Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

Dreams of spring are looming in my mind, though I don't long for rainy days, slushy roads, thawed dog droppings and muddy boots. The view outside my window is still showing snow and Environment Canada is informing me that I can expect more winter temperatures for the next week. But at least it is not -30!

So as Canadians are getting things ready for their kids' spring breaks or are languishing in the winter's shadow, here are some suggestions to ignite your spirits, right here in good ol Canada.

The Ice Hotel located in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier in Québec is a place made of dreams and fairytales. Well, actually it is made of 15,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice, this 3,000 square meter structure will certainly stay in your memory. The hotel has 36 rooms including themed suites, one of which has a fire place and private hot tub, a chapel that boasts at least 30 marriage ceremonies during their January to March season as well as the Ice Bar and N'Ice club, just to name a few. You will want to be wearing mittens or gloves as you sip your drinks at the lounge because ‘the drinks are severed in the rocks'! Browse the fabulous collection of Canadian-made gloves for the whole family at the Sterling Glove Company.

Services are plenty as well, from tandem massages, outdoor hot tubs contained in an interior courtyard and outdoor adventures. Your visit to the hotel can be a day tour or a night's stay. Packages start from $324.00 but be sure to seek out the promotions page for a del-ice-ful deal!  

I was never aware of this but people surf in Canada! I feel like I might be the only one in the country who didn't figure this equation out before (Canada + Coastlines + Waves = Surfing) but regardless of my inability to figure out the obvious I am astounded that this is an activity that occurs in the winter months. In my quest to discover more about surfing in Canada I decided to talk to surfers.

First I called Tofino, British Columbia and talked to Monty at Storm Canada, he told me that this is a great time of year to surf. The west coast has more consistent waves throughout the year. The water is warmer as well, actually a balmy 6 C right now. When I asked Monty where is the place to surf in Canada, instantly he said Tofino. I decided to call the east coast to see what they had to say, and spoke to Neal Durling of Kannon Beach Wind and Surf  in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Neal agreed the consistency of the waves were better in the west but the waves in the east were just as good and sometimes better, though the water will always be colder. Hurricane season is typically the best time to surf (!!) but so is winter. Surfers hope for winter storms that remain out to sea producing the swells but none of the bad weather on the mainland. Neal explained how surfing in Canada is neither better nor worse than surfing abroad: it is a totally unique Canadian experience. Try it out yourself. Kannon Beach offers one hour lessons and then you can use the equipment for the rest of the day! 

 

If you are a snow rider you can find a mountain to carve in all our provinces as well as the Yukon. So for most Canadians, whether it's snowboarding or skiing down hill or cross country, it is readily accessible. Whistler Blackcomb, home to the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympic's ski, bobsled, skeleton and luge competitions, located 2 hours north of Vancouver on the picturesque sea-to-sky highway offers beginner ski and snowboarding lessons for adult, teens and children. For you experienced skiers and boarders, opt for some Heli-skiing. If are not your chosen activity, there is snowshoeing, snowmobiling, a zip line through the tall old pines, sleigh rides or even a sno-limo ride. You'll need this Canadian-made Roots Merino Wool Smoothie tuque to keep you cozy. There is certainly something for everyone here whether you want to shop, take in the sights or renew your self with a yoga class from Freeflow Yoga, Whister is a thrill for the whole family. 

Of course these activities are just the tip of the tuque! Consider these other fun activities: Scandinavian spas, ice fishing and backcountry winter camping. Canadians are never ones to be held back by meters of snow, short winter days or biting wind-chill. Often the mid-winter and tail-end of winter finds us complaining and wishing for the summer but then again, as the mosquitoes, wasps and scorching summer heats flares up, we find ourselves pining for cooler weather... This season will pass soon enough, so go have some fun!

For more Canadian travel ideas be sure to browse our coast to coast tourism section!

Image sources: xdachez.com,  Sterling Glove Co., Kannon Beach Wind and Surf, Roots

Spring has not sprung yet here in chilly Saskatchewan. Some days it seems as if spring will never arrive...especially when the temperature dips into the -20s and -30s.  Today, I would like to share a few tips to keeping comfortable and busy inside when the temperature dips into those nasty -30s.

There are lots of fun family activities to do inside when it is cold outside.  Ever since I was a kid, it seemed Sunday afternoons during the winter was game time.  Why not play a board game?  I think it is a fun way to get the entire family together.  Two of our members Bojeux Inc. and Editions Gladius have some great games to offer. Why not play Yum...an old favorite of mine!

When I am stuck inside, I like to listen to music.  I like to visit itunes.ca to see what is new and exciting in the music world.  It's a great site because you can browse and listen to songs before you decide to buy them.  And you don't need to purchase the whole CD which is neat too.  And what better way to shop then from your own home?

Curling up with a good book is another comforting thing that I like to do when I have to stay inside.  Chapters.Indigo.ca offers books as well as movies and music.  Lots here to help pass the time spent indoors.  I have ordered from here before and I must say that I have received excellent service from them.  There are reviews posted on the site too which could help you to decide which book to purchase.  You can add items to a wish list  and save them as favorites for later.  Why not show this wish list to your husband...you never know!

And of course you will need to eat when you are trapped inside in the cold weather so why not take advantage of it and make something wholesome and delicious. Why not make a hearty soup to help keep you warm?

These are a few great tips to help make a day inside enjoyable when it is too cold to go outside.  Why not try out some of these ideas?  Let us know how you spend your days inside too!

 

Image sources: Flickr Creative Commons: very little dave and romanlily, Chapters Indigo Books, Bojeux Inc.

Black history month is to celebrate the stories, experience, achievements and history of Black Canadians. This history is not only from the recent times but to prehistoric days that present us with artifacts dating as far back as 60,000 years ago, of course it is said Africa is the cradle for all humankind.

A brief history
Canada was not free of slavery, in fact in 1807 the Abolition of Slave Trade act was passed, it restricted the trade of slaves but did not free them or stop the practice of owning a slave, a small step but slavery was still prevalent for several more decades. In 1629 a young Madagascar child was brought to Canada and he was the first recorded slave, he was sold to a Québec resident, was educated and baptized Oliver LeJeune, he died a free man in 1654. July 9, 1793 the Act Against Slavery was set in motion. This new act would not free existing slaves but prevented the acquisition of new slaves and would free the children of female slaves at the age of 25. This act stood until 1833 when the British Empire abolished slavery in Canada. 1831 is when the phrase "underground railroad" is coined by a Kentucky slave owner when slave Tice Davids escapes to Ohio. The Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses. It enabled Black Americans to escape to Free States, Canada, and on occasion, Mexico and overseas. It is said that anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 slaves escaped enslavement with a majority to Canada.

Anderson Ruffin Abbott was the first black Canadian to be a licensed physician. Abbott was born in Toronto in 1837 to prominent business man Wilson Ruffin Abbott and Ellen (Toyer) Abbott. Wilson Abbott owned 48 properties mostly in Toronto by 1871 and he was active in politics. His father's wealth and success and Abbott's intellect allowed him the opportunity for an outstanding education in both public and private institutions and finally graduating from Toronto School of Medicine in 1857. Studying under another black physician for 4 years Abbott was then licensed to practice from the Medical Board of Upper Canada in 1861. Between June of 1863 and August 1865 Abbott served as a civilian surgeon under contract during the American civil war. Stationed in Washington D.C he first served at the Contraband Hospital and then Freedman Hospital. Abbott was popular in Washington Society; in fact he was one of the few who stood vigil over the dying President Abraham Lincoln in April 1865. Abbott received a number of commendations during this time and was also presented with a shawl Abraham Lincoln had worn to his first inauguration by Mary Todd Lincoln. He returned to Canada in 1866. Abbott was not only a physician but an author editor and more. Throughout the years Abbott often found success in all he did. In 1913, Anderson Ruffin Abbott died in the home of his son-in-law Frederick Langdon Hubbard, son of black municipal reformer William Peyton Hubbard. He was 76 years old. 

Last week, on February 19, 2009 our Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean greeted President Barack Obama, first African-American U.S president, to Canada, marking a milestone in black history. Truly a triumphant time to watch history unfold.

 To learn more about black history please visit Chapters.Indigo, a Buy Canadian First member, for these books:

 The Kids Book of Black Canadian History by Rosemary Sadlier

Black Canadians: History, Experiences, Social Conditions by Joseph Mensah

 

Photo credits: Buxtom Museum, Governor General site, Chapters.Indigo

Alix Alberta is located 68 km east of Red Deer, a small community with campgrounds, a beach, nine hole golf course all needed services and amenities and most importantly Carmel Soaps. Trish Bailey once lived as a busy homemaker and hobby soap maker but with encouragement from family and friends, Carmel Soaps was born five years ago.

View Carmel Soap's Buy Canadian First member profile page here.

Trish expanded her line soon after to include lip balms (now available 13 flavours) and some lotions always loving the process of creating her own bath and body line, something that has never faltered over the years.

When her son was an infant he was experiencing some skin problems, Trish began researching and created an all natural baby bottom balm and sweet baby oil. Wanting to use all natural products that were infant safe she used organic herbs, unrefined nourishing Shea butter and skin loving oils; avocado, organic olive oil and apricot kernel. Trish would give these amazing new products as gifts and soon after found herself getting orders for more and so added a baby line to her ever expanding product line. I am not surprised as I have both products and I can attest to how gentle and soothing they are for infant skin. My eldest daughter has dry skin and would often scratch herself raw. In the winter I avoid bathing her daily because of it, with Carmel Soaps Baby Oil it doesn't matter if she bathes everyday or every other day, if I apply the oil after each bath she has happy itch free skin.

Trish also has sensitive skin and would find herself with a rash along her hair line from the shampoo she used so she switched to organic products. Finding her skin feeling much better she then realized she hated throwing away all those bottles, what happened? Trish created a solid bar shampoo and conditioner. She chose to use sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates free biodegradable coconut based surfactants (cleansing agents) and because of the solid format there are no added preservatives. Her bars are sold in recyclable packaging made of recycled paper and a travel sized smaller bars sold in refillable tins. When I received my package I chose the rosemary mint shampoo and conditioner and I love it! The smell is energizing! The shampoo lathers and works through the hair easily, the conditioner is wonderful after my hair is soft, shiny and clean. I also use these bars on my 2 year old with wonderful results.

Trish tries to make the products as natural as possible. Her colorants for the soaps are iron oxides, clays, herbs, ultramarines and some micas, maximizing her color palate by combining them herself. Her soaps are scented with skin safe fragrance oils and therapeutic grade essential oils, some products like the Hemp Body Butter are only scented with pure essential oils. Carmel Soaps also offers unscented products for those who have sensitivities to even natural scents.

Carmel Soaps line includes; Goat Milk Soaps, solid bar shampoo and conditioner in large and travel sizes, Soaps, Baby Bottom Balm, Sweet Baby Oil, Calendula Balm, Cleansing Oil, Facial Serum, Hemp Balm, Lip Balm, Luxurious Goat Milk Lotion, Shower Candy (solid cocoa butter salt scrub), and Spring Flower Bath Bombs. Of course what bath wouldn't be complete without some candles? Carmel Soaps has beeswax candles as well as candle jars and tins in various scents.

I love making my own soaps. They are my favourite thing to make. I get great enjoyment out of designing a soap and having it turn out. Great smelling soap can also look good too. I consider it my art. But it's a consumable art. : ) so I get to keep making more. LOL, Lucky me!

I woke up yesterday morning with a sore throat.  One of those sore throats that feels like someone dragged the cat with its claws out your throat.  Not pleasant at all.  Today, it's a little better but I am not 100% me yet.

My husband gets mad at me because when I am not feeling well, I don't really want to take medications to ease my symptoms.  I often try a few natural home remedies that really seem to work well for me instead.  I would like to share some of my tips to get over a cold naturally.

1. My first tip is to get plenty of rest. I know it can be difficult to do.  I have two little ones at home and getting them to nap at the same time, if at all, can be quite a challenge.  Even a small 10 or 15 minute nap seems to be all I need sometimes to feel a bit more energized.
   
   
   It can be difficult sleeping at night too when you have a cold.  You can experience everything from chills to sweats. Our member  Coolfemme has great sleepwear that I think would help.
   
2. My second tip is to drink plenty of fluids.  I have a lemon honey drink that I make that often eases my sore throat.  I combine 1 tbsp. lemon juice with 1 tbsp. honey in a mug.  Add boiling water to fill the mug and stir until all the honey is melted. Very Berry Honey has delicious flavoured honeys that would really enhance this drink. They have all kinds of flavours like, raspberry, cranberry, blueberry, blackberry, lemon, cinamon.
   
   
   If lemon and honey is not your favourite, why not try a soothing cup of tea. Fully Loaded Tea offers several flavourful teas that would be sure to please. Their Goji Force Green Tea is a particular favourite.
   
3. If a sore throat is your problem try gargling with this simple salt/water mixture: Add 1 tsp. salt to warm water and gargle.  Do this three to four times a day.
4. Is nasal congestion or chest congestion your cold problem?  Why not try a hot steamy shower or bath to help loosen up stuffy noses.
5. Be sure to get plenty of nourishment too.  It can be difficult to find an appetite when you are not feeling well but you need the strength that proper nutrition provides.  I recommend chicken soup, either purchased or even better - homemade!

These are a few tips that help me out when I am suffering from a cold.  I am not a trained doctor by any means and if you have symptoms or fever that last several days be sure to consult your family doctor.

Image source: BuyCanadianFirst.ca

I recently started baking and I really enjoy it. As much as I can, I use organic and Canadian-made ingredients in all my recipes. I'd like to share with you THE recipe for the best muffins I've ever made or even tasted for that matter. It's called: Oat bran chocolate chip banana cranberry muffins. I also included links to the brands I use.

 

Makes 6 large muffins
15 minutes to prepare, 25 minutes to bake

• ½ cup milk - Liberté
• 1 egg - Burnbrae Farms
• 1 cup oat bran - La Milanaise
• 6 ounces chocolare chips - Hershey's Semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup mashed (overripe) bananas - Fair Trade Bananas
• ½ cup cranberries -  Atoka  
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil - Maison Orphée
• ½ granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract - Vanilla Sky
• 1 cup whole wheat flour - La Milanaise
• 1 tsp bking soda - El Peto
• 1 tsp baking powder - El Peto

Steps:

1. Mix egg, milk, oil, bananas, vanilla in a small bowl.
2. In a bigger bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients.
3. Incorporate the small bowl's content into the larger bowl and mix well.
4. Fill your muffin molds and transfer to a 200 Degree pre-heated oven
5. Bake for 25 minutes

As much as I love bananas, I sometimes buy too many and don't eat them fast enough and then suddenly the dark spots start to appear and I lose interest in them altogether. Instead of wasting them, I now bake with them! I always have the above ingredients in the pantry on standby, just in case those spots start to appear on the last 2 or 3 bananas left over.

You should try this recipe. Let me know what you think. Make em' the Canadian way if you can too!

Image source: Flickr Creative Commons - steffenz

Author: Melissa Thibodeau

The heart begins beating 23 days after conception and will continue to beat about 2.5 billion times in an average lifetime. Your heart is a muscular organ and daily will pump 7,200 liters of blood. Your heart needs a constant flow of nutrients and oxygen which it gets from the coronary arteries. It is also your love mascot. Heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in Canada and is also the biggest financial burden on our national healthcare system, that isn't a loving feeling!

What is Heart Disease?
Most people think of heart disease as one condition but it is actually several different conditions that affect the function and structure of the heart with different root causes, like malformations of the heart, viruses, genetics and lifestyles. All heart diseases can be managed by medicines, surgeries, and/or lifestyle changes if caught and treated in time.

What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. It is caused by a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain(ischemic stroke) or ruptured blood vessels in the brain(hemorrhagic stroke); either stroke will cause the affected cells in the brain to die. The effects of a stroke depends on where it occurred and how great the damage but a stroke can impact how you see, move, remember, speak reason read and write.

Preventing heart disease
While reading the Heart and Stroke Foundation web site I found this information alarming: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. It occurs when arteries in the heart are blocked with plaque, a sticky yellow substance made of fatty substances like cholesterol, as well as calcium and waste products from your cells. It narrows and clogs the arteries, slowing the flow of blood. This condition is called atherosclerosis that may begin as early as childhood and occur anywhere in the body, but it usually affects large and medium-sized arteries. There is no cure for CAD, but there are many treatments, such as medications, surgery and lifestyle changes, that can slow down its progress.

This suggests that once the plaque is there you can't reverse the effects and our children's adult health is founded on the food and habits we give them today. Some things we can't change about our risks of heart disease like age, gender, family history ethnicity and a history of stroke or TIA but there are several more we can control; high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, smoking, stress and specific women related issues.

Where to start?
The heart and stroke Dash (Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension) diet is almost identical to the Canada food guide with a few extra servings of fruits, vegetables and grains. Research has proven this to work.

The results were compelling. The diet higher in vegetables and fruit and the DASH diet both reduced blood pressure. The DASH diet had the greatest effect on blood pressure, lowering levels within two weeks of starting the plan. Not only was blood pressure reduced, but total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad cholesterol" were lower, too.

Adopt these other lifestyle changes as well to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risks of heart disease.

• Be active 30 to 60 minutes daily. Ubisoft has Quick Yoga Trainer for your Nintendo DS, you can go for a brisk walk, vigorously clean your house or skip rope!

• Limit your fast foods, canne or prepared foods as they are high is sodium, saturated and trans-fats. Choose whole grains like Natunola health's delight Omega-3 Instant Oatmeal and Oh Canada wild rice. Liberte has a great selection of yogurts in low fat selections with lots of wonderful flavors. 

Love, is bewildering me right now. I sit here curled up with my keyboard trying to find the words to explain love. To some it's a chemical reaction in the brain where a surge of happy hormones flood through you like a herd of wildebeests to others see it as a social phenomenon, but seriously, it can't be just that. Love couldn't be something so simply defined by a bunch of scientists debating whether it is just biology or psychology that brings us to love. Those wondrous feelings like when our hearts grow too big in our chests and take our breaths away and for just a moment you can't breathe or talk, could really just be science? Is it not a little magic tucked in there too?

 

Now if you are anything like me, you have waited until the last possible moment to acquire Valentine's Day goodies for the apple of your eye, be not afraid young lover, I will help you!

Home made flowers (make today)
Supplies: Newspaper, Crayola construction paper, potato, knife, scissors, supreme learning red tempera paint, glue, brads (optional), sticks

1. Lay out your news paper on your work surface and an extra sheet to print on.
2. With your knife carve a heart shaped stamp from your potato.
   
3. Pour a little paint into a flat dish and dip your heart stamp into it, dab a little paint off and then print on to newspaper, repeat until you have several hearts.
   
4. Let dry.
5. When dry cut out hearts and glue onto a preferred Crayola construction paper color and cut it out once again.
6. Using five or six hearts glue attach the heart ends together in a circle or use the brad to do the same. Then apply glue to the back of the flower and put the stick on the glue and let dry.

 

Love Coupons (make today)
Coupons, yes, I know I have written of them before, but they are truly little gems. If the gift is from the kids offer complain free room cleaning, dog walking, no fighting with sibling, no whining, spending the day together and other things. If the coupons are for your spouse offer, back rubs, date nights, sleep in weekends, spicy fun things and what ever else your spouse may enjoy and enjoy a break from! I have designed some extra cute coupons find them here.

 
Breakfast in bed is such a delight!
Supplies: eggs, bread, British Columbia apples ( I like the Galas), juice or coffee, and a 2 medium/large metal heart shaped cookie cutter.

1. Cut bread into large hearts using cookie cutters and toast
2. Heat a greased frying pan to a medium low heat and put your cookie cutters in the pan
3. Crack egg into each cookie cutter cook to preferred yolk setting
4. Slice apples
5. Butter toast
6. Arrange toast, eggs and apples on plate.

Put all these elements on to a tray and serve to your special valentine in bed and watch the science and magic bloom!

Happy Valentine's Day.

Photo credits: me (Andrea Willowcat)

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching.  Like all special occasions, Valentine's Day can be a very exciting day for kids.  I know that my oldest is very excited and is counting "sleeps" until the day comes.

So, I thought that maybe I should make up a little gift guide showcasing some of my favorite Valentine gift ideas for kids.

First off, who doesn't love to give or receive a cute and special Valentine's Day card?  This card set from Highoncraft is sure to please.  They are absolutely adorable and made in Canada.  They are made with images created by Highoncraft.  HarvestMoonPaper also creates cute handmade cards. Check out her shop to see what she has to offer for Valentine's Day.  Either of these sellers offer cards that are a nice change from commercially printed cards.

Everyone loves a sweet treat on Valentine's Day.  Instead of the classic heart shaped chocolate, why not give this cute chocolate initial to your child.  Made by Bernard Callebaut chocolates, these are sure to please.  Sweet Temptations is a candy store based in Toronto.  They have a large assortment of candy for any occasion.  Why not browse your local candy store and package up your own gift bag?

If you don't want to give candy or sweets for a Valentine's Day gift, why not a one of these great items? We have a great member on our site called Bloco Toys. You should check out their Marine Creatures Construction Set. It allows children to use their imagination and build whimsical sea creatures. Children can follow the patterns shown or can let their imagination run wild and create their own creatures. Or if a toy isn't what you had in mind, how about a book?  Creatures Great and Small by Karen Patkau helps children to learn and discover with her colourful and informative book.  It is beautifully illustrated, making it a great book for readers or non-readers.  There are lots of other fun Canadian books at your local bookstore, many even have a section specifically dedicated to Canadian literature.

These are just a few of my favorite gifts for kids on Valentine's Day.  Why not treat your special little sweetie to something (or maybe a couple things) from my Valentine Gift Guide.  I am sure that special child will be very pleased!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Image source: Highoncraft.etsy.com, Harvestmoonpaper.etsy.com, Bloco Toys, Flickr Creative Commons

It's hard to imagine summer, while still under a blanket of snow, but it's coming, I promise. In just a few short months the summer breezes will blow and with it the anticipation of summer break. Unfortunately after a few weeks in the heat, ennui sets in and the kids become a handful.

It is not often when parents have the opportunity to spend the summer with their kids and sometimes even finding a break to vacation is improbable. Fortunately we have daycare, family, babysitters and day programs - All wonderful and enriching experiences for the kids, but there is more. Camp is something that will stay in the memories and hearts of most adult children as the best part of their summers.

To ensure the best camp experience one has to find the right fit. It is a good idea to sit together and find out what everyone wants. While camps still are swimming, campfires and crafts they have also grown beyond that. Camps can be found in all formats from sport, band, art, dance, fitness and special needs. Clearly there is something for everyone. So where to start? Talk to everyone you know and find out where they send their kids and what their opinions are. Word of mouth is a quick way to find reputable camps. Of course your quest doesn't end there. You then have to find the right one for both you and your child. Here is a small list of things to ask yourself when considering camps:

• What kind of activities and programs does the camp offer and do they interest your child
• What is the camper to counselors ratio and what are the counselors qualifications
• What kind of onsite medical facilities are there and what happens in case of emergency
• Are there field trips off the camp property
• Is the staff available to talk to
• How long should I send my child to camp?
• How far should I send my child for camp?

Keep in mind that this is the time of year to register and ensure you get the camp placement and program you want. Once you're registered and have come to terms that you will be sending your children away by themselves, the supply list must be filled.

Most camps require this basic list of supplies for your child to attend camp; sleeping bag, pillow, enough clothing for the duration of his or her stay, warm sweater and pants, rain gear, rain boots, bathing suit, sandals, sneakers, towels (Cambridge makes an oversized bath towel under their Contessa line), toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray (try Bug Joose! by All Things Jill) and a hat. It is not often recommended for your kids to bring their favorite gadgets and possessions as the cabins are usually left unlocked and unguarded leaving opportunity for things to go missing. Check with your camp if your child is allowed to bring food care packages and other goodies, sometimes these are not allowed due to location and the threat of insects or other wild creatures.

I asked my son what he thought of camp he replied, "It was fun!" He'll remember camp fondly and if he didn't land himself a sweet summer job, he would have gone back again this year. Camp is something special and certainly a summer gift to your kids.

 Image source: Flickr Creative Commons Rick Harris, Sugar Pond, Cambridge

I've gotten into the habit of asking the people in my life if because they know what I do for a living (and that I can't shut up about it) has impacted the way they themselves shop. The resounding answer I got was “Yes, damn you!” Evidently, like for everyone who works at Buy Canadian First, it seems that all our friends and family can no longer pick-up a product while shopping and not look at the country-of-origin label. They care about what the label says.

When I'm at the grocery store, I try to only buy produce that is grown in Canada. Regardless of season. Obviously this is difficult right now, but I am still amazed at what produce does grow in Canada - even in February. And what lacks in fresh, I can find frozen, which to me, is just as good. In some cases I have not had any choice but to buy food from other countries, but I consciously try to limit my radius to the US. I'm that stubborn about it now. It's a lifestyle choice I've made and I can't say I'm bored or hungry at all. Since the start of winter I have consistently gone home from the supermarket satisfied with my bags full of fresh Canadian-grown produce and other products of Canada and felt that my choices have contributed to the growth of our food manufacturing businesses.

As far as consumer goods are concerned, I won't lie and tell you it's easy to only buy Canadian. Some products are really hard to find. It would help if retailers would train their staff to know which of their products or brands are made in Canada because most times they just shrug and say they don't know. This is especially true when you walk into large retailers. How do I go about it? I do research online first: I find the manufacturers and their websites and then check out the “store finder” pages. Then, if the products I'm looking for aren't sold in Montreal or the GMA, I'll consider buying them online. After a while though, you develop a feel for it. It becomes a habit. Even before I joined Buy Canadian First, I already knew of a couple dozen brands that were made here. Now obviously I know of hundreds more, but I have my favourites I stick to.

Of course there is what I buy when I shop and what my boyfriend buys. He tries really hard to buy Canadian most of the time but he's not as obsessed about it as me and that's perfectly OK. Last fall, he went out of his way to find a made-in-Canada snow-brush, scraper and shovel for me, as this was going to be my first winter driving my very first car (I am the proud owner of a Canadian-made 2009 Toyota Matrix). He was pleasantly surprised to discover that the type of brush and scraper he would purchase for himself was made by a Canadian manufacturer (Mallory Industries). So he was supporting Canadian-made without even realizing it, simply because he never paid attention to labels before...Not until he met me ;-)

I'm sure if you scour your home for everyday items you will be happy to see how many Canadian-made products you already endorse, without knowing it. That's how I first discovered that Le Chateau manufactures in Canada; that Tristan has a Canadian-made collection; that Roots still manufactures some apparel in Canada; my super comfy pillow was made by Montrealers at LBC ; that my favourite bath products by Canus and Lush were made in Canada and not to mention all the "Products of Canada" that were already in my pantry. 

Believe me, once you start seeking out to buy Canadian intentionally, you will not be able shop like you used to ever again...and I don't think that's a bad thing. Suddenly the country of origin becomes a big deal. You will proudly add “AND it's made in Canada” to your answer when people ask you “oh where did you get that?” But you will also get frustrated in your quest to find your canadian-made equivalent of a readily available foreign-made product and at times you will postpone your search or even give up. Some days you will also acquiesce to the foreign-made item. But the best thing you could do is walk into a store, find the manager and specifically ask the question “do you sell an xyz that is made in Canada?”

We the consumers have so much power. If we all started to put more pressure on our merchants to carry more canadian-made goods or suffer the loss of business, what do you think would happen? ESPECIALLY now, in these tough economic times. By buying Made in Canada, you are supporting manufacturers, helping them to stay in Canada or to simply stay in business. You are being socially and environmentally responsible but more importantly, what's on everyone's minds these days is that you are ensuring the livelihoods of hundred of thousands of Canadian workers. Statistics Canada has estimated that over 300,000 Canadians are at risk of losing their job this year. This past January, we already saw 129,000 jobs disappear. This drop in employment exceeds any monthly decline during the previous economic downturns of the 1980s and 1990s.

Out motto here at Buy Canadian First has always been that it's not about buying Canadian always...it's about considering Canadian-made first. We built this website to help consumers find those Canadian-made products and to make it easier for manufacturers to find their end-users. My wish is that one day I will receive hoards of emails and comments stating just one thing, and I will know what it means: "Damn you! ;-)"

Are you up for the challenge?

Image source: Flickr Creative Commons - christopher.woo, ralphbijker

Author: Melissa Thibodeau

My household is ill. The toddler was struck last weekend, my computer on Monday, and the baby this past Wednesday. I have cold butterflies in my belly, a thump in my head and an ache in my throat: I think we have the flu. Health Canada describes the flu like this; "Human influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Influenza typically starts with a headache, chills and cough, followed rapidly by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also occur, especially in children." Those are my toddler's symptoms.

In most cases people will recover from seasonal influenza within 10 days, but the elderly and children with existing health conditions may develop more serious conditions like pneumonia. Sadly 4,000 - 8,000 Canadians die from influenza and its complications every year.

Influenza prevention
These are some common tips and tricks but before starting any health regime, you should consult your family physician first.

• Get your flu shot - Each year virologists try to make an educated guess as to which strains of influenza virus maybe approaching us. Your flu shot contains a vaccine for about 3 different strains but you won't get the flu from the flu shot! The vaccine is created with a dead virus to simulate a real virus, your body attacks it creating antibodies and when the same strain attacks your body your antibodies are already in place to destroy it. In Manitoba the vaccine is free to certain risk groups; aged 65 or older, between the ages of 6-23 months, if you have heart and lung disease or any chronic illness, a first responder, a health care worker, reside with anyone under the age of 2 or over the age of 65 or are pregnant. Find a flu shot clinic in your town here.

• Wash your hands! It's easy to do and is a highly effective way of preventing the spread of germs. It is good practise before handling food, eating meals and feeding children. As well as after changing diapers, using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, handling shared items like toys or stair rails and handling animals. If you are visiting a sick person ensure you wash your hands before and after your visit, for the patient's consideration as well as your own. To properly wash your hands remove rings and put a dab of liquid soap on your hands, with warm water proceed to rub your hands together all over including between your fingers. Continue this motion for about 20 seconds then rinse with warm water. Soap and water do not necessarily kill all the germs but the act flushes the germs and bacteria away. You could also use hand sanitizer products. In Canada, we manufacture One Step. You can get this product in various formats, so that you always have some readily available. Afterwards moisturise your hands to keep your skin subtle and strong. Here at Buy Canadian First we have several soap manufacturer members such as the Goat milk soaps from Canus that are biodegradable & phosphate free and

• Take care of your immune system -  Stay active, get proper rest, manage your stress levels and eat well. You'll have a greater chance of avoiding the flu bug. Interest in tart cherries are proving to not only give pain relief to gout and arthritis sufferers but also a rich antioxidant giving the immune system a boost. The NaturEmporium sells Cherry Lane's Montgomery Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate. These special cherries are grown in the Niagara region. You dilute 1/2 cup with water and you can sweeted to taste with honey or maple syrup. This all natural fruit may just be Canada's little super hero!
  
  Another made in Canada product - Cold FX, can also help stave off the flu when taken daily. It gives your immune system everything it needs to stay vitalized. A friend of mine swears by this product every year during the cold & flu cycles.
  

• Be mindful of where you sneeze - Finally, all the droplets that come from our mouths and noses while we are sick with influenza are highly contagious. When you are about to sneeze or cough be sure to cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.

If you are already sick, as I am, lay your sorry bones down, get your rest, drink plenty of fluids, and wait until your fever is gone and your cough has gotten better. It is critical to stay home and get better. If you venture out too soon, you will spread the disease and you will prolong your suffering because of lack of proper rest and bad karma (!) Luckily, we'll all be better soon, except for the computer and for her, we're keeping our fingers crossed.
Be well!

Image sources: Flickr Creative Commons - lesleyhyphenanne, Canus, Lush, NaturEmporium

Planning that special day is one of the most exciting times in a bride-to-be's life.  As a bride, we all want that day to be perfect and exactly how we have envisioned it. There are lots of things to think about when it comes to planning a wedding - from the dress to the rings to the honeymoon and everything in between.  In this post, I hope to share a few ideas to help the brides of 2009 plan their special day.

Bridal shows are a great place to start your planning. They feature many local products and services to help make your day complete. The My Canadian Wedding website is a great resource. From their bridal shows page, you can link to all available bridal shows by province. How neat! You can also find information about local bridal shows in local newspapers and wedding supply shops. 

If you are overwhelmed by all of the information you can obtain at a bridal show (and it can be overwhelming) a wedding planner can be a very wise investment. A list of local wedding planners can be found at a bridal show in your city.  Your telephone directory should also have information on wedding planners.  Just look in the yellow pages under wedding planning.

Finding that perfect dress can be a daunting experience. Many women have an idea of what they are looking for and once they see "the dress" the decision is easily made. The My Canadian Wedding website also has a list of wedding vendors by province.

Once the dress is purchased, rings will need to be purchased as well.  I previously wrote an article here about Canadian jewelry and diamonds.  When purchasing your rings, ask the jeweller for Canadian-made. You won't regret it.

The honeymoon is a wonderful way for the new couple to celebrate their union.  There are many places right here in Canada that would make a great honeymoon getaway.  From romantic getaways such as Niagara Falls to rugged getaways in the Rocky Mountains, choosing to honeymoon in Canada is a wonderful choice. There are many great attractions to accommodate all tastes. The Canadian Tourism department website is fantastic.  It breaks down travel within Canada into groups based on your travel tastes. Why not spend your honeymoon here in Canada and see what this great country has to offer?

I wish you the best of luck planning your special day and Congratulations!

Image source: Flickr-Creative Commons, The Shopping Channel