nutrition as part of your pets necessary needs.

Kibbles

 

Tell Fido and Boots that you love them all year round with good food. Proper nutrition fuels your pets the same way it does humans; offering optimum energy and preventing diseases. Find the right food for your cats and dogs with our members Acana and Orijen pet food by Champion Petfoods found at a local pet food store near you.

Bath and Body

 

This is such a cute product, HOTdog Eau de Toilette by Fruits and Passion for your dog. Designed especially for fido's sensitive skin and sense of smell this product will leave him smelling of fruit, fig leaves and cedar, yummy!

 

Just like the winter leaves our skin begging for mercy, so does the dogs paw pads. Running and walking in the elements leaves little moisture in those pads. Tanzilla has a fabulous Yukon sled dog pad & paw treatment, it was designed for sled dogs, but will most certainly keep your pooch's paws from feeling the effects of winter.

Accessories

 

Jazzing up your cat, dog and even horse is an effortless task with Hotdogs all Dressed . Collars, leashes and harnesses are available in different styles and oodles of colours with your choice of adornments. 

 

Keep your dog cozy and cool in this Roots Leather Dog Jacket, I think the picture says it all! 

 

Who doesn't enjoy a little bling? Along with your pets tags and identification, give him a little charm from Paw Purr Bling.

Sporty Dawg

 

In Canada, swimming (zany polar bear clubs) and surfing occurs all year round! While I am not suggesting you and your pooch go take a holiday dip, I am bringing your attention to a fabulous product. Skippy dog life vest by Salus Marine is a great addition to your dog's essentials especially in the summer. Boating, fishing and just bopping around in the water will be so much more fun-and safe.

And why not do a little baking for your pooch?

Handmade stocking stuffer

Homemade carrot crunch dog treats

2 cups of carrots, peeled, boiled and pureed
Add 2 eggs and,
2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Mix until you get a smooth batter.
Add 1 cup of rolled oats,
2 cups of rice flour and,
Add 1/4 cup of wheat germ.

Roll out and cut into bars. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. Allow it to cool. This is really crunchy. You could brush with egg before popping them into the oven for the glazed finish.

Remember your treats should be hard and chewy since they are a tool to clean your dog's teeth.

Recipe by blogger plentyofpuppies

The Holidays are a wonderful time of year but we can't forget that there are several hazards that accompany the season. Lilies, poinsettias, holly and mistletoe can all pose health risks to your pet if ingested. Find out more at the City of Guelph website.

Happy Holidays!
Belly scratches to all!

 Image sources: willowcatstudio, BuyCanadianFirst.ca

I love giving and getting handmade gifts. The gift is not only the finished product, but the toil and time spent in its planning and creation. This, of course, does not diminish the store bought gift that was tirelessly sought out as the perfect gift for that special someone. I just think that the handmade present, in the right circumstance, holds just as much love, as it was made just for you. So make a little time in your busy holiday schedule and let's create some gifts!

 

Homemade spa gifts from your kitchen

Gifts such as these can be beautifully presented in antique jars and tins, ensuring that your gift is also environmentally friendly. If the container doesn't have a tight fitting lid, ensure to put in a plastic bag first. Present these containers in a big basket. When buying your ingredients don't forget to read the labels for products of Canada!

Gentle Facial Exfoliant

30ml (2 tbsp) powdered milk
118ml (1/2 cup) ground oatmeal
5ml (1tsp) cornmeal

Mix dry ingredients thoroughly. Store in a zip seal bag or jar.

Instructions to add with gift: Combine 15ml (1tbsp) of scrub mixture with enough water to form a spreadable paste. Allow to thicken for one minute. Massage onto face and neck. Rinse. Good for all skin types and daily use. Follow with your favourite moisturizer.

 Skin Softening Wash Bag

59ml (1/4cup) ground oatmeal
59ml (1/4 cup) ground sunflower seeds
string or yarn
8 inch x 8 inch square of muslin or cheese cloth

Place ingredients in the centre of the muslin or cheese cloth. Gather all the edges into a pouch and tie with a short string. Several bags could be made and stored in a zip seal bag, jar or tin.

Instructions to add with gift: As you lie in the bath, gently rub your entire body with the bag, and then let it remain in the water releasing its softening properties. Discard bag when done. For normal to dry skin. Follow with a moisturizer.

Vinegar Bath

Apple cider vinegar is soothing and relieves itchy, dry, and scaly skin. It also restores your skin's natural PH.

710 ml (3 cups) apple cider vinegar
118ml (1/2cup) rosemary or juniper berries

In a pan, heat vinegar to boiling. Remove from heat and add the herbs. Cover and allow to steep for several hours. Strain and store in a pretty container.

Instructions to add with gift: Use about 1 cup per bath; pour in while the water is running. Good for all skin types except the very sensitive. Soothes and softens itchy skin. Don't forget to moisturize after the bath.

Some of our members have fabulous handmade products to add to your own Christmas basket. Consider:

Hint of Eden's Oatmeal & Lemongrass Soap

LUSH's Squeaky Green Solid Shampoos

Glengarry Gardens' Organic Face Cream  

And finally, do not forget a monster bath sheet 91.4 cm X 177.8 cm (36 x 70 inches) from Contessa Towels , by Cambridge® to cozy up in after a bath.

What is your favourite handmade gift?  We'd love to hear about it!

Happy Handmade Holidays!

xox

Image sources: Cyron on Flickr, Willowcat on Buy Canadian First

I visit the Buy Canadian First website nearly every day. I come to read the blog posts, to write them and to see if any of mine have been published that day. I regularly scroll through our impressive and growing member list and think to myself, how can people still say nothing is made in Canada? Canada makes: cars, fine crystal, wine, musical instruments, sports equipment, vegetable and fruits including blackberries (both edible and technological), books, bags, boats, clothes, appliances, makeup, fireplaces, pots & pans, art, winter boots, diamonds and a whole lot more... even actual kitchen sinks. Maybe we have not been shouting loud enough from the rooftops. Maybe we need more people like you helping us spread the word!

Our mission is to showcase products that are made in Canada, and to tell consumers where they can buy them. Through our blog The Good Shopper Blog and various social media networks, we are building an online community of like-minded individuals who are together driving this grassroots movement across the country. Get involved!

Buying Canadian first keeps our economy strong, reduces our carbon footprints, ensures items made to legal standards and certify fair working environments. Learn about how buying Canadian benefits everyone here. We need to show all Canadians that it is easy to find Canadian-made products and that's where you come in. Whether you are on Twitter, Facebook, Piczo, Friendster or a blogger, tell everyone to buy Canadian first. Demand more made-in-Canada goods from your retailers.

We want you to join us on the rooftops and help us tell everyone about Buy Canadian First! Digg and Stumble our web pages as much as you want. We also want more manufacturers and retailers to become members so they too can be featured on this totally unique website. If your favourite Canadian-made item is not listed, send the manufacturer an email or let us know and we will contact them. It's so easy to spread the word, that Canada (still) makes a lot of stuff! If you are the silent type but still want to help then you can donate to the site and support us. Please visit our Get involved page for more ideas to promote the cause.

Buy Canadian First member LUSH Cosmetics is at it again: helping the planet and giving things away (check the end of the post)!

For years LUSH has been a leader in ethics and quality. They use the freshest of ingredients, they never test on animals or use products from vendors who test on animals. All handmade, 70% of all their products are 'naked', their catalogues are eco-friendly, they promote green living, support local communities and now LUSH will cut their palm oil use by at least half and eventually eliminate the ingredient all together from their product lines.

What's wrong with palm oil?
Palm oil is found in food products, bio fuels and is a key ingredient in many cosmetics, including soaps. LUSH has invested years of research, visiting the plantations, meetings with organizations such as Friends of the Earth (FoE) and Sumatran Orangutan Society, meetings with the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) as well as talking with manufacturers and retailers, they decided that eliminating the ingredient was the only way.

Palm plantations cover vast areas  Indonesia and Malaysia, places that was once covered in lush ancient rain forests. The burning of these forests add the the already serious global climate problems. Ingenious peoples have been forced from their lands and those who are working on the plantations are at the lowest level with little pay. This is also the last refuge of the orangutans and nearly 90% of their habitat is gone, bringing them to possible extinction in as little as 10 years! Read the details here.

What can we do?
LUSH is contacting 300 companies that use palm oil asking them to reformulate their recipes to eliminate the use of palm oil, in fact, if any of these companies decide to wash their hands of palm oil, LUSH will supply their headquarters with a year's supply of soap. We as consumers can do the same. Encourage your favourite manufacturers and retailers to cut their use of palm oil, contact your MP and tell them how you feel. WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) and LUSH have partnered together to create a Charity Pot to help the Orangutans, 100% of the retail price of the charity pot, less taxes, go to the organization. As a consumer you have the power just with your buying habits and opinions.

The giving away part
LUSH would like you to see how awesome their palm free soap is! Just leave us a comment about how fantabulistic Lush is and be put into a draw to win 2 of the bestselling LUSH palm free soaps!

We will accept comments as entries until December 22nd. Good luck and thank you LUSH Canada!

Image source: LUSH Cosmetics

December is upon us.  The countdown to Christmas has begun.  It is about this time of year that I decide which holiday favorites I am going to bake for Christmas.  I must admit, each year the list becomes smaller as we are all watching our waistlines and eating less.

There is one Christmas classic recipe that I cannot do without though.  That is the shortbread cookie.  A favorite of many including me, it is a rich and buttery cookie.

Here is the recipe that I use.  It is from ACH Food Companies Inc., the makers of many great products including Challenge Canada Cornstarch.

 

Shortbread Cookies

Cook Time: 25-30 min.   
Prep Time: 20 min.   
Serves: 3 -1/2 dozen cookies

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened (no substitutions) 
1/2 cup sugar 
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
2 cups flour 
1/4 cup Benson's® or Challenge® Canada Corn Starch

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Mix butter, sugar and vanilla thoroughly using an electric mixer. Gradually blend in flour and corn starch.

2. Form into 1-inch (3cm) balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Gently press down on each cookie to flatten using fingers or a flat-bottomed drinking glass (dipped in sugar to prevent sticking).

3. Bake at 300ºF (150°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bottoms begin to brown. Cool for 5 minutes; remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. RECIPE NOTE: For European-style shortbread, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pat into a 1/3-inch (1cm) thick rectangle measuring 11 x 8-inch (28 x 20cm). Cut into 2 x 1-inch (5 x 3cm) strips. Place 1-inch (3cm) apart on ungreased baking sheets. Prick with a fork. Bake as above.

 

These are really delicious shortbread cookies.  I like the addition of vanilla for added flavor.  Here (above) are how my cookies turned out.  Not too bad I think!

Hope you enjoy this holiday recipe.  Feel free to try it out and let us know how they turn out for you!

Every Christmas it never ceases to amaze me the trash that accumulates in my home during the Christmas season. Large garbage bags filled to the gills with foil wrap, plastic do-dads and other non-recyclable materials. To think that this is occurring in every other home in my neighbourhood and province, is simply outrageous! In the United States from Thanksgiving through to New Years trash increases by 25%, I imagine it is much the same here in Canada. So before you run to the store to buy your wrapping paper, maybe it's time to spruce your gifts up with some of these green ideas.

Fabric Bags 
With a little time,  some left over fabric or some old Christmas inspired clothing and some needle and tread (or a sewing machine) you can make great fabric bags to wrap your gift in. Wrap up the top with a gorgeous fabric ribbon to complete a wonderful presentation. These can be saved and used year after year. If there is not one single crafty bone in your body then zip on over to Buy Canadian First Member Green Planet Parties and find several different kinds of festive reusable fabric gift bags. The great thing is all these festive bags are handmade by BC moms!

 

Newspaper
Yes newspaper inexpensive but not cheap! I prefer the comics for the fun colours and pictures and the stock pages for the continuous columns of tiny writing but any section will do.  Do not forget to add a bow on top, just follow these easy instructions from adele.com.

 

Children's Art
Do you have a growing stack of the most beautiful artwork and no more wall space to display them? Use these creation as gift wrap. Children's art is great for creating greeting cards and gift tags for the holiday season. Everyone will love it and the kids will feel great when the "oohs" and "aahs' start over the unique and special gift wrap.

Old Posters, Maps and More
If you are a browser of estate and rummage sales, thrift stores and yard sales you may come across old maps, blueprints, posters and patterns that can all be used as alternatives to traditional gift wrap. These papers can also be tailored to fit the giftee; maps for the travel buff, blueprints for the architect.

Furoshiki
Is a Japanese technique of wrapping items using only a piece of cloth, possibly dating as far back as the Nara Period of Japanese history. Furoshiki means 'bath spread' and was used to bundle ones clothes while at the public baths but eventually was used in everyday life from carrying items to wrapping up gifts. Your Furoshiki could begin as some fabric, a scarf or a beautiful decorative cloth that wraps yet another gift. Check out this great Video!

Wrap Gifts in Gifts
 This is a lot of fun and the ideas are endless. When you wrap a gift in a gift it is easier if you think up a theme; kitchen items wrapped up in place mats, tea towels or a table cloth, bedroom accessories all wrapped in a pillowcase, etc. Always be on the look out for creative ideas. 

Purposeful Bagging
We can all go to the dollar store and pick up some heavy paper reusable gifts bags but we can go a step father still and buy cloth market bags. Buy Canadian First member Betty Bags has several selection of market bags available like the Patsy Pocket and the Sally Shoppe. Member Everything Eco has some reusable produce bags that would make a beautiful wrap before it starts bringing the apples home, and a Tote Bag from Member Monster Factory.

 

Toppers
Complete your gift with equally sustainable alternatives. Use raffia with a cluster of gingerbread men, sprigs of pine branches, mistletoe and holly (be aware of plant toxicity for your pets) make a beautiful recyclable topper, a small handmade ornament, cinnamon sticks and bells.

Truly you are only limited to the scope of your imagination when it comes to wrapping a gift. So take a deep breath and let the ideas for a (nearly) garbage free holiday shine through.

 

Image sources: Green Planet Parties, Adele.com, Monster Factory