Buy Canadian First - Your destination for good shopping

Boy was being on /A\ Morning Ottawa ever fun! I really thought I was going to be more nervous but I wasn't. AND on top of it, Kurt Stoodly was such a sweetheart and he kept me laughing the entire time.

We did 2 fashion segments, almost back-to-back (ads and the weather in between). Here is the first part.

[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES1gAzyW_4Q 350x260] 

As soon as we have the second half we will post it in our media section here.  

Segment 1

On Esther:

• Teal bamboo dress by Nicole Bridger, available through MyBump (not on their website yet - info[@]mybumpmaternity.com)
• Black Matte Obi Belt by Turbine
• Entourage Clutch Deluxe by Cha Cha Handbags
• Jewellery by Pushan Designs

On Carmen:

• Any Direct Flight top with black and white flowers (not on their website yet - 416.504.0017)
• Black Capri pants by Le Chateau
• Black Pattent Obi Belt by Turbine
• The Stella Leather Shopper by Cha Cha Handbags
• Jewellery by Pushan Designs

On Melanie:

• Dress with knot detailing by Véronique Miljkovitch
• Entourage Clutch with studs by Cha Cha Handbags
• Jewellery by Pushan Designs

On me:

• Knitt cardigan by Le Chateau
• Black Mod Circle (2 in 1 dress/skirt) by Turbine
• Jewellery by Pushan Designs

Segment 2

On Carmen:

• 50's inspired summer dress by Any Direct Flight (not on their website - 416.504.0017)
• Gracie shoulder bag by Cha Cha Handbags
• Jewellery by Elvira Jewellery (contact for retailer near you - 519.303.0098)

On Esther:

• Black Mod Circle (2 in 1 dress/skirt) by Turbine
• Grey cardigan by Véronique Miljkovitch
• Jewellery by Elvira Jewellery (contact for retailer near you - 519.303.0098)

On Melanie:

• Turbine periwinkle 2 in one top
• Le Chateau black stretch skirt
• Jewellery by Elvira Jewellery (contact for retailer near you - 519.303.0098)
• Michique Saffron Storm handbag

On me:

• Le Chateau, head-to-toe (cardi, tank and pants)
  
• Earrings and necklace by Opalescence Jewellery

And all our makeup was from Natural Beauty Cosmetics

Author: Melissa Thibodeau

We've been in our current home for over six years and while we built it, our needs have changed and we now realize that our kitchen could be put to better use. 

The space is not huge, but there is potential.  A few new cupboards for a pantry, a hidden desk area for a computer/impromptu office, better drawers that maximize storage space and needs. 

What are a few elements of my dream kitchen?

First, to know what I want, I've started to look through magazines and websites for ideas and designs. Check out House and Home for example.

There are some really great ideas - from trendy to timeless - in the magazine.  It gives me an idea of my own style.  This kitchen jumped out at me:

I like the freshness, the brightness, the space.  The wall oven.  The stools.  Although there are only certain elements that will work in my space, I'm able to at least keep it as a handy example.

There is one thing in particular that is on my "I wish' list that I'm not sure if it will make the final cut or not: a double oven.  Two ovens would be heaven to me! Made in Quebec by Electrolux, this one is beautiful:

In addition to the big items like cupboards and countertops, I want to pay attention to the smaller details like knobs and lighting.  In a small space, I'll need to be creative too - having floor lamps just isn't as practical (or beautiful) as having something like these wall sconces by Quebec-based Contrast Lighting :

I have to also keep in mind that style needs to meet functionality. While I like somewhat modern, fresh designs, I always love that welcoming feel of a country kitchen.  Something like this bench, crafted in Ontario by Springwater Woodcraft, would be great at the edge of the kitchen where my patio is:

It's a slower process than I imagine because it's hard making the decision on certain things. It's a fine line between what we want, what we need and our budget.

Have you done a kitchen renovation before? Any tips?  If you could renovate one room in the house, which one would it be?

Image sources: House & Home, BuyCanadianFirst.ca

Fortunately, Spring's better weather also means that my bike is coming out of Winter storage. My favourite form of transportation is also a great way to stay in shape! The challenge for me, though, (and most of us Canadians fated to experience four seasons), is that I don't use my bike enough in the Winter to get any sort of real exercise from it. That's why the ideal solution seems to be two-part: a stationary bike for rainy days and winter and an outdoor bike for blue skies and sunny days. No excuses then!

Especially if you are not the type who enjoys joining a gym or paying expensive membership fees, having exercise equipment at home is a sensible, and ultimately money-saving way, to stay in shape all year round. Buy Canadian First member, Ontario's Bodyguard Fitness has award-winning stationary bikes and a wide assortment of other exercise equipment to meet your indoor exercising needs. My friend, Joanie, for example, is not into bicycles but swears by her treadmill while my husband prefers an elliptical trainer . Bodyguard Fitness offers much more than just equipment. Their online support , for example, is invaluable and a great way to stay motivated while you are getting and (hopefully) staying in shape!

 

Once the weather is good, though, there is no excuse not to bring out the road bike! You may want to take a look at the "perfect" bicycles at Guru Bikes to get in the mood! "Hand-crafted" and "high-tech", the bikes should come with adoption certificates! Each one is custom built, just outside Montreal, Quebec, to the specifications of the person who will be riding it, which can only mean one thing ... one sweet ride!

If you are really out of shape, the BionX  energy management system sounds like a great excuse buster! Designed and manufactured in Quebec, the unit provides battery-powered assistance as needed, so you can still enjoy and benefit from pedalling, while not overextending yourself too soon  after a long winter! What fun!

Hey! Don't forget your titan carbon helmet from Quebec-based Louis Garneau!

Spring is in the air! Are you feeling motivated to start a new fitness program...again?

Image sources: BuyCanadianFirst.ca

Erin Go Braugh and Canada too!!

Happy St. Patricks Day! Today is a day when, if you wish, you too can be Irish! In fact the Irish are the 4th largest ethnic culture in Canada; 14%  of our population is Irish. So stand up and shout " Tabhair póg dom, táim Éireannac", I am sure a few will line up for a great big smooch! 

Who is St. Patrick?

St. Patrick was born in the year 387, to Roman parents in Scotland. His birth name was Maewyn Succat.  Patrick resided in Britain with his parents, Calpurnius and Conchessa, who were in charge of the colonies. As a teenager of fourteen or so, he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him.

During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote:

"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same." "I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."

Patrick escaped from captivity after a vision from God told him to go to the coast, there he found some merchant sailors who reunited him with his family.  He had another vision that showed him the Irish people calling "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more." Patrick began his studies in the priesthood and after many years of study, and being ordained a Bishop, Patrick took the gospel back to Ireland. He spent the last 40 years of his life converting the Green Isle with his many disciples. He died March 17, 461.

 

So what's up with all the joyous consumption of ale and spirit?

Irish legend tells the story like this: once St. Patrick was served a measure of whiskey that was paltry, at best. He took advantage of this moment to teach a lesson of generosity to the innkeeper. He told the innkeeper that in his cellar lived a fiendish devil who fed on the dishonesty of the innkeeper. In order to banish the devil, the man must change his ways. When St. Patrick returned to the hostelry some time later, he found the owner generously filling the patrons' glasses to overflowing. He returned to the cellar with the innkeeper and found the devil emaciated from the landlord's generosity, and promptly banished the demon, proclaiming thereafter everyone should have a drop of the "hard stuff" on his feast day. If the hard stuff is not your cup of tea, may I suggest a lager or ale from Buy Canadian First member Big Rock Brewery.

 

4 cups (16 oz) of all-purpose flour.
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon salt
14 oz of buttermilk

Method:

Preheat the oven to 425 F. degrees. Lightly grease and flour a cake pan.

In a large bowl sieve and combine all the dry ingredients.

Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough. Place on floured surface and lightly knead (too much allows the gas to escape)

Shape into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut a cross in the top of the dough.

Cover the pan with another pan and bake for 30 minutes (this simulates the concept of a bastible pot ). Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped so show it is done.

Cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist.

Let cool and butter, enjoy with a cup of Buy Canadian First members Fully Loaded Tea, or Kicking Horse Coffee, both have a fabulous collection to choose from. The little ones may prefer a glass of milk. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day Canada, today we are all Irish, if only for 24 wonderful hours!!!

Image sources: St.Patrick (romanchristendom.blogspot.com), BigRock Brewery, Fully Loaded Tea, Kicking Horse Coffee

As the snow melts and the temperature rises we all have spring on our mind. This is also the time of year that brings to mind something else that's very special, and very Canadian: Maple Syrup and visiting a sugar bush.

I grew up surrounded by maple trees and sugar bushes.  My grandfather tapped a few trees himself and boiled his own syrup for many years.  It was extremely labour intensive, as he did it the old way of boiling in pots and manually collecting the buckets, but it tasted sweet and wonderful.

 (photo: syrup lines attached to the trees bring syrup back to camp)

How maple-country am I? I had my prom at a Sugar Camp. Yup, you read that right.  It was a lot of fun and so very typical of the area I grew up in. 

Maple Syrup was, and is, a staple food item.  As a kid, I would butter bread and dip it in syrup, pour it over bananas and I still to this day pour it over white rice.  Honestly, I've been known to drink it straight.  I just love it.

(photo: Jakeman's Maple Syrup, a BuyCanadianFirst.ca member in Ontario, Canada that has an online shop and pancake house to visit)

There is nothing more fitting than to visit a Maple Sugar bush (farm, camp) this time of year.  Most places are open to the public on weekends, some weekdays and possibly March break. They usual offer family-friendly activities like petting the farm animals, wagon rides, making maple taffy on the snow and of course, the pancake breakfast. Stacks of freshly made pancakes drenched in maple syrup.  My favourite treat? Maple sugar candy.

To find a sugar bush near you, check your local paper, google it in your area or check out this website. You may be surprised how close they actually are.  

Do you make going to the Sugar Bush an annual tradition? What activities do you do while you are there?

Photo credits: Flickr, Rebecca Stanisic, BuyCanadianFirst.ca

AHF Home was founded in 1977 and currently employs between 150 - 200 Canadians in their 210,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in Montreal, Quebec. It is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company which manufactures 92% of their finished products right here in Canada. Watch their Made in Canada video here.

Here is a fun tidbit about AHF Home: they manufacture almost 20,000 pillows a day in their plant in Montreal.  Wow....that is a whole lot of pillows...and only one of the products that they manufacture!

What does buying AHF Home products mean to Canadians?  To consumers, it is the pride of knowing you are supporting products made on our own soil from skilled employees in our own country.  For business and retail store owners it is also the pride of having Canadian-made products on their shelves. 

But there are more benefits to business by supporting AHF Home.  First is the cost factor.  Doing business here in Canada is cheaper than overseas business.  Buying products in Canadian dollars is cheaper than buying in US dollars.  Also, purchasers have the luxury of only purchasing what they need as opposed to minimum volumes that international companies enforce. These Canadian retailers then have to incur additional costs with storage of this inventory.  Transportation costs are also reduced as the product doesn't have to travel as far.  This reduces greenhouse gas emissions.  It is a win-win situation for everyone.

 Here are a few products from their line:

This mattress cover by Simmons Beautyrest is an AHF Home product.  It is made of cotton jacquard and polyester and looks very comfortable and luxurious.  It is machine washable and dryable which to me is very important.

Looking for a new pillow? This LaZboy Comfortloft Pillow might be just what you had in mind. 

Products by AHF Home can be found in many major retailers throughout Canada such as Sears, Walmart, Costco, HBC, etc.

Are you using a product by AHF Home? Maybe a pillow? Or a mattress cover or foam mattress pad? Why not comment here and let us know what you think about the product. We would love to hear from you!

Image source: BuyCanadianFirst.ca

My husband and I are very fortunate to be able to eat just about whatever we want to ....and that's just it! We ARE lucky, because 1 out of 133 Canadians, including several people I know, have Celiac Disease, a condition that prevents them from eating gluten, a very common ingredient in many, many foods.

Gluten is an ingredient in flour that helps baked goods keep their shape. This is why gluten is found in so many processed and packaged foods. Foods such as barley, breading, Communion wafers, hydrolyzed wheat protein, modified wheat starch, oatmeal, oat bran, oat flour, whole oats, wheat flour, wheat germ, and wheat starch, must be avoided, and food labels diligently studied for 'hidden' sources of gluten. You really have to look because even freezies can have gluten in them! Thank goodness for nut free, dairy free, gluten free and kosher Freezies from Ontario-based Kisko Products !

 

Eating a gluten-free diet is a life long commitment! For the sake of my friends with this intolerance, it's good to know that companies like El Peto Products are dedicated t0 making and distributing lots of different types of delicious, gluten free foods. Known as "The Gluten Free Experts", El Peto has been in business since 1988 and all of their fresh products are made in Cambridge, Ontario.

But, oh oh! Gluten isn't just in food! It can also be found in things like lipstick,  skin cream, shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste! Who knew? Well, companies such as Natural Beauty knew, a mom & baby store, owned and operated by Shelli Chastkavich, a Canadian mom in B.C. Natural Beauty carries everything from mineral cosmetics to cloth diapers and everything is  "free".

Vidoma Naturals  is another Canadian company that makes gluten-free skin and body care products. As a matter of fact, 99% of their products can be used by Vegans! They were ahead of their time when Marilyn Haggerty, an Aromatherapist and Dorothy Turner, a Chartered Herbalist, started their company in 2003 and continue to be so today.

On Facebook, some of my friends are actively discussing changing over to gluten- and wheat-free diets... and they don't have Celiac Disease or food allergies. They are just very concerned about the long term effects of the contents of the products that they are eating and using. With this in mind, they are turning to people like Maggie of Peterborough, Ontario, whose gluten-free blog, She Let Them Eat Cake,  both informs and entices!

There are some people that always seem to have all their ducks in a row and seem perpetually organized, but those of us who are not need a little help. Here are some great ideas how to become and stay organized this winter and ever after:

1) First things first, before you can organize you must purge; clothes that don't fit, items in your home you don't like, broken items you will never fix and items you never use. Get yourself into your closets, living spaces,  basements, attics, and nooks with the intent to rid yourself of excess junk. Be sure to donate all the items that can be reused. Once this is complete you can then continue to purge as items become torn, broken and unwanted. Do double duty during regular everyday tasks; while doing laundry look for clothes that need mending or recycling into quilts or rags and during a toy clean up keep an eye out for broken toys.  This trick will also apply to emotional  baggage like unhappy letters and tokens that keep your psyche prisoner and thoughtful albeit unwanted gift from friends and family.

3) Young children may be too small to use hangers but hooks are a great idea and easy for small hands to use. Place on the wall within reach and your kids will hang their coats and bags up. The "Rail Riders and Hangers-On " Coat Rack from Buy Canadian First Member City and North Custom Design is perfect. This large sturdy piece has enough room for coats, snow pants, bags mittens, scarves and tuques.

4) Seasonal items can be a bit of a hassle, leaving your summer and winter clothes and shoes all in one closet can create a big mess especially with a few children in the house. The Canadian-made Omni box by Kis are a great way to store your winter or summer gear off season. Made of recyclable  number 5 plastic these boxes will keep your items safe from moisture and bugs and can be stored neatly away in your basement or garage. Check out a review of the Omni Box from Mother by Nature and the boxes can be bought at Canadian Tire .

5) Preplanned 5 day outfits. Take the guess work out of getting dressed by having the whole family make a five day wardrobe. The time, energy and hassle saved is priceless.

Being organized takes some effort and constant diligence initially but once the habit is formed then it'll be like breathing. Get the family on board and watch how much extra time you'll have for the fun stuff like tobogganing or just some guilt free well needed lounging on those cold late-winter nights.

What are your favourite tips to get your house organized?

Image sources: Judith Head to Toe, lifeinfozone.com, BuyCanadianFirst.ca, Canadian Tire

When old man winter finally eases up and the winter temperatures start to climb it's the perfect time to get outside. Indoor games, crafts and movie nights can lessen the effects of cabin fever but nothing quells it like getting out of the house. Your outdoor adventure need not take you far and wide, it can be a back yard affair.

Getting dressed
Before you head out the door it is important to dress for the weather, regardless of how mild it may be. A technique called layering is a perfect way to keep you dry and comfortable during your winter sport or activity. There are generally 3 layers; a base, mid and outer. The base layer is a snug fitting top and bottom designed to keep moisture away from your skin. Polypropylene, silk, polyester, Thermax, Thinsulate or wool are all good choices. Cotton is also a good choice if you are in your back yard or won't be perspiring too much as it tends to absorb moisture keeping the dampness close to your skin.

Stanfields has a great selection of Made in Canada long johns, as does Mountain Equipment Co-op .The mid layer should be looser but should also remain close to the base layer to create a good insulation as well as wick the moisture away from the base layer and transport it up to the outer layer. Mid layer choices include down, polyester, fleece, wool and  synthetic / natural blends like Butterfly French fleece hoody , by Respecterre or  TerraFrog's Travel Sweats. Your outer layer should be wind resistant and allow for moisture to escape via ventilation holes and other methods, such as the Ranger Parka by Integral Designs.

Head and fingers feet and toes
Obviously, our extremities are important and should be properly protected. Hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks and boots are designed to keep you warm, dry and safe. Always choose the right fabric for the activit. For example, hand-knit mittens from grandma may be a good choice it you are just going for a walk but not so great while making a snowman in the wet sticky snow. Buy Canadian First members La Canadienne , Barbo with the Flipgripz Women's winter boots, Rallye, Stonz and  Canadian Outfooters all have great boots for everyone!! Before slipping your toes into your boots why not wrap them in something cozy first? The adorable stripey wool socks from Les Bas de Julie are a fabulous choice.

The fun stuff: 10 great activities.
Now that we are happily bundled, lets have some fun outside!

1. Make a snow fort or castle. Dig out your pails and shovels and make your summer toys do double duty in the winter.

2 Go tubing. While you're digging out your pails look for your inner tube and fill it up with air.

3. Create a mini golf course in your backyard! You are only limited by your imagination.

4. Have a bonfire and roast some hot dogs and marshmallows.

5. After a fresh dusting of snow see what kind of tracks you can find.

6. Build a snowman and make some snow angels.

7. Set up targets throughout the yard and throw snowballs at it. Create a family biathalon, the winner gets to pick what restaurant the family will eat at.

8. Make a backyard skating rink.

9. Snowball fight!

10. Snow painting. Fill up various spray bottles and squeeze bottles with coloured water and make a painting in the snow.

The snow will soon be melting and in a few weeks it'll be but a memory. So bundle up and have fun Canada!

 What are your favourite winter activities?

Image source: BuyCanadianFirst.ca